I purchased a brand new 2006 Sonata with the 3.3L V6/ auto trans in May.
I traded my 1997 Honda Accord (I4, 5pd manual) with 167,000 miles.
Just over 3,700 mostly highway (80%+) miles later, I wanted to check in with my first Hyundai experience.
Overall, I have very satisfied.
Some comments/observations:
1) On the afternoon I took it home from the dealer, I was trying to parallel park. As the steering wheel was turned fully right, I heard a spring popping sound from the steering wheel. The dashboard airbag light came on, and the horn stopped working (???). I took it back to the dealer two days later. They said the clockspring had broken in the steering column. They had to order the part. Three days later, I received a postcard in the mail that the part came in. I called the dealer, and had the part replaced in less than an hour. The first (albeit way too soon) service experience was positive.2) I think the stereo and the climate control dash regions should have been reversed. Its uncomfortable to change the stereo settings (sits way too high in the dashboard). Now I may be nitpicking, but the stereo "next track"/"previous track" buttons and the "fwd"/"rev" buttons should function horizontally, not vertically. Just not as intuitive to use. Also, not having "change station up/down" button on the steering wheel remote radio control makes the steering wheel mounted control much less useful than it should be. Fader control emphasizes too much power to the front speakers, and not enough to the rear. Native MP3 play capability is nice.
3) I havent noticed the sloshing sound from the gas tank others have reported.4) 12v accessory power outlet in the trunk? Good idea.
5) Havent had to use the heater yet; overall, the A/C has performed well during 90 deg+ days.6) Trip computer avg MPG, driving 55-65MPH interstate driving, is around 30-31 MPG. City driving drops to computer-reported 23-24 MPG avg.
7) I thought it was decorative at first- the narrow metal chrome trim piece on the lip of the hood. It should provide extra protection from stone chips on the hood lip and reduce chance of rust there- well thought out.8) Trunk is huge, and the split fold down rear seats make hauling longer items a breeze.
9) I am concerned with how well the cloth interior will wear...I notice fabric fraying on the edges of the sun visors already. Keeping an eye out for any extraordinary signs of wear from normal use.10) The rear wide windows roll down completely into the doors! Trivial, but a feature appreciated by rear passengers.
11) The "lag" when the accelerator is pressed -the same thing mentioneed previously here- is definitely present. But it's just something that I've gotten used to- especially since there doesnt seem to be much options here.12) I havent had any problems with the headlights being aimed too high. In fact, I never gave it a thought until I saw several postings about it here.
13) Plenty of headroom and leg room (I'm 6'2"), although the front seats do feel a little short.14) I agree that the cubby holes and storage nooks dont seem to be sized well. Yes, the console cup holders should be called the "console cup-tippers". A previous poster was spot-on with the Yahoo drink bottle fit reference...they're right!
15) I do have a question though: how do you clean the dashboard? It has kind of a tacky feel that seems to really attract and hold dust/road grit. It is a matte finish...I certainly wouldn't try Armor All or any cleaner/conditioner like that. What do you clean/protect your dashboard/ interior plastic trim with???Just wanted to share my experience, since I've learned so much from the posters in this group.
Overall, I'd buy this car again without hesitation. Its good value, and my insurance DROPPED almost $140 annually vs. my 9 year old Honda Accord.
Cheers. Mark Space