mattcg1@yahoo.com

I purchased a brand new 2006 Sonata with the 3.3L V6/ auto trans in
May.

I traded my 1997 Honda Accord (I4, 5pd manual) with 167,000 miles.

Just over 3,700 mostly highway (80%+) miles later, I wanted to check in
with my first Hyundai experience.

Overall, I have very satisfied.

Some comments/observations:

1) On the afternoon I took it home from the dealer, I was trying to
parallel park. As the steering wheel was turned fully right, I heard a
spring popping sound from the steering wheel. The dashboard airbag
light came on, and the horn stopped working (???). I took it back to
the dealer two days later. They said the clockspring had broken in the
steering column. They had to order the part. Three days later, I
received a postcard in the mail that the part came in. I called the
dealer, and had the part replaced in less than an hour. The first
(albeit way too soon) service experience was positive.

2) I think the stereo and the climate control dash regions should have
been reversed. Its uncomfortable to change the stereo settings (sits
way too high in the dashboard). Now I may be nitpicking, but the stereo
"next track"/"previous track" buttons and the "fwd"/"rev" buttons
should function horizontally, not vertically. Just not as intuitive to
use. Also, not having "change station up/down" button on the steering
wheel remote radio control makes the steering wheel mounted control
much less useful than it should be. Fader control emphasizes too much
power to the front speakers, and not enough to the rear. Native MP3
play capability is nice.

3) I havent noticed the sloshing sound from the gas tank others have
reported.

4) 12v accessory power outlet in the trunk? Good idea.

5) Havent had to use the heater yet; overall, the A/C has performed
well during 90 deg+ days.

6) Trip computer avg MPG, driving 55-65MPH interstate driving, is
around 30-31 MPG. City driving drops to computer-reported 23-24 MPG
avg.

7) I thought it was decorative at first- the narrow metal chrome trim
piece on the lip of the hood. It should provide extra protection from
stone chips on the hood lip and reduce chance of rust there- well
thought out.

8) Trunk is huge, and the split fold down rear seats make hauling
longer items a breeze.

9) I am concerned with how well the cloth interior will wear...I notice
fabric fraying on the edges of the sun visors already. Keeping an eye
out for any extraordinary signs of wear from normal use.

10) The rear wide windows roll down completely into the doors! Trivial,
but a feature appreciated by rear passengers.

11) The "lag" when the accelerator is pressed -the same thing
mentioneed previously here- is definitely present. But it's just
something that I've gotten used to- especially since there doesnt seem
to be much options here.

12) I havent had any problems with the headlights being aimed too high.
In fact, I never gave it a thought until I saw several postings about
it here.

13) Plenty of headroom and leg room (I'm 6'2"), although the front
seats do feel a little short.

14) I agree that the cubby holes and storage nooks dont seem to be
sized well. Yes, the console cup holders should be called the "console
cup-tippers". A previous poster was spot-on with the Yahoo drink bottle
fit reference...they're right!

15) I do have a question though: how do you clean the dashboard? It has
kind of a tacky feel that seems to really attract and hold dust/road
grit. It is a matte finish...I certainly wouldn't try Armor All or any
cleaner/conditioner like that. What do you clean/protect your
dashboard/ interior plastic trim with???

Just wanted to share my experience, since I've learned so much from the
posters in this group.

Overall, I'd buy this car again without hesitation. Its good value, and
my insurance DROPPED almost $140 annually vs. my 9 year old Honda
Accord.

Cheers.
Mark Space