Raising the Bar - Driving the 2007 Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai isn't Hyundai anymore. In the past few years they have completely reinvented themselves and become one of the better automakers in the current marketplace. Hyundai is consistently ranking at the top of the quality and consumer satisfaction charts, usually in first place. Today I'm taking the 2007 Hyundai Sonata out for a spin. This car is a direct competitor with the Honda Accord  and Toyota Camry, and I found it more than holds its own.

Chosen model trim:

The Sonata comes in 3 trim options: the base model GLS with a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine (a 3.3L V6 is optional) priced at $17,545; the Sonata SE which features the same engine choices as the GLS but has a few upgrades such as 17" alloy wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel and a power driver's seat for $19,245; and the top of the line Sonata Limited, which still offers a choice of the two engines but comes with a load of other standard features like heated leather seats and steering wheel audio controls. The Limited model starts at $24,045. I took the GLS V6 model for a drive to see what all the fuss was about.

Exterior/Interior features and comforts:

The Sonata's exterior is attractive but doesn't quite match the refinement of its competitors. The interior of the Sonata was nice, though underwhelming. I thought the placement of the stereo system was a bit odd, high up on the dash with the air vents placed below. Maybe Hyundai found it helps keep your eyes on the road, but the ergonomics of the whole setup seem a bit off. Interior materials are nice to the touch and seem durable. In my opinion this is the only place that Hyundai needs to do just a bit more work.

The Driving Experience:

The engine was quiet and smooth on start-up, and the 234 horses under the hood got me up to speed quickly and efficiently. The V6 is rated for 19mpg city and 28mpg highway, which is on-par with the Camry although the Toyota offers a bit more horsepower and a 6-speed automatic.

Summary and Specs:

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the 2007 Hyundai Sonata. The Sonata is a good-looking sedan with handsome lines, reminiscent of the Audi A4. Standard anti-lock brakes, 24city/34 hwy mpg (standard engine), and exceptional performance in safety tests along with a price tag starting at $17, 545 make it a good buy. Although it's not super fancy, the current reports show that this is a car that will get from point A to B quickly, quietly, and for many reliable years to come.

The Acura TL Type S Takes Me for a Drive

Someone, please, buy me this car. Then get one for yourself, or you're going to be jealous. My old Acura got jealous just seeing the TL across the lot at Montano Acura in Albuquerque. I don't blame it. The Acura TL is to test drives what a gorgeous professional is to dating - you get all tingly just standing next to it. This car is beautiful, and when you sit down with it, it has plenty to say.

Other cars in its class don't compare. Mercedes' C-230 has nowhere near as much guts, and the Lexus ES 350's performance comes close but its appearance and overall presence fall short. Acura's 3.5-liter VTEC 6-cylinder makes 286 hp and 256 lbs of torque - sweet in a car that weighs 3,680 pounds. "Redline it," directed our salesman. So I put the Sportshift transmission in manual mode and used the highly intuitive paddle shifters. The baby, nestled in the leather back seat, was perfectly content as I kept the Acura TL revved up and glued to the tightly curving back streets. Now that's luxury.

Albuquerque drivers love our Acuras, and Montano Acura is part of the reason. While it's unusual to walk onto a dealer lot and find exactly the car you'd like to drive, that's not the case here. There is a row of variously equipped TLs, including the Type S, with sticker prices in the neighborhood of MSRP. The lovely car I enjoyed was just over $38,000, and my salesman tells me that when the 2008 model is released, buyers can get great deals on 2007 models.

You'll be hard pressed to get more car for the money. The only real dollar-for-dollar challenger is the BMW 328i, which is lighter, shorter, and has a smaller 3.0-liter engine paired with a 6-speed manual and rear wheel drive - an entirely different kind of car, in other words.  Meanwhile, it's a good thing I'm already married to a hot engineer, or I could have fallen in love with the Acura TL and taken it home.

Zoom, Zoom, Zoom:The MAZDA3 Gives a Reason to Believe

"If I gave you time to change my mind, I'd find a way just to leave the past behind."  Thank you Mr. Rod Stewart, for putting into words the way I feel about the 2007 Mazda3.  I'll confess: I haven't driven a Mazda in a LONG time.  My uncle owned the gorgeous Millenia S, one of my favorite sedans of all time; I still miss that car and it was a brief glimpse of how great a Mazda could be.  Before that I was able to spend a few days in a 1994 RX-7 twin-turbo, a silver rocket with a red leather interior.  I still wake up dreaming about that car.  And then in my college days I was handed a 1990 626 with a gajillion miles on it.  It had a 5-speed manual and center air vents that oscillated with the push of a button.  I gotta admit, I actually liked that car.  And then the lull; where did Mazda go?  For me at least, they disappeared from my radar.

But then 2003 rolls around and Mazda hits us with the all-new Mazda3.  A sporty, sophisticated little pocket rocket that looked great, performed nicely, and was friendly at the fuel pumps.  Fast forward to 2007, and the Mazda3 is looking better than ever.  I'm driving the Mazda3 S Sport model, which retails for under $19k after I added the moon roof and 5-speed manual transmission.  This 4-door model features a 2.3L DOHC 4-cylinder engine that cranks out a peppy 156-hp.  She gets 26mpg around town and an easy 33mpg on the open road.  My Mazda3 S Sport also features ABS brakes with brake assist and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, one of my favorite touches.

All things considered, the 2007 Mazda3 is a very good automobile.  Hopefully this trend will continue with Mazda and we'll see more great cars from them in the future.  Driving the Mazda3 was a lot of fun, and I appreciate Gray Epperson Mazda in Cleveland for allowing me to rediscover the love I used to have for this brand.  Although the Mazda3 faces some stiff competition such as the Volkswagen Jetta 2.5L, the Honda Civic, and the Toyota Corolla to name a few, I think the Mazda3 will hold its own just fine.  Rod Stewart says "Still, I look to find a reason to believe."  Well I don't have to look any more, because I believe.  Mazda is back.

The Audi A4 Quattro - Driving An All-Weather Wonder

Driving the 2007 Audi A4 2.0T Quattro is the most fun you can have with your clothes on. Everything about our Audi of Albuquerque A4 2.0T Quattro test car exuded quality, high euro style and first rate engineering. The Turbo charged engine provided smooth power and the car begged to be flung into corners. Even though it was 95 outside during our test run, I was hoping to hit an icy patch at speed so I could slam on the brakes to experience Audi's famed Quattro AWD system in action. Quattro's are legendary for racing by SUVs in the snow and being almost impossible to spin out on ice. This does not mean that the A4 is an impractical hot rod. Indeed, the A4 with the 2.0 turbo should be considered a "green" car; owners in internet blogs claim to get 30 mpg and better on the road. It's also quite practical with the 60/40 fold down back seat. And front seat riders will enjoy being enclosed in an ergonomic cabin with dual zone climate control and first class audio system.

The 2007 Audi A4 is available as a four door sedan, a two door convertible and a five door wagon. We drove the 2.0T Quattro sedan with a 2.0 liter turbo engine. The base price of the well equipped A4 is $31,540. Options and upgrades can push the MSRP well beyond $35,000. This time of year with the 2007 model year on its last legs availability is scarce, yet buyers are still paying below the MSRP in some areas. The 2008 model is expected to basically be the same as the 2007; however, a major redesign is rumored for 2009.

Other comparable cars to consider are the 2007 Volkswagen Passat which is available with the same 2.0 turbo and is roomier; the smaller  Volkswagen Jetta is also available with the 2.0 turbo, minus the AWD, for less money.  Also check out the AWD Volvo S40, the Ford Fusion (AWD. If you have deep pockets look at AWD models from BMW, Lexus, and the all new 2008 AWD Mercedes C Class. But if you want to spend well below $40K, love to drive in all four seasons and want a car that will keep a smile on your face on a cruise to the Coast in July, or a run up to Taos in January, the Audi A4 Quattro is worth taking for a test drive. I envy you when you do.

