The Sonata, Hyundai's entry in the mid-size sedan category, has been redesigned for 2006. Slightly bigger than the outgoing model, the new Sonata offers a choice of 4- or 6-cylinder power as well as three trim levels (GL, GLS, and LX) that are well-appointed with comfort, convenience, and safety features.

The redesigned Sonata is a pedal-to-the-metal effort to get Korean automaker Hyundai on the consideration set list among mid-size sedan buyers. What sets the Sonata apart from the competition is the amount of content and features that are available for the price. Standard equipment includes electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, six air bags (including seat-mounted side air bags for the front row, and side curtain air bags front and rear), power windows/locks/mirrors, air conditioning, CD/MP3 stereo, cruise control, and remote keyless entry. Top-of-the-line LX models include leather seats (heated in front) and a climate control system that monitors air quality and automatically switches to recirculation mode as needed.

Thanks to well-documented improvements in quality and reliability, Hyundai vehicles are now a better value than they've ever been. Very quietly, the Korean manufacturer has become the fourth best-selling import brand, trailing only the Japanese Big Three—Toyota, Honda and Nissan. The all-new Sonata sedan, built at Hyundai's all-new Alabama manufacturing facility, is a fine showcase of both how far the company has come and, to a much lesser degree, how far they have to go.