2007 Hyundai Sonata [ 2008 ]
Hyundai Sonata
Overall Score - 8.6 (Very Good)
The Sonata delivers class-leading safety features, decent fuel economy, reasonable handling and an incredibly spacious interior, but it can't match the more sporting performance and bold exterior body-styling of many others in its class. If you're in the market for an affordable midsize car, you should also consider the class-leading Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.
The 2007 Hyundai Sonata offers adequate power and handling, generous cabin space, many standard safety features and a warranty that is generally seen as leading its class. Nevertheless, its bland look, combined with somewhat poor road-feel and a transmission that some feel hesitates, prevents auto writers from declaring it ideal. Still, reviewers are, on balance, impressed. In fact, the Detroit News declares, "With the Sonata, the Koreans are no longer just keeping up with the competition and producing 'me, too' kind of cars. They are elbowing their way to the head of the pack." While Edmunds notes that it "still doesn't match the segment leaders when it comes to overall refinement," it's still a "serious contender in the midsize sedan segment." BusinessWeek adds that "this vehicle not only sets a new standard for cost-effectiveness in a family sedan, it pushes even higher the already lofty levels of safety equipment and interior room in the class." With all this praise, it's no wonder the 2007 Hyundai Sonata is "Recommended" by Consumer Guide.
Reviewers almost universally agree that the Sonata is a great value. In fact, Kelley Blue Book asserts that "Hyundai is quickly becoming a major player in the U.S. market, demonstrating an uncanny ability to produce high-quality products at bargain-basement prices." IntelliChoice gives the 2007 Sonata GLS a rating of "Excellent" for its predicted five-year total cost of ownership, compared to other vehicles in its class. The SE and Limited, however, receive a value rating of "Worse than Average." Nevertheless, Consumer Guide asserts, "Its strength is a crafty combination of comfort, roominess, mainstream design, and everyday performance at a price that compels shoppers to consider it." Kelley Blue Book adds, "While these prices can be up to $4,000 lower than some of the Sonata's best-selling competitors', lower resale values should be taken into consideration. We do, however, expect to see Hyundai vehicles command increasingly better prices in the resale market."
Sonata Performance - 7.5 (Good)
The 2007 Hyundai Sonata is praised for having adequate power, decent fuel economy, an impressive braking system and a smooth ride. Still, stubborn shifting and poor steering road-feel detract from an overall solid performance. continue
Sonata Exterior - 7.1 (Good)
Overall, reviewers are pleased -- not astounded -- with the Hyundai Sonata's exterior body-styling. Reviewers at Kelley Blue Book report that although they "don't see any single design feature likely to turn anybody away," its styling is still "squarely on the safe side." continue
Sonata Interior - 7.8 (Good)
The Sonata's five-passenger interior cabin is praised for being both spacious and equipped with a surprising list of standard features. Kelley Blue Book asserts, "The Sonata treats front and rear passengers to a cabin that is spacious and comfortable." continue
Sonata Safety - 9.7 (Excellent)
Reviewers agree that thanks to an impressive list of standard safety features, the 2007 Hyundai Sonata is very competitive. The Detroit News exclaims, "If you are obsessed with safety features, the new Sonata is bound to come out on the top of your shopping list." In government crash tests, the 2007 Sonata received a top score in frontal impacts, and a high score in rollover tests. continue
Sonata Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2007 Hyundai Sonata reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2007 Hyundai Sonata comes with an impressive five-year/60,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty. continue