Ask the Car People.SM


Mazda6 vs Hyundai Sonata - READ ONLY

91 messages,  Last post on Oct 27, 2007 at 5:30 PM

You are in the Hyundai Sonata Forum.

What is this discussion about? Mazda MAZDA6, Hyundai Sonata, Car Comparisons, Sedan

Messages Page 1 of 9

#1 of 91 Mazda6 vs 2006 Hyundai Sonata by xeo

Nov 02, 2005 (7:27 am)

I have a big dilemma. I can't really choose between these two cars. I have test driven both and they have things going for and against them. I'll break it down:
 
Hyundai Sonata:
+Price
+Solid
+Warranty
+Trunk
-Generic looking
 
Mazda6
+Sporty looking (with sport package)
+BIG discounts on 2005's
-Poor 4 cyl acceleration
-Questionable cloth quality
-Dash kind of tacky on 2005 models
 
If I had kids I would definitely go for the Sonata, but we don't plan on having kids for a few years so do I really want a generic looking car? Don't get me wrong, the Sonata is fairly good looking, but it isn't exactly sporty (the Mazda6 is). But at the same time, even though I can get up to 3500 off a Mazda6 (on top of the S-plan), I can still get a V6 Sonata for the same price as the 4 banger Mazda6 (sports trim). And I am not impressed with the acceleration of the 4 cyl Mazda6 2005.
 
I'd probably take the 2006 Mazda6 (improved interior and torque) over the Sonata if the price was the same, but not with the current price differences.
 
Any comments/suggestions?
 
PS. Looking to buy withing the next month and want to stay below 20k OTD.

#2 of 91 Re: Mazda6 vs 2006 Hyundai Sonata [xeo] by egarcia52282

Nov 02, 2005 (10:07 pm)

Replying to: xeo (Nov 02, 2005 7:27 am)
Hi Xeo,
 
I compared both cars as well. I ended up getting a 2006 Hyundai Sonata LX with pkg 3 (sunroof and 6-CD changer). The Sonata will definetely get you more bang for the buck. It is generic looking, but in a good way. Everybody that sees our car, loves it.
 
Also, you don't plan to have kids for a few years, but you never know what might happen. I guess it will depend on how long you will plan to keep this car. If you plan to keep it for at least five years, then you really can't plan your life that far ahead (there are so many twists and turns).
 
I can tell you from experience, you will go back and forth on this one. Remember, the Mazda6 may be nice now, but you won't want to be thinking a year from now, "I wish my car had this or that." With the Sonata, I got everything I would ever need on a car plus more. It's nice to wake up in the cold chilly mornings and turn on the heated seats, it's nice to have HomeLink installed, and it's nice to have all those other little extras.
 
I would suggest you go for the Sonata, but make it a V6. The extra power is great.
 
Hope this helps...

#3 of 91 Re: Mazda6 vs 2006 Hyundai Sonata [xeo] by harrybush00

Nov 03, 2005 (12:00 am)

Replying to: xeo (Nov 02, 2005 7:27 am)
Both are very nice cars, but I would lean towards the Mazda6 if it was a comparison between the V6 models. However, seeing as though you want something under 20K, I don't think there's a better buy for the money than the Sonata. The last gen Sonata was ok, but it still had a lot of short comings. Only thing that made the last gen acceptable was its pricing. However, now that the Sonata comes with all the latest safety features and power to spare on the V6, you just can't go wrong. Styling and handling might be short of the Mazda6, but I think its other advantages are just too great to disregard.

#4 of 91 Re: Mazda6 vs 2006 Hyundai Sonata [harrybush00] by xeo

Nov 03, 2005 (6:23 am)

Replying to: harrybush00 (Nov 03, 2005 12:00 am)
You may be right guys. However it seems that the incentives on the Sonata dropped from last month so that will weigh in too. I'm planning on taking the wife to see both cars this weekend - desperately need a second opinion.
 
I agree though, the V6 on the Sonata was great.

#5 of 91 Hyundai incentives by xeo

Nov 03, 2005 (6:27 am)

Actually it seems as the discounts are the same, although you have the option of taking low apr instead of customer cash back. I think. Or how do you guys read it? Have gotten conflicting answers on that..

