Hyundai Sonata
COPY EDITOR CYNTHIA L. OROSCO: I was impressed in my quick overnight with the Sonata. The exterior lines are sleek and sporty looking. The ride is fun, with plenty of power as soon as you step on the pedal, no hesitation. Entering the expressway and passing are done smoothly; no jerking when you need that extra boost. The interior is quite nice with good materials all around, even the hard plastics. The seats are comfy, and all of the controls are super-easy to find and use.
For our monthly grocery trip, which was one of the biggest we've done in some time, the Sonata's huge trunk swallowed up more than a dozen bags and there was still room to spare. I think this car, along with the sporty and fun Genesis, could start to change people's perceptions of Hyundai's cars.
SENIOR EDITOR FOR NEWS BOB GRITZINGER: Look out Toyota Camry and beware Honda Accord--the latest Korean competition is in town, and it's loaded for bear. Not only is the 2011 Sonata one of the sharpest-looking midsizers on the market, but this four-cylinder test car packaged a bevy of standard features, along with the high-end options such as navigation and upscale audio system. Inside, everything is well placed and the surroundings are quite pleasing and quiet.
Though the four-cylinder sometimes sounds as if it is laboring under heavy acceleration, the gearing is such that the car is peppy off the line and responsive in most driving situations. It won't blow anyone's doors off, but if you're buying a midsize sedan to go street racing, you may need to examine what you really want in a car.
Between the stylish packing and standard features for the price--and the quiet ride, reasonable powertrain and solid build quality--the 2011 Sonata lives up to its strong reviews.
EDITOR WES RAYNAL: You buy a Hyundai because it's cheap. People buy them on price. There is no reason to buy a Hyundai unless you can get a hell of a deal on one. That is, until now perhaps. This is a darn-fine midsize sedan and could well be the first car Hyundai could actually sell on something other than a cheap sticker.
While I don't think anybody should have to pay near $30,000 for any four-cylinder midsize sedan, this is probably the closest thing I've driven to being worth it. The sheetmetal looks terrific (as long as you like the Mercedes-Benz CLS, which this copies closely), road manners are good and the interior is pretty good. The back seat lacks a bit of headroom but it's not too bad.
Hyundai has really upped its game with this car. Will it be the car that breaks Hyundai from the cheap-wheels stigma? Let's see how it plays in Dubuque.
SENIOR WEB REPORTER GREG MIGLIORE: I think the styling and smooth powertrain make this Hyundai a winner and a serious competitor for the Camry and the Accord.
For a guy who notices such things, it's nice to see a midsize sedan that has a striking look (even if that look is rather Mercedes-like). The beltline and the lights do an impressive job of distinguishing this Hyundai from other entries in the segment.
The I4 is smooth and offers plenty of acceleration for a four-banger. It works well with the six-speed; very well calibrated. The inside is a pleasant setting, and the gauges are almost luxurylike in appearance.
The last Sonata was a nice car. This one is a real competitor. Look out.
2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited
Base Price: $26,015
As-Tested Price: $28,215
Drivetrain: 2.4-liter I4; FWD, six-speed automatic
Output: 198 hp @ 6,300 rpm, 184 lb-ft @ 4,250 rpm
Curb Weight: 3,316 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 26/25.9 mpg
Options: Navigation package including high-resolution touch display, satellite traffic and weather and sports, premium sound with subwoofer, backup camera ($2,100); carpeted floor mats ($100)
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