Hyundai Sets '06 Sonata Price: $18,495

[Perian]

Source: Automotive News / April 19, 2005 / By Mark Rechtin

SAN FRANCISCO -- The redesigned 2006 Hyundai Sonata sedan will carry a base sticker price of $18,495, including a $600 destination charge, when it goes on sale May 1, the Korean automaker said Tuesday.

That price is a $1,451 increase over the current model, on a sticker-to-sticker comparison. The base price of the 2005 Sonata is $17,044, including a $595 destination charge.

The base 2006 Sonata is equipped with a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine rated at 162 horsepower, mated to a five-speed manual transmission. A four-speed automatic transmission is available as a $900 option.

Standard equipment on the base model includes stability control; traction control; anti-lock brakes; front, side and curtain airbags; cruise control; four-wheel disc brakes; air conditioning; stereo radio with CD player; power windows, door locks and mirrors; 16-inch wheels; tilt steering wheel; and keyless entry with alarm.

The 2006 Sonata with a 235-hp, 3.3-liter V-6 and five-speed automatic transmission will carry a base price of $21,495, including the $600 destination charge. That is a $2,901 jump over the base price of the current Sonata with a V-6.

Through the first three months of this year, Sonata sales are up 38 percent to 28,141 units, according to the Automotive News Data Center. The Sonata has accounted for 28.1 percent of Hyundai's 100,012 sales in the first quarter.

In 2004, the Sonata accounted for 25.6 percent of Hyundai's 418,615 sales. Sonata sales last year rose 30.2 percent to 107,189 units, according to the Automotive News Data Center.

Hyundai officials said that once the automaker's new assembly plant in Montgomery, Ala., reaches full speed, they expect Sonota sales to reach about 150,000 units a year.

[Perian]

Originally Posted by Perian

Standard equipment on the base model includes stability control; traction control; anti-lock brakes; front, side and curtain airbags; cruise control; four-wheel disc brakes; air conditioning; stereo radio with CD player; power windows, door locks and mirrors; 16-inch wheels; tilt steering wheel; and keyless entry with alarm.

Wow. Let's hope the 2006 Malibu and G6 vehicles are up to this challenge.

The new Sonata is now in preproduction job-one mode, scheduled to be in dealers in mid-May.

I saw this car at the NY auto show, and was very impressed, not to mention a little scared!

To see what we are up against, click here:
http://www.hyundaisonata.com/

[RWD60]

so in addition to the 245hp altima for 23k, the G6 now has a Hyundai with more horses( and a 5-speed auto!), for 21,450... within a few hundred of the G6's base price... with more stuff and a longer warranty to deal with. the G6 does look better than the sonata... but not that much better!!

[tgagneguam]

Originally Posted by Perian

Wow. Let's hope the 2006 Malibu and G6 vehicles are up to this challenge.

I saw this car at the NY auto show, and was very impressed, not to mention a little scared!

On paper, yes, this vehicle gives me pause - and it should for most automakers, Toyota and Honda included. Hyundai did its homework, and sales will most likely expand.

However, I, too, saw it at the NYIAS and walked unimpressed with the exterior and interior. I honestly would place it last in the exterior department, and the interior (particularly when you sit in it and feel the materials) isn't a clear winner over the G6 and 'Bu. I think the exterior of the current Sonata looks better than the '06. Again, the Sonata is not bad, per se, but I'm definitely not wowed by it, either.

[tama z71]

acura front, honda rear, toyota midsection. NOBODY can plagiarize design cues like hyundai

[Mike The Canadian]

hyundai copies everyone else for every car they make lol

[Hotspur]

Only poor crash test scores will hold this car back. Does GM own an interest in Hyundai?

[silverbugeye]

So its priced hundreds... not thousands less than an Accord and you guys think its a steal???


$19,500 for a 4 cyl auto with hubcaps is no steal.

When I also first saw this car at the Detriot Auto show, I was not impressed at all. Plus there were less people looking at this car than any other "new" model at the show.


Some normal people still by Hyundais. But, Every day I see 2-3 year old Hyundais/Kias driving around with heavy damage from accidents that has never been fixed. I still cant figure out why this is. but I still think it has something to do with the people driving them

Plus the 100K warranty is still like tires for life that some dealers offer. If you spend all your service money with us, we'll help you out. If not go away.

I have heard of Kias with leaking oil pan gaskets and customers being told gaskets are covered under the powertrain warranty.

[dindak]

I don't care what anyone says, Kias and Huyndias don't last as long as American and Japanese cars. They look good but they fall apart and rust in a few years. people I know who have them swear they will never buy again.

[jro4566]

I guess I'm one of the few to find this car fairly attractive! :p

-It's not bloated like a Camry, but it has some sleek side profile dimensions like the MAZDA6.

-The taillights do look like the Accord's, but they're far edgier in style which comes out pretty nice IMO

-the front isn't ugly like the Malibu's nor the Accord's, but it's not as pretty as the G6's, MAZDA6's, or Fusion's

-the V6 offers more HP than the Malibu, G6, Fusion, and MAZDA6, but only 3 less than the beloved Accord

-the headlights aren't as stylish as the Fusion's, but they're not bulbuous like the G6's, Accord's, and Camry's

I was surprised with Hyundai's recent turnaround. They had one of the nicest displays this year at the Dallas Auto Show, and I'm guessing they had their biggest turnout ever. The new Accent and Azera were up on the metallic silver stage (both locked) while the new Sonata was in the middle of the floor on a raised platform (also locked). From what I saw, a lot of people were looking at it, whether or not they had something good to say, it's interesting to see that people are noticing Hyundai these days.

I have a gut feeling that we'll be seeing more of these on the road soon...

[Sal Collaziano]

Originally Posted by dindak

I don't care what anyone says, Kias and Huyndias don't last as long as American and Japanese cars. They look good but they fall apart and rust in a few years.

That is absolutely ridiculous and should be strickin from the record.

[FightingChance]

Reminds me a lot of a Subaru Legacy.

[stevews602]

I hate to admit it but this car looks good. They will sell a ton...
If Hyundai can get's it quality act togather why can't GM?

[hudson32]

I have a feeling this car will be a smashing success for Hyundai. I mean, they offer what the Camry offers plus make standard things that are optional on Camry, G6 and other cars for a nice price. Plus this car is supposed to be the roomiest in its class. I think Hyundai has a winner here.

[steinravnik]

looks like a mid-90's Corolla to me.