Hyundai wants buyers to know it is serious about quality, reliability and durability, so the company is standing behind the new Sonata with one of the longest warranties available. And with a retail price of less than $20,000, the Hyundai Sonata makes an extremely good case for itself.

Hyundai's move toward higher quality and better engineering seemed to start in earnest with the launch of the Tiburon sports coupe. Now with the introduction of the all-new 1999 Sonata, the company has extended its display of major improvements.

Everything about the 1999 Sonata is new except the ashtray. A more rigid body structure, a more powerful and smoother running engine, and a suspension that provides an excellent balance between good handling and smooth ride quality elevates the Sonata to a class act.

If there was any question in your mind about the reliability and dependability of their vehicles, Hyundai wants us to know that they are squashing those fears right here and now. Hyundai has introduced an ownership assurance program meant to show owners that this company is so confident in the new Sonata they are willing to back it up. The Hyundai Advantage includes a limited warranty extending for five years or 60,000 miles also included is 24-hour roadside assistance and a limited 10-year 100,000 powertrain warranty. This is one of the longest warranties available today.

With an as tested price tag of $19,077, the Sonata GLS we tested represents a good value. It provides excellent interior comfort along with a very good ride and an exterior that breaks away from the cookie cutter, look-a-likes that have crowded the roads.