Fleet Update: 2006 Hyundai Sonata LX
By Neil G. Chirico
Photography by Julia LaPalme
Total mileage: 15780
Average fuel econ: 19.7 mpg
Unresolved problem area: Intermittent-flickering dash lights
Maintenance cost : $56.98 (7.5K service), $35.67 (15K service)
Normal-wear cost : $3 (replacement brake-light bulb) |
The wait to get a ride in the new Sonata stretches over two weeks in some cases, which speaks volumes about the sedan's popularity. We appreciate the little things, like the nonskid cupholder, the fact that the key fob doesn't clank on the dash when driving, the auto down and up feature for the driver's window, and the remote-control buttons on the steering wheel. Normal in more expensive cars, but they surprise and delight at this price point. The Hyundai is a huge jump forward for its Korean maker.