06 Hyundai Sonata vs. Accord vs. Camry

[funny]

We've been recommending the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry for years, decades even. Yes, there are other family sedans out there, even ones that provide a more entertaining drive or more style. But when overall quality, passenger comfort, reliability and longevity are paramount, the conversation always comes back to the two benchmarks, Accord and Camry.

But of late, these benchmarks are creeping up the price ladder. Load an Accord or a Camry up with a V6, leather upholstery and a premium stereo and you're looking at a sticker approaching $30K. Walk into a Honda or Toyota dealership with around $20 grand to spend and you're going to get something completely different. We began to wonder if we could find a worthy, affordable alternative to the acknowledged segment leaders. Specifically, we asked, is the all-new Hyundai Sonata, high expectations and all, ready to compete at the top?

Family Sedans on a Budget
Our Edmunds experts tell us that, as of June 2005, the average transaction price for a midsize sedan was almost $22,000. Thus, in the spirit of affordability, we asked Honda and Toyota to send us the best Accord and Camry they could for under $22,000. At that moderate price point, we got two cars with four-cylinder engines, cloth interiors and few options. We received a 2005 Honda Accord LX with a price of $21,240 and a 2005 Toyota Camry LE that ran $21,683. With their solid reputations as well-built, reliable cars and being the top two best-selling cars in the U.S. for most of the past 20 years, it's not like they have to have a huge value proposition to win over buyers.

Then we tossed in the wild card. We called Hyundai with the same request. Instead of a stripped-down sedan we got an all-new 2006 Hyundai Sonata GLS. It had V6 power, six airbags, a premium stereo and electronic stability control all standard. It had a sticker price of just $20,895 and looked pretty good, too.

Born in the U.S.A.
Interestingly, all three of these "foreign" cars are actually built right here in the States. The Sonata is being built at an all-new plant in Alabama, Honda's been building Accords in Ohio for over 20 years and Toyota has been making Camrys in Kentucky since 1988.

During our week with the cars, we subjected this trio to the typical duties of commuting, taking the kids to lessons and shopping for groceries. We also took them to the track for acceleration, braking and slalom testing. What were we looking for? The family sedan with the best combination of passenger accommodations, safety and luxury features, performance, overall quality and value.

Read the rest here:
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...4/pageId=64747

[funny]

Wow, now that the '06 Hyundai Sonata is out and beating the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry to a pulp, it's going to be even more of an uphill climb for detroit to compete in this segment. Not that the Pontiac G6 is bad or anything. It is a solid and good car but just look at what it is competing against? The Hyundai has a 235hp V6 with stability control for under $21,000! This is going to hurt GM.

[mystikranger]

Finally something beat Camry and Accord!! whoooo

[goblue]

Originally Posted by funny

Wow, now that the '06 Hyundai Sonata is out and beating the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry to a pulp, it's going to be even more of an uphill climb for detroit to compete in this segment. Not that the Pontiac G6 is bad or anything. It is a solid and good car but just look at what it is competing against? The Hyundai has a 235hp V6 with stability control for under $21,000! This is going to hurt GM.

No, its going to hurt Toyota and Honda. The only people buying GM midsize cars are those that care to buy american or get GM employee discounts or both! Not the same people who go for a Hyundai. This is one segment where GM is in bad shape. Now, consider the average toyohonda consumer reports reading kool aid drinking american - when CR says the Sonata is better in reliability than the camcords, and has way more features, for less money - thats game. This is the same group that defected from american cars - theres no loyalty there - as long as the bible (CR) says its OK.

This just shows that all the G6 needed to succeed with reviewers was more than 4 gears and the HF engine lineup, and accurate MSRP pricing. Hyundai offered more for less - GM must do this with the Aura, but it will probably be priced way too high. Once I saw the G6 powertrains, it was obvious that it would be another midpack contender.

[mbukukanyau]

Originally Posted by funny

Wow, now that the '06 Hyundai Sonata is out and beating the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry to a pulp, it's going to be even more of an uphill climb for detroit to compete in this segment. Not that the Pontiac G6 is bad or anything. It is a solid and good car but just look at what it is competing against? The Hyundai has a 235hp V6 with stability control for under $21,000! This is going to hurt GM.

who has seen the interior of 06 G6? Its as good as any... upgraded with new steering wheel, better materials and all...

[paul8488]

Originally Posted by goblue

Hyundai offered more for less - GM must do this with the Aura, but it will probably be priced way too high.

Yeah, there's no way the Aura is going to undercut the G6. So it'll be a great car at a good price, whereas the Sonat asounds like a great car at a great price. I wonder what kinda G6 they woulda had at $22,000. I also wonder if Hyundai is going to try and maximize their Sonata with a 2-door, convertible, or wagon?

[ChevyEquinox]

Originally Posted by Mags

Only 'upgraded' materials are the center stack getting the same grain as the dash, and plastic chrome surrounds on the HVAC and radio controls. And my 2006 still has the same steering wheel...so they must be using the old ones till they run out first.

MF

Got any pics?

[wpbharry]

This thread is identical to one I started several days ago in the Asian section. You might want to scrap this one and go there. It's been a hot topic.

[Kennyboy]

Bob Lutz probably laughing at Korean cars and just brush them off, just like the Japanese.

[yoblues]

It ten years Hyundai will be on top,Toyota and Honda will be gone from the U.S. and something from China or India will be trying to knock off Hyundai. Globalization is a vicious circle.

[Michael_S]

Originally Posted by goblue

Now, consider the average toyohonda consumer reports reading kool aid drinking american - when CR says the Sonata is better in reliability than the camcords, and has way more features, for less money - thats game. This is the same group that defected from american cars - theres no loyalty there - as long as the bible (CR) says its OK.

But what's wrong with that kind of logic?

The Accord and Camry got their tremendous reputations because they are good, safe (although not so much the Camry), reliable, and fuel efficient with the four cylinder engine. They also used to be competitively priced, but now they're both getting a little expensive, since people will pay extra because of their reputation.

So Hyundai comes out with something that has a longer warranty, tons of safety features, equivalent fuel efficiency with the four cylinder, and a really good price.

If you're just looking for a good deal on a decent midsize car, why wouldn't you switch to the new Sonata?

[Elk]

The Accord and Camry are still using drum brakes, talk about cheaping out, even the 4 cylinder base G6 comes standard with 4 wheel disc.

[drew770]

How long has Hyundai been in America. And with every new Sonata they kept getting better and better. And now they are on par with the BIG DOGS! So what is GM's & Ford's excuse?

[griswold44]

Originally Posted by Elk

The Accord and Camry are still using drum brakes, talk about cheaping out, even the 4 cylinder base G6 comes standard with 4 wheel disc.

I could've sworn the Malibu, and Cobalt have drum brakes too.

[wpbharry]

There's a possibility I just unmasked the '07 Camry. See the Asian thread about it. I'm not sure, so I'm being low-key about it. Looks pretty nice, though. If it's it....