2005 Hyundai Sonata Trims and Specs

The base model of this spacious four-door mid-sized sedan is the 2005 Hyundai Sonata GL, fueled by a 138-hp, 2.4-liter I4 with 147 lb-ft of torque and matched to a standard 5-speed manual transmission. Optional is the 2.7-liter, 170-hp V6 and 4-speed shiftable automatic. The 2005 Sonata GL earns 4-star crash ratings thanks to dual front and front-side airbags, and the front-wheel drive sedan also comes with 4-wheel disc brakes and 15-inch all-season tires. ABS brakes are optional, but traction control is not offered on the base GL.

Well-equipped, the 2005 Sonata GL features a full power setup, cruise control, keyless entry, a CD player, air conditioning, foglights, and even leather trim -- setting it a step above over base model mid-sized sedans. A tilt steering wheel is also included. Rear seats split-fold 60/40 to expand the already spacious 14 cubic-foot trunk. There are not many options for the GL, but you can add a sunroof and a cargo net for the trunk. Owners like the comfort, handling, and interior room of the GL, and that it looks more expensive than it is. They wish it had a bit more power and acceleration.

The main difference between the base model and the 2005 Hyundai Sonata GLS is better quality cloth upholstery and a stronger V6 engine. The 2.7-liter engine hits 170-hp and 181 lb-ft of torque and is matched with a 4-speed auto tran. Like the base GL, the 2005 Sonata GLS comes standard with dual front and front-side airbags, earning 4-star crash ratings. Four-wheel disc brakes are standard on the mid-sized sedan, while ABS is optional. Unlike the GL, traction control is available for the GLS.

Riding on 16-inch alloy wheels, the 2005 Sonata GLS is equipped with the full power setup, plus cruise control, a CD player, foglights, leather trim, keyless entry, a tilt steering wheel, and a security system. The GLS also adds heated mirrors, rear cupholders, and dual map lights to what you get on the GL, and this year the GLS Special Value trim comes standard with all that and heated front seats. A sunroof is an available option. The interior of the Sonata GLS is very spacious, even for rear legroom, and the trunk holds up to 14 cubic feet -- more with the rear seats folded down. Owners are disappointed with the 19/27 mpg, which they say is an overestimate, and they complain that the seats are uncomfortable. High points include the interior room, exterior styling, and long list of standard features.

The 2005 Hyundai Sonata LX is the luxury version of the mid-sized sedan that's more affordable than its Japanese competition. It also comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty. Under the hood sits a 170-hp, 2.7-liter DOHC V6 and 4-speed auto tran, while safety comes in the form of 16-inch alloy wheels, 4-wheel disc brakes, foglights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and dual front and front-side airbags. ABS brakes and traction control are optional on the front-wheel drive sedan.

Seating four or five, the 2005 Sonata LX features fold-down rear seats, a 14-cubic foot trunk, and front and rear cupholders. In addition to full power features, a CD player, heated mirrors, remote entry, cruise control, a security system, intermittent wipers, and leather trim, the LX offers an 8-way power driver's seat, heated seats, automatic climate control, and a remote garage opener. A tilt steering wheel is also standard. Major options are a sunroof, heated seats, and a cargo net for the trunk. Highlights include the standard features for an affordable price, the stylish looks, and the spacious interior. Lowlights mention the poor fuel economy, poor customer service, lackluster seat comfort, and some engine noise on acceleration.