2007 Hyundai Sonata Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

by the zzdcar Experts

　　

What’s new

　　For 2007, Hyundai has shuffled the Sonata's trim levels. GLS replaces the previous GL moniker and Limited takes the place of LX. Hyundai has also introduced a new sporty SE trim. Later in the model year, a tire-pressure monitor and XM radio become standard across the line.

　　

zzdcar says

　　The 2007 Hyundai Sonata offers much more than just an attractive price tag. Fine build quality, smooth and quiet performance and a roomy, comfortable cabin put this family sedan high on our list of recommendations.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2007 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M) 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

　　$149/mo  for Sonata GLS

　　Sonata GLS

　　GLS 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M) - $17,195 MSRPGLS 4dr Sedan w/XM (2.4L 4cyl 5M) - $17,345 MSRPGLS 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A) - $18,295 MSRPGLS 4dr Sedan w/XM (2.4L 4cyl 4A) (Most Popular) - $18,545 MSRPSE 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 5A) - $20,995 MSRPSE 4dr Sedan w/XM (3.3L 6cyl 5A) - $21,445 MSRPLimited 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 5A) - $22,995 MSRPLimited 4dr Sedan w/XM (3.3L 6cyl 5A) - $23,445 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　

Vehicle overview

　　After years of playing second fiddle to the family sedan class favorites, the latest Sonata proves that the company is worthy of first-chair status. The 2007 Hyundai Sonata builds on the strengths of last year's completely redesigned model that captured the hearts and minds of the automotive press, and the checkbooks of scores of consumers. Along with the attractive design, fine build quality, smooth performance and quiet ride of last year's model, the 2007 version adds a few worthwhile improvements. The steering wheel-mounted audio controls now allow one to surf station presets or CD tracks and all engines now meet ULEV (ultra-low-emission vehicle) standards.

　　Thanks to its generous amount of interior space, the Hyundai Sonata is actually classified by the government as a "large car," although its exterior dimensions are squarely within the midsize family sedan category. This makes for a 'best of both worlds' benefit -- the cabin offers plenty of room for rear passengers, while the Sonata remains relatively easy to maneuver and park on crowded city streets.

　　Although Hyundai's early days in the U.S. saw the company struggle due to subpar performance and overall quality, the company has reinvented itself within the last decade. Nowadays, things are 180 degrees from that rough start, and you can find Hyundai winning comparison tests (as the Sonata did in a price-driven zzdcar.com family sedan test) as well as initial-quality awards from J.D. Power. It also boasts strong five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection and 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain coverage.

　　Perhaps more than any other modern automaker, Hyundai has shown that a company can change its products and its image for the better in a fairly short time if a concerted effort is made. Even disregarding the price advantage that it holds over the more established class entries like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, the 2007 Hyundai Sonata would still merit strong consideration due to its inviting cabin, abundant standard features, polished on-road demeanor and confidence-inspiring warranty.

　　

Performance & mpg

　　The GLS comes standard with a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 162 horsepower and 164 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, with a four-speed automatic optional. A 3.3-liter V6 is standard on the SE and Limited trims. The V6 makes 234 hp and 226 lb-ft of torque and is paired to a five-speed automatic transmission. Both automatics can be shifted manually if so desired. The power and refinement of both engines is notable, though the V6 is obviously the more responsive of the two. It's also quick, with a 0-60-mph time of less than 8 seconds. Still, the smaller engine doesn't sound or feel harsh, and those who prefer the fuel economy and lower price of a four-cylinder car won't get shortchanged by choosing the GLS.

　　

Safety

　　All Sonatas come well-stocked with the latest safety features as standard equipment, including antilock brakes, traction control, stability control, front-seat side-impact airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and active head restraints. In NHTSA crash tests, the Hyundai Sonata was impressive, scoring five stars (out of five) in both frontal- and side-impact tests. In the IIHS frontal-offset crash test, the Sonata scored a rating of "Good," (the highest possible out of four ratings) and received an "Acceptable" (the second highest) rating in IIHS side-impact testing.

　　

Driving

　　The Sonata's well-tuned suspension smothers the bumps and keeps its composure in turns without drama. Overall, the ride feels surprisingly refined, and even at very high speeds, the Sonata's cabin remains quiet. Braking performance is impressive for this segment, with stopping distances from 60 mph taking less than 130 feet. The Sonata's only significant detriment on the move is its poor road feel through the steering wheel.

　　

Interior

　　In spite of the car's relatively low price point, the Sonata's cabin manages to exude quality via an abundance of soft-touch surfaces and a precise feel to the various controls. Although leather looks more impressive than cloth, we found the latter more comfortable overall. Unexpected and appreciated features include (on the SE and Limited) a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, steering wheel-mounted audio controls (that now allow one to seek station presets or audio tracks) and a trip computer.

　　

2007 Hyundai Sonata models

　　The Hyundai Sonata is offered in three trim levels: base GLS, sporty SE and plush Limited. The GLS comes with features like air-conditioning, power windows and mirrors, keyless entry, cruise control and a CD/MP3 player. The SE has a 3.3-liter V6, 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights, a trip computer, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and automatic headlights. The Limited adds leather upholstery, a power driver seat, seat heaters, automatic climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror and Homelink. The Premium Sport Package for the GLS adds a power driver seat, power sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels and a trip computer. Available packages on the SE and Limited versions add features such as an Infinity audio system with six-disc CD changer and a sunroof.

　　

2007 Sonata Highlights

Trim: GLSSELimitedGLS

　　

Base MSRP	$17,195
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	25 MPG
Cost to Drive	$149/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	16.3 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles