Like every other sedan in its class, the 2006 Hyundai Sonata comes standard with a four-cylinder engine. In this case, it’s a new 2.4-liter unit good for 162 horsepower and 164 lb.-ft. of torque. Constructed of aluminum and equipped with continuously variable valve timing (CVVT), this engine is rated as an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV) and, according to the EPA, should get 24 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway when equipped with the standard five-speed manual transmission. Opt for the four-speed Shifttronic automatic, and you can expect 24 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway.

If you require more power, upgrade to the available 3.3-liter V6 in the GLS V6 and LX models. This engine is brand new and class competitive, making 235 horsepower and 226 lb.-ft. of torque – a whopping 65 horsepower and 45 lb.-ft. bump over the old Sonata’s V6. All aluminum and equipped with CVVT, the V6 also gets a Variable Intake System (VIS) to broaden the power curve for improved off-the-line and passing performance. The EPA says you’ll get 20 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway with the standard and mandatory five-speed Shifttronic transmission.

Under the Sonata’s sheetmetal, there’s a four-wheel independent suspension with double wishbones in front and a multi-link arrangement in back. Front and rear stabilizer bars help control roll in turns. Engine-speed sensing, power rack-and-pinion steering guides standard 215/60R16 tires or optional P225/50R17 tires. Brakes are vented discs in front and solid discs in back, upsized on V6 models for improved capability.