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2006 Hyundai Sonata GLS V6 Long-Term Test Update No. 11

Its All About Value for Your Money

It seems like more than two weeks has past since we last updated our long-term Sonata GLS V6, but nevertheless time has passed quickly and another update is upon us. Alexandra did eventually return it with just a little more than 4,232 miles on the odometer, the final tally of our January 21st review, and it actually came back cleaner than when it went out - nicely done Alexandra. Now, two weeks later, and after regular use within the Hofmann household, it is less than pristine, with an exterior wash and interior shampoo seemingly in order.

And on that note, while the car has seen extensive use over the last couple of weeks, it hasnt gone very far. Mostly start and

While our long-term Sonata GLS V6 has seen extensive use over the last couple of weeks, it hasnt gone very far. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

stop driving too and from the school, whenever we feel too lazy to walk them there, plus jaunts to the community centre for "stomp" classes and indoor soccer, as well as regular trips to the grocery store, of course. Again, the Sonata has been so stalwartly reliable that its almost boring, but then again, memories of distributor caps and corroded points arent so distant

Again, the Sonata has been so stalwartly reliable that its almost boring. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)?

that Im not forever grateful for modern civilities.

The odometer now reads 4,396 miles, which means a total of 163 miles have accumulated in a two week period where the longest drive was to the airport long-term parking lot and back, after three days of idleness - the car, not your faithful managing editor.

And now, for the logs:

Odometer: 4,235 miles

Alexandra: Brought the

The Sonata is ultimately easy to drive, and light on its feet. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)?

Sonata back to Trevors house, and enjoyed a longer drive than usual now that Ive moved into the city. For a fairly large car, its quite maneuverable in city traffic, and relatively easy to park in the alley behind my apartment. Thats one of the things I like best about the Sonata, actually. Its so easy to drive. Where other cars seem ponderous, like youre moving some immense weight around all the time, the Sonata feels light on its feet, so to speak; a car that doesnt wear me out after an hours drive.

I now prefer solid and dependable over exciting and stylish, although the V6-powered Sonata delivers on all fronts. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)? bold;">Odometer: 4,248 miles

Jennifer: Once again, good to have the Sonata back. I liked Acuras new CSX, but as mentioned before, its a little on the small size. I need the room of the Sonata, especially in the rear seating area. Its just so practical... just like my dear hubby... NOT!

Odometer: 4,269 miles

Trevor: Hey, I see a need to defend myself here. Im slowly becoming that family guy that Jennifer wants. I now prefer solid and dependable over exciting and stylish, although the V6-powered

Has Hyundai made a pragmatic out of my head-in-the-clouds (or in the sand) husband? (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

Sonata delivers on all fronts. Its just so much easier than other cars to live with on a day to day basis that I hardly look forward to testing other cars, often carrying a higher price tag and superior performance credentials, as much as I used to.
Odometer: 4,296 miles

Jennifer: Hmmm... has Hyundai made a pragmatic out of my head-in-the-clouds (or in the sand) husband? When I met him his mode of transport was an on-again, but mostly off-again 67 Maserati (he told me he also had a minivan but it was being rented by an older couple touring the west coast). Sure, good line... I thought to myself;

Its a nice change to drive to the airport with time to spare, not having to push the speedometer past posted speeds in order to make a flight. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

that is until the older couple returned his Dodge Caravan. OK, he has a responsible side to him when it comes to other appliances, but it doesnt surface often when it comes to cars. Now Hyundai, do you have something for him thats a bit slower?

Odometer: 4,308 miles

Trevor: Hey, dont give Hyundais PR department any ideas; Im happy with the V6 thanks. And didnt you know that a powerful engine can also help to avoid accidents, if used correctly? Its true.

Odometer: 4,321 miles

Trevor: It certainly is nice leaving for the airport with time to spare, for a change. I took the

Heated seats... ahhh! (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

Sonata, despite Jennifers protests, because Im leaving in the early AM on a Monday, the day that Alexandra and Steve swap our press cars around, and I cant exactly have them pick up one of the weekly rides at the airport parking lot. Instead of my usual mad dash to the friendly skies, yes, Im flying United to Arizona; I have enough time to write down my thoughts while sitting in the car, waiting for the shuttle bus.

Odometer: 4,361 miles

Just drove home from the airport after an interesting trip testing out Dodges new Caliber compact five-door. By the time you read this it will already be published, so Ill forgo making any comments here and just refer you to the road test section under Dodge. The trip down to Phoenix was pretty harrowing, by the way, a two-leg journey

The Sonata is easier to pilot in a crosswind than Uniteds widebody Airbus. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

that saw my first flight get cancelled and next one rerouted from San Francisco to Denver, and therefore estimated time of arrival increased by four hours (so much for laying around Scottsdale enjoying the sun by the pool). Four pm became six pm after our pilot had to abort a takeoff, the first time Id ever experienced this, when a gust of wind sent the widebody jet fishtailing down the runway at near liftoff speeds - unsettling to say the least. The brakes were cooked, so we had to wait awhile for them to cool down. Fortunately, my ride to and from the airport was less eventful, with only the need to dodge storm-level raindrops in an effort to minimize any soaking effect on my lightweight jacket (I packed for the desert after all) getting my heart-rate up. Rather, once inside I simply cranked up the defog setting on the simple HVAC unit, pressed the seat

Theres enough room between the Sonatas front seatbacks and my childrens legs for me to shimmy in between and fasten the seatbelts. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

heater button on the lower console, and set my mind to warmer climes while relaxing tunes resonated from the audio system - its going to be tough getting back into the literal flow of the North Wests wet coast climate after a couple of short-lived days in Scottsdale.

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