[motorsportnerd]

The Sonata is an interesting one. Personally, I think the Sonata takes the awards for the most improved car of the year and the best value car on the market- but that's not the same as overall car of the year.
My father owns the old shape Sonata 2.4 - he didn't ask my recommendation - and it goes reasonably well. The new cars is apparantly light years ahead of the old one. However, it has very strong competition in both the four clyinder and six clyinder class. Top of the four clyinder class must be considered to be either the Accord Euro, Mazda6 or Subaru Liberty (take your pick...they're all top notch). The Sonata can't match these three for refinement, quality, sportiness, dynamics or performance. It can match them for value for money, interior space, safety and fuel economy and styling is a matter of taste but I think the Mazda6 is best looking in the class.
As for the six clyinder class - I know that the Sonata won a comparo in Drive against the 380 and BF - but that was because the writers couldn't overlook how stunning value for money the Sonata represents. It didn't beat the 380 or BF in any other area. And the journo did have to consider the value for money aspect when recommending which car for the average joe to buy.
So, the Sonata is getting up to the class standard now, but not to the top of it. Car of the Year? I'd be surprised, but I do think Sonata is the dark horse.
Also, one of my colleagues hates the thing - can't believe that a Hyundai could ever be a good car. That's a problem for the Sonata - public perception of the brand has a long way to go.