2008 Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai is aggressively targeting its automotive competitors and wooing buyers by offering its 2008 mid-size Sonata sedan at price points only slightly above, and in some cases lower, than its 2007 models, while at the same time expanding the line's offerings and upgrading features for some of the Sonata's trim packages.

Now in its third year of a revamped design, the Sonata currently ranks among the top three vehicles in its segment for initial build quality, according to J.D. Power. That's a big selling point for the automaker, and it comes at a good time, as Hyundai is on a mission to increase sales by attracting buyers who would usually turn to vehicles from other Asian and domestic manufacturers.

For 2008, Hyundai gives buyers a wider range of choices by offering a 162-horsepower, 2.4-liter, double-overhead-cam four-cylinder engine in all three of the Sonata's trim packages, including the entry-level GLS, the mid-level SE, and the high-end Limited. (For 2007, the four-cylinder had been available only in the GLS version.) All three trim packages will also be available with a more powerful 234-horsepower, 3.3-liter, double-overhead-cam V6 engine, previously available only in the SE and Limited models.

The engines are mated to either a five-speed manual transmission (standard on the GLS) or a five-speed automatic (standard on the SE and Limited models).

As an entry-level package, the Sonata GLS is nicely equipped with such features as standard anti-lock brakes, traction control, a remote keyless entry system, cruise control, front and side-curtain airbags, and an AM/FM/XM stereo system with a CD player and an MP3-player input jack. The SE adds an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat (new for 2008), a rear spoiler, larger 17-inch wheels, fog lights, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, while the Limited adds leather seats (heated in the front), among other features.

As far as its exterior design is concerned, the Sonata is functional and even attractive but hardly cutting edge. Still, by offering drivers more choices and a wide range of standard features at competitive prices, the 2008 Hyundai Sonata will continue to attract value-minded drivers, and in the bargain they'll receive high-quality vehicles to boot.