#6 of 91 Just bought GLS V-6 Saturday by blnewt

Dec 05, 2005 (9:41 pm)

Replying to: xeo (Nov 03, 2005 6:27 am)
We compared several cars over the last 6 weeks and after the dust settled the Sonata V6 was a clear choice for us. We looked at Accord, Camry, Fusion, Mazda6, Jetta, Altima and Sonata.All had a feature or two that stood out, but the Hyundai had the best combo of features, price, & warranty. Hyundais' quality is now approaching the Toyota/Honda level and is equal to that of Nissan and better than Mazda, VW and Ford.
I was very surprized that I was even considering a Hyundai, but after reading steller reviews from most every publication online & off, I'm glad I woke up to the fact that Hyundai is now a major force in the "quality automotive market" and not just a price leader.
The Sonata is extremely solid and quiet at all speeds and RPM levels, we drove the 4 cyl too and it's also a very nice vehicle, but the V6 w/ the shiftronic auto is just a kick to drive~seemed to have quite a bit more pop off the line than the Accord & Camry V6's.
We paid 21,900 (minus the $2000 rebate) so a bit under $20,000 for such a complete vehicle truly made all our research worthwhile.

#7 of 91 Re: Mazda6 vs 2006 Hyundai Sonata [xeo] by stockmanjoe

Dec 06, 2005 (6:10 am)

Replying to: xeo (Nov 02, 2005 7:27 am)
I bought a Sonata GLS 4 cyl (I wanted the better gas mileage it has plenty of power but that is just me.) I love it! You can get them for about 500 under invoice and there are several rebates to boot. Adjusted for inflation I figure this car was about the same as the VW Fox I bought in 1988. But this car has so much more on it. It is without a doubt the best value out there if that appeals to you.

#8 of 91 Re: Mazda6 vs 2006 Hyundai Sonata [xeo] by alpha01

Dec 06, 2005 (8:30 am)

Replying to: xeo (Nov 02, 2005 7:27 am)
The Mazda6 has poorer acceleration with the 4 than does the Sonata? Where are the stats to back that up? Both engines put out similar power ratings...
 
~alpha

#9 of 91 Re: Mazda6 vs 2006 Hyundai Sonata [alpha01] by xeo

Dec 06, 2005 (9:35 am)

Replying to: alpha01 (Dec 06, 2005 8:30 am)
Sonata has better torque, and if you test drive both cars it is fairly obvious. I ended up with the Mazda6 though, mainly because of its sportier nature and looks. Plus the huge discounts played a big part of it too. I just felt like the Sonata was an "older persons"-car. No offence.

#10 of 91 Re: Just bought GLS V-6 Saturday [blnewt] by fitguy

Dec 06, 2005 (10:31 am)

Replying to: blnewt (Dec 05, 2005 9:41 pm)
"Hyundais' quality is now approaching the Toyota/Honda level and is equal to that of Nissan and better than Mazda, VW and Ford."
 
I would like to see the stats that support that; Hyundai has dramatically improved the initial BUILD quality of the Sonata, but look back 5 years at Hyundai in general for overall reliability and they aren't there yet, certainly not superior to Mazda and I doubt Ford, either. The Sonata holds tremendous promise, but the jury is still out.
 
That said, the "value quotient" of the Sonata is undeniable- huge bang for the buck. The styling, IMO, is smoothed-up Accord. Pleasing enough, but definitely not sporty. Our volcanic red Mazda6S gets looks everywhere we take it, and with the sport package the handling is exceptional- you need to jump up to BMW, G35, or Acura for another 8-15K to improve on it. For us, it boiled down to driving fun- I had an '03 Accord and it was nice, but I grew tired of it after 30K miles. The 6 gave us excitement without having to overspend for it. If I were just looking for a nice, competent sedan I would certainly consider the new Sonata (when we bought in '04, the older version was not even a consideration) or an Accord. If you will keep a car for 5 yrs or more, resale value is irrelevant; if not, Hyundai still lags behind and will for several years yet. Even Mazda's resale is not what Honda/Toyota are, but we knew that going in and are giving the car to our daughter in 2 years so that didn't factor in for us. My long .02

Messages Page 1 of 9

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement