19 Feb 08
Hyundai Sonata (2001-2005)
Prices: From £2,500.
Engines: 2.0, 2.7 V6 petrol.
Watch out for: Hard-worked and poorly maintained ex-minicabs; airbag sensor problems.
For: Value for money; well-built and reliable.
Against: Odd-looking front end; Hyundai badge.
OK, this isn't one for badge-snobs, but if you can get past the cheapo-Korean image, the ugly grille and pretentious headlamp design, the Sonata's not a bad car at all. It's not as quiet and refined as the upper-crust Europeans of this size, but it's not too far off, and it's a perfectly pleasant experience for the undemanding driver. It's classier than the closely-related Kia Magentis, at least.
The Sonata comes packed with all the niceties: electrically-adjustable everything and, in the V6, leather upholstery, cruise control, full climate control and CD autochanger. You get all that for the price of a well-used Fiesta and, in addition, these things don't break down - as many a high-mileage mini-cab driver will attest.
Review: Hyundai Sonata (2001-2005)
