Comparison Test: Hyundai Sonata Takes on the Accord and Camry

We've been recommending the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry for years, decades even. Yes, there are other family sedans out there, even ones that provide a more entertaining drive or more style. But when overall quality, passenger comfort, reliability and longevity are paramount, the conversation always comes back to the two benchmarks, Accord and Camry.

But of late, these benchmarks are creeping up the price ladder. Load an Accord or a Camry up with a V6, leather upholstery and a premium stereo and you're looking at a sticker approaching $30K. Walk into a Honda or Toyota dealership with around $20 grand to spend and you're going to get something completely different. We began to wonder if we could find a worthy, affordable alternative to the acknowledged segment leaders. Specifically, we asked, is the all-new Hyundai Sonata, high expectations and all, ready to compete at the top?

Family Sedans on a Budget
Our Edmunds experts tell us that, as of June 2005, the average transaction price for a midsize sedan was almost $22,000. Thus, in the spirit of affordability, we asked Honda and Toyota to send us the best Accord and Camry they could for under $22,000. At that moderate price point, we got two cars with four-cylinder engines, cloth interiors and few options. We received a 2005 Honda Accord LX with a price of $21,240 and a 2005 Toyota Camry LE that ran $21,683. With their solid reputations as well-built, reliable cars and being the top two best-selling cars in the U.S. for most of the past 20 years, it's not like they have to have a huge value proposition to win over buyers.

Then we tossed in the wild card. We called Hyundai with the same request. Instead of a stripped-down sedan we got an all-new 2006 Hyundai Sonata GLS. It had V6 power, six airbags, a premium stereo and electronic stability control all standard. It had a sticker price of just $20,895 and looked pretty good, too.

Born in the U.S.A.
Interestingly, all three of these "foreign" cars are actually built right here in the States. The Sonata is being built at an all-new plant in Alabama, Honda's been building Accords in Ohio for over 20 years and Toyota has been making Camrys in Kentucky since 1988.

During our week with the cars, we subjected this trio to the typical duties of commuting, taking the kids to lessons and shopping for groceries. We also took them to the track for acceleration, braking and slalom testing. What were we looking for? The family sedan with the best combination of passenger accommodations, safety and luxury features, performance, overall quality and value.

It's Official, Hell Freezes Over
Mark this year down in the history books as the year Hyundai got serious. Not only is the Sonata as nice as the Accord and Camry, it's quite a bit better in many key areas.

Hop inside the Sonata, shut the door (which closes with a solid "whump") and check out the materials and textures. Fiddle with the climate controls and they move smoothly. Drive the car and the same sense of refinement continues. Bumps are absorbed without drama, steering and brakes feel sure and precise, the V6 provides effortless thrust, and the ride is smooth.
In the end, it wasn't even close. Yes, our editors' evaluation forms showed the Sonata just edging out the Accord, but in the areas of performance and features, the Hyundai won in a landslide. Next thing you know, they'll be selling space heaters in Lucifer's 'hood.