Acceleration
"Four-cyl weak from a stop, lacks reserve power for passing. Strong V6 more than adequate for most driving. Test GLS V6 did 6.9 sec 0-60 mph. Both transmissions shift smoothly, but hesitate briefly before downshifting; V6's 5-speed tends to hunt between gears on hilly terrain. "

Value
"Sonata's engineering pales next to the Honda Accord's. It's not as refined as the Toyota Camry and not as sporty as the Nissan Altima. Its strength is a crafty combination of comfort, roominess, mainstream design, and everyday performance at a price that compels shoppers to consider it. Sealing Sonata as a Recommended pick is the presence of head-protecting curtain side airbags, antilock brakes, and antiskid control as standard on every model, not just the most-expensive versions."

Ride
"Sometimes struggles to balance control, comfort. Compliant over small surface imperfections, but reacts harshly to sharp bumps, ridges, especially with 17-inch tires. Wavy pavement promotes bound, wallow, particularly as speed increases. "

Economy
"Test automatic-transmission 4-cyl GLS averaged 25.9 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test GLS V6 averaged 18.8 mpg in mixed city/highway driving, 15.6 including gas-eating performance tests. Extended-use-test LX averaging 21.0 mpg over its first 5177 miles. Hyundai recommends regular-grade fuel for both engines."

Noise
"Nice suppression of wind rush. Engine note rises with speed, but isn't annoying. Tires thump over ridges, thrum obtrusively on coarse surfaces, especially with 17-inch tires. In subfreezing temperatures, extended-use test car emitted occasional groaning sounds from rear suspension. "

Comfort - Front
"Sufficient space for large adults. Good driving position, aided by LX's standard tilt/telescope steering wheel, though some testers have difficulty finding comfortable seatback angle. Thin roof pillars, upright driving position contribute to excellent outward visibility."

Comfort - Rear
"Enough head, leg room for large adults. Wide door openings, expansive footwells ease entry/exit. Seats comfortable, though firmer padding would enhance long-distance support. "

Controls
"Simple, white-on-black gauges easy to read in any lighting condition. Major controls fall readily to hand. Cabins highlighted by soft, padded surfaces--even storage bins are lined. Still, interior panels not as solid feeling, materials not as rich feeling as in Honda Accord, Toyota Camry. "

Cargo Room
"Ample trunk space. Lockable, split folding rear seatbacks, nonintrusive strut-type trunk hinges. Abundant interior storage highlighted by generous glovebox, two-tier center-armrest console, and large door map pockets."