2007 Ford Mustang Shelby GT: Looks aren't everything

There's no denying that the Shelby GT is one sweet looking machine.  Stripes, scoops, badges, wheels; it has all the eye candy of a Hollywood superstar.  Get past the looks, however, and you usually find enough dirty laundry to fill a football stadium. Unfortunately, this younger sibling to the Shelby GT500 is no different. Don't look too close for starters, because you may see air bubbles in the stripes, and the hood scoop may have odd dimples in it.   Internet forums also mention warping grilles and Shelby letters falling off the trunk. These issues may be minor, but with quality like this, it's hard to justify a $37,000 MSRP for what amounts to a dressed-up Mustang. Never mind dealer markups that take this car to $50,000.

The package isn't all looks though.  You do get 319 horsepower (up from 300 in the stock Mustang GT) which is enough to hit 60 in 5 seconds. You also get a sport-tuned suspension, which lowers the car nearly 2 inches and offers wonderfully-inspired handling. With these changes, the Shelby feels like a proper American muscle car, until you realize your $50,000 Mustang rides like a busted Sherman tank. It may corner well, but there's no excuse for such a harsh ride.  At least it's quiet enough inside to listen to your internal organs sloshing with each expansion joint you hit on the expressway. Don't plan any cross-country adventures in this car without a large supply of painkillers.

The Shelby GT has flash, and with about 6000 copies being made for 2007, it is exclusive. It may say Shelby on the back and it may get you beaucoup attention at the local cruise joint, but looks aren't everything. The reality is that competition like the Mazda RX-8 and Nissan 350Z have the same performance with better quality, a far better ride and cost thousands, if not tens of thousands, less than the Shelby.  For a daily driven sports coupe, shop the competition, then take that extra 20 grand you saved and help your neighbor with the Shelby pay his weekly chiropractor bills.

The Ford F-150 Super Crew!

Last week, I tested a 2007 Ford F-150 from G.R. Milner Ford in Harrisonville MO.  This truck is sharp and stylish with great chrome accents and appeal.  The 4 doors all open wide for easy access to the rear seats.  The interior is very nicely appointed with lots of wood and chrome.  My tester has the 5.4L Triton V-8 motor that seemed to have excellent power and acceleration.  Pulling onto the highway, it is smooth and fast yet very quiet inside the cabin.  I did feel the stiff suspension over small bumps but it would probably feel smoother when under a load, which, by the way, is over 10,000 pounds towing capacity!  In my opinion, the Ford F-150 is an excellent truck with great refinement listing for $41,720.  Its closest competitor, the Chevy 1500 Silverado, didn't have the additional equipment, such as leather or a moon roof, but did have a $35K sticker price.

A Near-Perfect Fit: Honda's Outstanding Around-Town Runabout

In 2006, Honda joined the subcompact hatchback wars with the Fit, a pint-size five-door hatchback that promised to add some fun to the econobox segment. For the most part, this space-age cheese wedge delivers the goods (and a weeks' worth of groceries).

The Fit is an outstanding around-town runabout, and the rear seats fold down easily to provide an entirely flat cargo floor. During my recent move, the hatch handled the haul from an all-day IKEA trip with aplomb. The car's handling befits a Honda, with well-controlled body movements and quick reflexes. The excellent gas mileage lets you stretch your gas budget, and its miniscule size allows it to slip into parking spots impossible for even Honda's own Civic. Unfortunately, the massive rear seat headrests and thick C-pillars can hide cars on the highway and make parking an unnecessary challenge.

At speed, the Fit struggles to maintain momentum on hills, and its already light steering becomes twitchy. I've always been of the opinion that cars with under 150hp shouldn't be available with an automatic transmission, and even this featherweight needs some more under the hood (The Civic Si's motor would fit-Honda, are you listening?). The ballyhooed iPod integration is unfortunately half-baked and a rare ergonomic misstep for Honda; its awkward interface makes navigating your music complicated and frustrating.

Ultimately, the Honda wins by default; its immediate competitors, Toyota's Yaris, Chevrolet's Aveo and the Kia Rondo don't come close to matching its combination of being fun to drive, cargo capacity and proven resale value (about $15k resale).

Chevy Trailblazer a Winner!

