2005 Hyundai Sonata

Pros: Exceptional value, fit and finish. Low pressure sales staff. $3500 in rebates!
Cons: No lights-on warning, 3 cruise buttons on steering wheel do not light up.

I bought a Sonata GL SV on 2/19/05. MSRP (sticker) was $20,300 for all options on the LX other than leather interior and power driver seat. With $3500(!) in rebates, the choice was easy. With tax and title, I only had to finance $16K for a brand new car. Alloy wheels, heated seats, 16" wheels, upgraded stereo...the list goes on and on. This car rivals the Camary and Accord in fit and finish, drivetrain and beats them badly in dollar-paid value. I'm not interested in big resale as I will drive this for a long time. Dealer gave me free oil changes, washed and waxed the vehicle and filled it up with gas. Low-key, non-pressure salesman and informative financial office made for a great transaction. My 1995 Accent has 81k on it and has never had one problem. Am I crazy or is this the best bang for the buck car on the road?

Pros: Great styling and features for a cheap price
Cons: Very minor items

Sonata GLS, dark blue, bought used. Love the exterior styling most people think Jaguar I think closer to Mercedes
Other mid-size including newer Sonatas are boring. Bells and whistles galore: power moon roof, heated front seats (great in the winter), power windows with child lock, power locks, 6 air bags, 4 disk brakes, aluminum wheels, 6 speaker am/fm, CD & cassette, automatic climate control, cruise control, 4 cup holders, at least 8 different pockets/storage areas, cherry wood trim, keyless remote trunk, remote gas, 3 electrical outlets, auto dimming rear view mirror, home link mirror (program up to 3 different remotes)shiftronic transmission (very smooth and fun to use). Good size trunk, split rear seat. Unique gas struts for both the trunk and the hood. Very quiet smooth ride, peppy engine, good sound system. Could use a little better gas mileage - but I do get 27 MPG on the highway as stated (other cars seem to exaggerate) Poor location of cruise control on button, Michelin tires not the best for snow. This car did not come with the optional traction control. Best warranty anywhere

Pros: Style. Value for the money. Affordable and durable.
Cons: The little door that covers the cup holders up front should open the other way.

I've always liked the look of these cars. Reminds me of a Jaguar, but more in my price-range, plus with a warranty that you can't go wrong with. I opted to get a model with most of the optional "toys" (Leather seats, seat warmers, wood-grain interior, to name a few). Even though I live in South Florida, when it gets cool, those heated seats get put to use, and they feel real good! I like the look of the 2005 MUCH better than the redesigned 2006 model. Hyundai had a good thing. They made it better, but not necessarily more attractive.