Redesigned 2011 Hyundai Sonata is a Head-Turner
Mar 03 2010 by Lori Hindman
The Hyundai Sonata has always been a practical car, not known for turning heads. That’s changed with the redesigned 2011 model. This midsize sedan is flat-out gorgeous. It’s rich and elegant, with subtle sculpting and just a bit of sparkle. All I could think when I saw it sitting in the sun at a Hyundai event was, “Whoa! That’s a Hyundai?” Buckle up, folks; it’s a new day for the Sonata.
The 2011 Sonata is more than just a pretty face; it’s a spacious family sedan with a comfortable ride and plenty of tech. