How much better is the '06 Sonata?
 

Hi all.

As noted in a previous post, Hyundai Sonata has captured my interest
with the great reviews and impressive equipment list on its re-designed
'06 model. It looks and sounds so good on paper that I am thinking
about buying one.

This despite the fact that I have never driven a Hyundai, until
recently I never seriously considered one, my current Chevy is fully
adequate and it would take some penny-pinching to afford a new Sonata.

All that leads up to the question: Just how big an improvement is the
'06 Sonata over previous generations? It's roomier, the standard
equipment, especially safety equipment, is clearly better and the mpg
has risen, at least per the EPA. With all that the price is still quite
reasonable, at least for the base 4-cylinder.

Is the '04 or '05 Sonata worth looking into? I'd like to hear from
anyone who has driven both the '06 and also the previous generation
Sonata. Are there any trade-offs for all the improvements, i.e. ways in
which the earlier Sonata is better than the '06?

Thanks for all advice.

Regards,
Eric M