The fact that Hyundai vehicles are jam-packed with standard equipment, are devoid of ride and handling curve balls, look good inside and out, and are priced far less than a house mortgage make any one of the automaker’s vehicles worthy of a prolonged evaluation. But a brief review of a one-week 2004 Sonata GLS test drive is a great second choice. The midsize sedan via the GLS versions is stuffed with standards that include power rack and pinion steering, 16-inch alloy wheels, Michelin Performance tires, front fog lights, 60/40 split fold rear seat, lighted vanity mirrors, cruise control, and power windows/door locks/mirrors. Sonata is sold in three styles: base, GLS, and LX. What makes the Sonata a contender goes beyond the standard fare equipment list. Sonata is a midsize that can, can, can – rather than could have, should have – deliver on a number of levels. From a power perspective, Sonata GLS and LX versions are equipped with a 170 horsepower 2.7-liter V6. That’s ample power for this sedan. Transmissions are the standard five-speed manual and the optional four-speed automatic with Shiftronic manual control. A well-balanced ride is supplied by a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension. On the mileage counter side, the V6 with automatic transmission sedan delivers an estimated MPG of 19 city, 27 highway. As for pricing, the MSRP digits stop at $18,799 for Sonata GLS with V6.