Road Test: Hyundai Sonata

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By Tara Weingarten

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Hyundai's Sonata is hardly a heart-stopping design statement. Its predictable four-door styling is a staple on nearly every Asian sedan. But external beauty can be overrated. The Sonata's charms lie in its perks. There's not a midsize car in this price category with more standard features--air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, doors and mirrors, and a complete CD audio system. And though this South Korean automaker has struggled in the past with quality problems, I found my test car's fit and finish to be perfect. I like the smooth ride and decent handling. Even better, the Sonata's interior is roomy and surprisingly luxe. And outside, it's not all bland. The gun-turret-looking headlamps and eye-catching metal trim add some spice, but not enough for me. Unlike many new cars that feature increasingly complex gadgetry to operate climate controls and audio systems, the Sonata is still intuitive and easy to operate. Its V-6, 170hp engine is powerful enough to merge into highway traffic. In other words, the Sonata is great everyday transportation. And then there's Hyundai's reassuring 10-year/100,000-mile warranty. Now that's inner beauty.

Tip: Opt for the basic Sonata with a 4-cylinder, 138hp engine and save $2,800.

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