Thanks for all of the suggestions and insight.
Now that I have really narrowed things down to the Sonata for the midsize option. What I really have to decide is if I really require this size of car. My main concern is comfort for hwy driving, the sonata does provide this, but will a corolla LE or an accord EX provide the same?
I am looking at the corolla LE w/ package B (since this is the only option with side air bags). this is also $2k more than the civic EX which I have yet to test drive.
The payments on all cars are similar. Looking at the fuel economy, since 80% of the driving will be hwy, i will only be burning 2 extra litres of fuel per 100 km in the sonata which is about $20 over 1000km or $400/year more, so it won't be too bad. (a lot better than the 95 4runner I am driving now). I will most likely lease the sonata, and purchase the corolla or civic. hmm to buy big or not to buy big?