zzdcar' Expert Review
by the zzdcar Experts
What’s new
No changes to the Sonata for 1998.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 Hyundai Sonata 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.
Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota
$175/mo for Sonata Base
Sonata Base
4dr Sedan (Most Popular) - N/A MSRPGL V6 4dr Sedan - N/A MSRPGL 4dr Sedan - N/A MSRPGLS 4dr Sedan - N/A MSRP
vs
$164/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
Sonata is Hyundai's midsize entry, and faces some very stiff competition in this category. Ford's Contour/Mystique populates this class of automobiles, as does the Breeze/Cirrus/Stratus trio from Chrysler. Perennial favorites such as the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and Mazda 626 also go head-to-head with this Hyundai.
Hyundai's forte to date has been budget prices and standard (or low-priced) luxuries that couldn't be matched by competitors. It seems those days are over. The 1996 Sonata GLS we sampled ran nearly $21,500. True, it was well loaded with automatic, sunroof, leather and power everything, but a similarly equipped Contour SE or Chrysler Cirrus was priced less than the Sonata. Considering Hyundai's quality record, we don't find the GLS to be a viable option in this class, particularly since the Contour/Mystique twins are a real kick in the pants to drive.
That's not to say that the Sonata isn't a satisfying car. The doors thunk shut nicely, it is quiet and comfortable inside and the leather makes it feel like a much more expensive sedan. Everything looks and functions as though quality has been built-in, but the radio and climate controls are a tad overdone. The back seat could benefit from better thigh and back support, but it isn't any more uncomfortable than the rear quarters of a Dodge Stratus. Overall, we are impressed with this roomy effort from Hyundai.
Unfortunately, the Sonata competes with many cars that feel as good and often cost less. Factor in the depreciation that the Hyundai is sure to endure, as well as the questionable quality levels of past Sonatas, and this new one's shine begins to dull. Drop the price a couple grand and the leather-lined Sonata GLS would begin to look like a bargain.
1998 Sonata Highlights
Trim: BaseGL V6GLGLSBase
Engine Type | Gas |
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Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
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Cost to Drive | $175/month |
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Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.2 cu.ft. |
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Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
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