Even though Kia sells the Sonata-based Optima, it has different front and rear styling. The driver's seat bottom adjusts from cushy to firm via a pair of knobs on the side, so you can select between softness and support for your legs and posterior. Sonata comes standard with a keyless remote fob. Side airbags front seat-mounted combination head and torso airbags Wheelbase 106 in. The Sonata's overall shape suggests the feline form of a Jaguar; while its sophisticated headlight treatment could have been borrowed from a Mercedes-Benz. There's a nice rubber-lined spot ahead of the shifter for your wallet.
Slap the Shiftronic lever to the right and, once there, row it fore and aft to shift up and down manually. The Sonata was again redesigned for 2006, but the Kia Optima remained unchanged for the early part of the 2006 model year 2006 cars manufactured before October 2005. Its steering is sharp and responsive. Both engines may team with either a four-speed-automatic or five-speed-manual transmission. The nose dives a bit under hard braking and the rear suspension squats under hard acceleration, but otherwise the Sonata's four-wheel independent underpinnings work well in the daily grind. Head protection Driver — The dummy's head was protected from being hit by any hard structures, including the intruding barrier, by a side airbag that deployed from the seat.
The Hyundai Sonata was redesigned for the 1999 model year, and the Kia Optima was introduced in the 2001 model year. Restraints and dummy kinematics Dummy movement was well controlled. The split, rear seatback folds down for additional cargo room. The seats are on the hard side and feature minimal side bolstering and support. The Sonata's automatic transmission is responsive and sophisticated. Three people can fit in the rear seat, but it will be a tight squeeze. Prices do not include manufacturer's destination and delivery charges.
The Sonata rides smoothly, soaking up tar strips and potholes. Competing against Honda and Toyota, Hyundai provides a sizable helping of features at a lower price. Interior Slightly wider than the Camry at 71. . Therefore the ratings listed here also apply to early 2006 Optimas.
The current model is related to the Kia Optima, which reached the U. The transmission will hold the selected gear rather than shifting automatically. The small low-beams are halogen projector lamps that produce a uniformly bright pattern, and the complementary high beams are bright. It idles quietly, but not silently. The Sonata's pull-type door handles feel solid.
Top models have 10-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels, and a glass moonroof is av. Bosch antilock brakes and traction control are optional. It's a bit slower than the new Honda Accord's steering, so you have to turn the wheel more. Articulated trunk lid supports stay out of the trunk itself, so you don't have to worry about groceries or luggage being crushed when you close the lid. Good headlamps are extremely important, especially on dark and stormy nights. The four-cylinder is adequate when cruising down the highway, but the V6 models are better for responsive performance.
The Sonata was last redesigned for the 1999 model year and then reworked for 2002. Sonata cruises comfortably down the highway, even at elevated speeds. The glovebox opens with a firm feel. Some popping over seams can be heard, and at speed, the Sonata has a tendency to drift within its lane. Only the ashtray feels flimsy. Free roadside assistance is provided for the first five years. Like jewelry tastefully worn, chrome enhances rather than distracts from the Sonata's appearance.
The Shiftronic override is useful for engine braking on long, steep downgrades. The Sonata is spacious up front but short on headroom in the rear. Fit and finish are better than in the Saturn, also. It does not, however, offer strong power, especially at higher elevations. Hyundai has wrapped the Sonata's steering wheel in a leather-like urethane that's buttery soft and wonderful to the touch. Drive the Sonata very hard on a bumpy, winding road and you can feel some chassis flex.
Shifts are smooth, almost unnoticeable. During rebound, the dummy's head hit the B-pillar and roof rail. The Hyundai Sonata was redesigned for the 1999 model year, and the Kia Optima was introduced in the 2001 model year. Braking is solid with the four-wheel-disc brakes that come standard on all models. It's easy to operate the Sonata's accessories without taking your eyes off the road.
Tested vehicle specifications Tested vehicle 1999 Hyundai Sonata 4-door Weight 3,131 lbs. It's characteristic of the attention given to detail throughout the Sonata's interior. This pillar is required by federal standard to provide some protection for occupants' heads. The transmission has a manual mode called Shiftronic that can give the driver more precise shifting control. It also comes with heated mirrors and a power antenna. The automatic transmission incorporates a Shiftronic provision for manually selected gear changes.