2005 Sonata Vs 2000

I have a 2000 Sonata and recently had a 2005 model as a rental car. Is it me,
or are the new Sonatas smaller than the old ones? I had a hard time fitting
into the new car even after adjusting the seat and steering wheel. What's
funny is that Dollar listed the Sonata as a full sized car! When I use other
car companies, I get cars like a Dodge Intrepid. There is no comparison
between an Intrepid and a Sonata. Since I am starting to look at cars now, I
am curious if my perceptions on the new Sonata are accurate before I invest in
another one.

Steve

 

A rental from the future? :-OOO

Zotto

 

They said it was brand new so I assumed it was a 2005. It may have been a
brand new 2004, but the point still remains, just change from 2005 to 2004--are
the 2004s smaller than the 2000s.

Steve

 

The 1999-2004 Sonatas are the same size. I haven't seen a 2005 in person,
so I can't comment. I don't know if any have made it to rental fleets
yet.

 

I find it hard to believe that the interior of that 2004 was the same as my
2000. Both I and my roomate commented on how cramped it was. I lowered the
seat all the way down, and my knees were hitting the steering column. I
adjusted the wheel tilt, and it was the same.

 

Are you sure it was a Sonata you drove? Current Accents look like older
Sonatas


Chris

 

It was a Sonata.

 

I've determined part of the issue may be the short steering wheel
columm. I haven't measured the relative distances, but basically it
seems the wheel on the Sonata is short compared to the pedals.

This means when you adjust for pedal fit (which is how I do it) you
end up too far from the wheel. Conversly, if you adjust for wheel
fit, you'll be on top of the pedals.

For more, see my post under: 2003 Sonata complaint, started 11 Sept
2004.

--AceyMan

_________________________
The AceyMan
Douglasville GA | USA

 

Thanks for the help. I know I have not gained THAT much weight in the last 4
years. Something has definitely changed and will prevent me from staying with
a Sonata. I am thinking of switching to an small SUV such as the Kia Sorrento,
and perhaps the Tucson when I can actually get inside one. Hyundai had a
prototype at the Houston auto show, but we could not get inside it.

Steve