2006 Hyundai Sonata Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Expert review
When history reflects on this Korean brand, the redesigned 2006 Hyundai Sonata midsize sedan will represent its clear pivot away from "budget-oriented wannabe" to "credible A-list player."
With the Hyundai Sonata redesigned as a new car for the 2006 model year, the upstart automaker takes a huge leap forward in terms of design, engineering, and desirability. Finally, a Hyundai owner need not justify the purchase, for the reasons to choose the 2006 Sonata are plainly evident.
Should you agree, picking a new Sonata is easy. The car comes in GL, GLS, and GLS Premium trim levels with a choice between a four-cylinder and a V6 engine. A handful of Sonata GLs will have a five-speed manual gearbox, while the rest feature an automatic transmission.
out of 10 expert review
Look & feel
Let’s be honest, shall we? Last year’s Hyundai Sonata was not a looker. Stacked up against competitors like the Honda Accord, the Nissan Altima, and the Toyota Camry, a low price was the only way to get one off the dealer’s lot and into a customer’s driveway. Even a Ford Taurus held more styling appeal.
But now, well, things are different, aren’t they? Check out the redesigned 2006 Sonata, with its clean lines, balanced design, and undeniable good looks. Now this is a car you can be proud to own… and to be seen driving.
The goodness extends to the interior, where the Sonata jettisons last year's crass, parts-bin, econo-car ambiance for a simple, uncluttered, and even upscale cabin. From its gated transmission shifter to its metal-ringed speedometer, the Sonata whispers elegance and sophistication.
In short, the change is utterly transformative.
Performance
A 162-horsepower, 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine is standard with the GL trim in Canada. Technically, a five-speed manual transmission is also standard, but Hyundai will no doubt build most Sonatas with the optional four-speed automatic transmission, which comes standard with GLS trim.
For more power and performance, a 3.3-litre V6 is standard for the GLS and GLS Premium trims. It generates robust power specs of 235 hp and is paired with a five-speed automatic.
Your choice between the two depends on how fast you want to go and what kind of fuel economy you prefer. The four-cylinder is adequate in terms of power and performs on par with competitors, even if it lacks the outright refinement of the best engines in the segment. The V6, according to Hyundai, gets the Sonata to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, quick for a family sedan. (Zero to 100 km/h times are not available.) In either case, power is delivered via a front-wheel drive (FWD) drivetrain.
With the automatic, the four-cylinder is rated to get 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving and 6.5 on the highway, while the V6 engine returns 11.5 L/100 km city and 7.2 highway. If spending our own money, we’d go with the V6.
Though the new Sonata’s design and powertrains are competitive, Hyundai needs to fine-tune the car’s ride and handling. Most drivers won’t find the steering, suspension, or braking components lacking in any way, but there is a lack of refinement here that is plainly evident in a Honda Accord or a Toyota Camry.
With that said, don’t be discouraged. This redesigned Sonata is easy to recommend.
Form & function
Another big change for the 2006 Sonata is its amount of interior space. This is an accommodating sedan, on par with the Nissan Altima and the Toyota Camry in terms of passenger space.
Front-seat occupants face a clean, logically arranged dashboard. In lighter colours, the black dashboard and door panel tops present an appealing, high-contrast, two-tone look that lends the Sonata a more upscale look and feel.
Quality materials, refined switchgear, and clarity of purpose are the rule rather than the exception, and Hyundai supplies good storage combined with large cupholders. The trunk measures 462 litres, which is plenty for a family road trip.
Comfort levels improve as you climb the trim level ladder, with the Sonata GLS providing leather upholstery and an eight-way power driver’s seat. The rear seat is positively huge with plenty of legroom, making the Sonata especially useful as a hauler of kids both young and old.
Technology
As is true with any modern car redesign, the 2006 Sonata gains numerous technological upgrades. Even the base GL trim includes standard features such as power door locks with remote keyless entry, cruise control, power windows, variable speed intermittent wipers, air conditioning, heated side mirrors, both a CD player and an MP3 player, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Upgrade to the V6 to get 16-inch alloy wheels. A sunroof and 17-inch wheels are available as standalone options.
Upgrade to GLS Premium trim for a trip computer, automatic climate control, and a universal programmable garage door opener.
Unlike some competitors, however, the Sonata does not offer a navigation system, so keep your maps handy.
Safety
If Hyundai’s failure to offer navigation is a blemish on the new Sonata, the standard safety equipment list definitely makes up for it.
Every 2006 Sonata has six airbags, including dual front, dual front side-impact, and dual side curtain airbags to protect the front- and rear-seat occupants. Antilock brakes are an option on the base GL with the automatic transmission, while electronic stability control and traction control are equipped on the GLS Premium.
In testing conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the new Sonata performs admirably, earning five-star ratings for frontal- and side-impact protection and a four-star rating for rollover resistance.
Unfortunately, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is not as satisfied with the Sonata’s crash protection. While the car gets a Good rating in moderate overlap frontal-impact testing, the side-impact protection rating is one notch down at Acceptable. Roof crush strength rates no better than Marginal, so you’re going to want to keep the rubber side down.
Cost-effectiveness
Compared to segment leaders, the new Hyundai Sonata remains an unbeatable bargain. Prices start below $22,000 in Canada, and the Sonata GL includes more equipment than its rivals' base trims do. In the top-trim specification, the Sonata GLS Premium is a bona fide bargain, offering similar equipment for thousands of dollars less.
The 2006 Hyundai Sonata is an exceptionally cost-effective solution to your midsize family sedan needs. The best news of all, though, is that the new Sonata stands on its own without them.
