Remember when economical really meant "cheap looking"? That description may have fit the original Sonata, but not the new one. Exterior styling won't break any new ground, but it has a surprisingly refined look that speaks of a much higher price.The sloped cowl, raked windshield and under-bumper air scoop suggest Hyundai designers spent some quality time in the wind tunnel. That translates into not only improved fuel economy but also lower wind noise in the passenger compartment. It took some very picky eyes to find even the slightest flaw in our test Sonata's fit-and-finish-there were only a couple. To most motorists, the quality of the exterior would easily stand alongside some of the better Japanese competitors.
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