Hyundai 's 2.7-liter V6 provides quick acceleration from a standstill. The Sonata accelerates smoothly and without great drama. It doesn't have the most powerful V6 among mid-size sedans, so the Hyundai would probably lose a drag race against a Toyota Camry V6. But it's stronger than the four-cylinder engines that come in the Camry and Accord and other sedans that cost more than a Sonata GLS with a V6. The Hyundai V6 idles quietly, but not silently.

The Sonata's automatic transmission is responsive and sophisticated. Shifts are smooth, almost unnoticeable. Using fuzzy logic, the transmission's electronic controller adapts to the driver's style and minimizes hunting when climbing hills. It's sometimes helpful to slap the Shiftronic lever to the right and downshift manually, but it isn't necessary as stepping on the gas will induce it to downshift. Using the Shiftronic is fun at times, however, and can give the driver more precise shifting control. Slip the shift lever over to a second slot, and once there row it fore and aft to shift up and down manually. The transmission will hold the selected gear rather than shifting automatically. The Shiftronic override is useful for engine braking on long, steep downgrades.

The four-cylinder engine that comes with the base model works well when paired with the five-speed manual gearbox. It does not, however, offer strong power, especially at higher elevations. It lacks the response of the V6, particularly at lower revs. It delivers 22/30 mpg with the manual, 21/28 with the automatic. The V6 gets 20/27 mpg with the automatic.

Sonata's ride is smooth, soaking up tar strips and potholes. Some popping over seams can be heard, and at speed the Sonata has a tendency to drift within its lane. But our test car glided effortlessly at 75 mph, with only a ruffle of wind noise and the slightest amount of tire noise interfering with our utter tranquility. We enjoyed even the pianissimo passages of classical music on the Sonata's standard CD player. The nose dives a bit under hard braking and the rear suspension squats under hard acceleration, but the Sonata's four-wheel independent suspension works well in the daily grind.

Steering is responsive. It's a bit slower than the new Honda Accord's steering, so you have to turn the wheel more. Drive it very hard on a bumpy, winding road and you can feel some chassis flex. This third-generation Hyundai Sonata was launched for the 1999 model year, so its chassis isn't as rigid as what you get with the newest name-brand sedans. (Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Altima all benefit from completely re-engineered chassis within the past year.) Also, the tires don't feel as connected to a wet road we'd like. But the Sonata is alright.

Braking in the Sonata GLS is solid with the four-wheel discs, an upgrade over the rear drum brakes in the base model. ABS is optional and we recommend it as it allows the driver to brake and steer at the same time in an emergency stopping situation.