Note: Images show a US model.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2006 Hyundai Sonata express great satisfaction with their vehicles, praising the smooth performance, good fuel economy, and reliable build quality. Many appreciate the spacious interior and handling, noting that it drives well on long trips. On the downside, some drivers mentioned occasional electric issues and that the gas mileage with the V6 engine, while powerful, could have been better. Generally, the Sonata is considered a good value for money with its features and reliability."
I LOVE my Hyundai Sonata 2006, I wasnt impressed when my husband bought it but after having it 3 yes I dont want to sell it and probably WONT! She has never left me stranded, rides Great has a AWESOME stereo and great gas mileage. I dont have anything negative to say EXCEPT I wish it was American made. I hope I help someone with their decision making, Thanks and God bless Everyone!
November 10, 2024This 2006 Hyundai Sonata GLS has very good handling , power brakes and acceleration are touchy. I love the gas mileage and it is a nice looking family car. Standard Equipment items like automatic headlights, alloy wheels, leather steering wheel are nice things to have.
June 1, 2012Love this car! Great fuel economy in or out of town. No issues at all and very dependable. I think it looks good and have gotten many compliments from family and friends. I would definitely purchase another Hyunday Sonata! Awesom!
June 23, 2014What owners say
I LOVE my Hyundai Sonata 2006, I wasnt impressed when my husband bought it but after having it 3 yes I dont want to sell it and probably WONT! She has never left me stranded, rides Great has a AWESOME stereo and great gas mileage. I dont have anything negative to say EXCEPT I wish it was American made. I hope I help someone with their decision making, Thanks and God bless Everyone!
November 10, 2024This 2006 Hyundai Sonata GLS has very good handling , power brakes and acceleration are touchy. I love the gas mileage and it is a nice looking family car. Standard Equipment items like automatic headlights, alloy wheels, leather steering wheel are nice things to have.
June 1, 2012Love this car! Great fuel economy in or out of town. No issues at all and very dependable. I think it looks good and have gotten many compliments from family and friends. I would definitely purchase another Hyunday Sonata! Awesom!
June 23, 2014Performance - adequate for a 2.4ltr engine, braking good and handling a bit firm. build quality :- excellant, 4.5yrs & 101000kms , one accident and no squeaks/rattles. Appearances:- I liked the exterior more than the interior. Cost of ownership :- no maintenance cost, highway driving i managed to get 33mpg and got a good price when i sold the car. fun factor :- Not actually a sporty car or luxury car to have fun but a serious car for commuting long or short journeys. My experience with this car was good and Ii then decided to upgrade myself to full option Azera 3.3ltrs.
February 18, 2010I had a awesome experience with this car, I used it for daily commuting for 4 years with an occasional road trip. It is by far the best family car I have owned. I have it regularly serviced at our local Hyundai dealer and I have experienced only one tail light issue . Otherwise...zero problems. It is a joy to drive on the highway or twisty back roads. I am on my second set of tires and brakes. This week I will replace the original battery. We fully intend to keep this car forever, God willing.
September 19, 2013Overall I liked the car, Hyundai has come a long way on their quality. The engine and trans have been flawless and the V6 power is exceptional and very fuel efficient. I drive 80 mph on the freeway and I can still get 26-28 MPG according to the cars computer. The brakes could be stronger, but they are adequate. Comfort is good, road noise is a bit louder than I would like, but not bad. Maintenance has been routine. Just normal oil, brakes and tires in 105,000 miles. I did hit something on the freeway and tore up the plastic shields under the engine and punctured the radiator, but that was not the cars fault. a new OEM radiator was $120, not too bad. I am recommending that my daughter consider the Hyundai brand in her search for a new car.
December 28, 2011This is a nice car. It gets terrible gas mileage with the 6-cylinder, but it has power to burn (good for uphill high-speed highway merges), the interior is very roomy and the fittings are about the best I've ever had in anything less than a 'luxury' sedan. It handles like a small sedan, looks good, and is cheaper to maintain than a Nissan, if not as solidly built. Camry comfort at a Corolla price, just not quite Toyota quality.
July 23, 2010This car overall is amazing. I have the 3.3 litre version and it is just peppy as hell. It has more than enough get up and go for any situation. The stock radio is up to par, and this is if you have the MP3 player CD deck. Sadly the head unit is the only thing left audio wise that is stock the rest is aftermarket. Infinity 6.5s all around and 2 12 inch audiobahns in the trunk...sounds great. I would say check the price of owning it as far as insurance goes, I am 22 and a good deal for me stands around 148 a month most other places wanted 220 plus a month and i do not have any tickets or accidents. The car its self is amazing and very solidly built. Get one if you have the opportunity to or at leaste take one for a drive.
August 13, 2008Very happy with the Sonata. It rides and runs well. Nicely appointed model. The interior and trim is in exceptionally good shape considering the age of the car. It seems to have been well maintained. Its very smooth, agile and peppy with the v-6, but so far the gas mileage is way better than my Jeep Grand Cherokee! Its fun driving a car again.
November 20, 2023This 2006 Sonata is clean and drives like a dream. Cold A/C, no odors. Excellent shifting and pick-up when merging. Took it to my mechanic and they gave it an excellent review. They said, Someone has really taken care of this car!! Great value.
May 27, 2022Trims & specs
Base MSRP $19,995 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 162 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 14.1 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $17,895 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 162 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 14.1 cu ft |
Combined MPG 26 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $23,495 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.3L 235 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 14.1 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $21,495 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.3L 235 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 14.1 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
