(1) The 2007 Hyundai Sonata
The 2007 Sonata is the smaller of Hyundai’s two midsize sedans. It comes in three models: a) The Sonata Limited trim is the top-of-the-line model and has a 235-hp V6 and a 5-speed automatic transmission, as well as heated front seats, automatic climate control, and fine leather upholstery. b) The Sonata SE also has a 235-hp V6 and a 5-speed automatic transmission. c) The Sonata GLS has a 162-hp 4-cylinder engine and a choice of 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission. All models are equipped with ABS and skid/traction control, as well as front side and curtain airbags.
While the previous version reminded many car bosses of a Jaguar in terms of styling, the 2007 version looks even better, with a front light that looks like an Audi and a rear end that looks like an Accord. The slim roof pillars and the upright driver’s position also contribute to its aesthetic value. The 2007 Sonata is also a larger, sharper, and more technologically advanced version of the 2006 model. Overall, the Sonata’s advantage over other cars in its class like the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Altima is that it combines comfort , spaciousness, sophisticated design and reliable performance, plus a reasonable price.
(2) The Hyundai Accent
The new, completely redesigned Hyundai Accent 3-door hatchback is a welcome addition to the 4-door sedan introduced in 2006. Compared to the sedan, the Accent is sportier in terms of looks and performance. It also features side-curtain airbags, which are a rare feature in vehicles of this size and price range.
The 2007 Accent has excellent handling, an attractive Euro-style hatch and strong safety equipment. Sold in GE and SE trims, the Accent looks small on the outside but is surprisingly roomy on the inside, both front and rear. Its excellent fuel economy makes it an ideal choice for urban drivers, especially in places where gasoline costs up to $6 per gallon. Many have commented that the 2007 Accent 3-door model is even more attractive than the 2006 Accent 4-door sedan introduced last year. The 2007 model brings back memories of the mid-nineties Honda Civic CX 3-door hatchback or General Motors’ Opel Corsa, so popular these days in Europe.
(3) The Hyundai Elantra
Many auto industry observers consider the 2007 Hyundai Elantra a worthy contender in the field of subcompact sedans, which features models like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Nissan Sentra. It is competitive in terms of safety, spaciousness, and overall driving experience, and may have a slight advantage in value and warranty coverage. However, his conservative style needs to catch up with the rest in this field.
The 2007 Elantra has plenty of airbags in both the roof-mounted and front-seat side curtains in both the front and rear seats. It also has anti-lock brakes and four-wheel disc brakes that are much better than the disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the rear of its competitors.
(4) The Hyundai Shark
The Tiburon has been redesigned for 2007 and now features lowered headlights, a hallmark of more conventional Japanese models, as well as revised taillights and chrome exhaust tips. It also has a new conventional-looking, more wedge-like sheet metal frame that’s a far cry from the odd-looking, curvy Tiburon model first introduced in the US in 1997.
The top-of-the-line Tiburon SE’s handling has also been streamlined to make it smoother and more engaging for enthusiasts.
(5) The Hyundai Santa Fe
With the unibody construction of a car instead of the traditional body-on-frame construction of a normal truck, the Hyundai Santa Fe looks more like a “crossover SUV.” The 2007 version has been completely redesigned and is now bigger and better, with more power, more legroom and more sophisticated styling.
Unlike last year’s model, the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe blends naturally into the suburbs. Its brand new third row of seats allows the 2007 Santa Fe to accommodate up to seven passengers. It also offers improved fuel economy and power, whether in GLS, SE or Limited trims.
(6) The Hyundai Azera
This year’s Azera has benefited from minor interior detail changes to increase its aesthetic value. It’s actually a carryover from last year’s model and features the standard 263-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. This 4-door, 5-passenger family sedan is available in 4 trims, ranging from SE to Limited XM.
(7) The Hyundai Tucson
The Tucson is another of Hyundai’s highly regarded cars for 2007, especially since the 2006 Tucson captured the prestigious JD Power and Associates award for “Top Rated Multi-Activity Vehicle in Initial Quality” despite only being in its second Year of production.
Based on a study of more than 63,000 new car owners, the Tucson, on average, outperformed its competitors in the multi-activity vehicle (MAV) segment in six of eight categories. Overall, Tucson posted scores that were 23 percent better than the category average. It also received high marks for its safety technology, electronic stability control, curtain airbags, and for offering a choice between front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.
(8) The Hyundai Entourage
In terms of standard safety features, the Hyundai Entourage is head and shoulders above the other minivans available on the market today. Not surprisingly, the 2007 Entourage earned the highest and best crash test rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for a minivan.
Safety and comfort features in the Entourage include six airbags, standard ABS, standard electronic stability control and standard active head restraints. Plus, the Entourage has plenty of room to spare, including seating for seven and enormous cargo space.