My test-drive of the 2007 Chevy Trailblazer from Adams Chevy in Belton, MO began after picking out a blue LS 4X4 model. The truck is very sleek and refined, not boxy or plain. The aggressive front end shows chrome and class. My tester was equipped with the 4200 Inline 6 cylinder. The power front driver seat was comfortable and easy to operate with the 6 way controls. The engine is quiet, yet very responsive when accelerating onto the highway. I enjoyed the steering feel as it was responsive and smooth. There was a little wind noise from the driver's door, but the salesman told me that the door fit may need to be adjusted. Overall, this truck is more comfortable than the bulky, underpowered V6 Explorer I've driven before. Sticker on this truck was $29,370. There were several on the lot available. I personally enjoyed the vehicle and would consider purchasing it if I was in the SUV buying market.

Mommy and Boy Racer Drive the '07 Ford Focus ST

We are a family of automotive addicts. My son is one of the few kids under 2 who's exceeded 150 mph in a Porsche. (OK, I didn't know I was pregnant at the time.) So when we needed a grocery-hauler that will be spared the rigors of the track, I started our test-drives with the nicely cut, loaded silver 2007 Focus ST at Bob Turner's Ford Country in Albuquerque and tried to enjoy its blandly pleasant feel.

Its competitors are the Toyota Corolla LE and the Honda Civic Sedan LX, and the Ford's performance stands out. I first noted the turning diameter - in fact, it's better than even my high-end Acura RSX Type S. The Focus ST is also the more powerful car in its' class, giving 151 peak horsepower and 154 lbs. of torque, but the difference shows at the pump - EPA estimates 31 mpg for combined city/highway driving, 5 mpg worse than the Corolla. With that kind of power, the rear wing is mostly for looks, so you can shave $1,295 off the sticker by ordering your ST without the Street Appearance Package. Styling will still be sharper than the Honda's and Toyota's, and you can spend your money on comfort options instead.

The sticker price for this Focus is around $21,000, though my excellent salesman assured me that there are plenty of rebates. Ford Country has a spectacular selection, so if the ST package doesn't suit you, there's a lot to choose from, down to the much less expensive three-door hatchback.

My biggest complaint with the Focus ST: the clunky suspension offers little performance, though it's so comfortable that the baby went to sleep - which you could almost do while driving. Not that the Corolla or Civic Sedan are more exciting. For a great family Ford with less cuteness and a lot more performance, consider theFusion. Options can keep the price of a Fusion below that of the Focus ST or go up to $24,750 delivered for the impressive V6 SEL AWD.

2007 Toyota Yaris: Symphony in Blue

I can't help it.  Every time I look out the window and see the little 3-door lift-back  Yaris from Toyota, I grin.  Hey, I'm manly enough; I watch football, paddle whitewater…heck I even order my steaks cooked medium sometimes.  But there's something about the perpetual grin on the Yaris that says "Hop in, let's go!"

Toyota of Cleveland has loaned me this Bayou Blue Yaris with the 1.5 liter engine mated to their 4-speed automatic transmission.  It's a peppy, if not powerful aluminum 4-cylinder that produces 106 hp and sips gas at an EPA estimate of 34mpg in the city and 40mpg on the interstate.  Of course, this is a city car by nature.  Its relatively short wheelbase and quick turn ratio will let you whip the little Yaris in and out of traffic easily.  Parking lots are equally fun to negotiate, although on a few occasions I parked between two SUV's and then had trouble locating the car when I came back from the store due to its diminutive size.

The lift-back Yaris was designed by a different team than the 4-door sedan version and they chose to give it a decidedly European flair.  Our friends across the pond have actually been driving this car for a few years now and it has finally landed on our shores, big-eyed headlamps and all.  The interior is very basic, featuring a center-mounted instrument console, stereo unit, and A/C controls mounted in a vertical column.  The Yaris has quite a few little storage cubbies, including one just behind the steering wheel.  Another nice interior touch is the fold-flat and reclining rear seats that give backseat passengers a bit more room.

As expected, the Yaris has a lot of competition.  The Honda Fit, Kia Rio,  Hyundai Accent, and Chevrolet Aveo among others all feature pricing and equipment similar to the Yaris.  The Yaris I drove stickered for just over $14,000, with the automatic and Option Package B.  But this is basic transportation at its finest, and the loveable 2007 Toyota Yaris can be had for around 12 grand.  Now that's definitely music to my ears.