Some
vehicles just seem to be staples. Honda's Accord fits that bill. So does Toyota's
Camry that formed half of the one-two, Honda-Toyota punch that pushed aside Ford's
Taurus from first-place ranking several years ago. With
Hyundai now claiming fourth spot among import auto companies selling in the U.S.,
add to the list of stalwart nameplates that of Hyundai's five-passenger Sonata.
It's the auto now a tradition among many price-conscious sedan buyers in the highly
contested midsize class. Hyundai touts the 2004 Sonata as "world-class"
with a downsized pricetag and the "Hyundai Advantage," its name for
what it calls America's longest and best new vehicle warranty. Hyundai
has brought sophistication to the Sonata's aggressive styling, with contemporary
headlamps and a smooth, authoritative face touched by bright metal and a classic
waterfall grille. Interiors are inviting, but not opulent. But with three well-appointed
trim levels to choose from on this unchanged model, there's no quibbling about
Sonata's value pricing claim. Accessories
that are add-ons with many competitors' sedans remain standard on Sonata. All
include air conditioning, power windows and door locks, keyless entry and alarm,
quartz clock and sound system with CD. Even fog lamps are included on all models.
Safety features include side impact airbags and optional antilock brakes. A leather
interior comes on the upscale LX model along with power driver's seat and automatic
temperature control. A moonroof is optional. Sonata
adds a 2.4-liter, transverse-mounted I-4 and the same 2.7 liter V-6 used for the
Santa Fe SUV as powerplants, depending on model. Although not performance-oriented,
both are suitable for long, comfortable highway drives with plenty of supplies
in tow. That's all made easier to pack for with the wide-opening, link-type hinged
trunk lid.
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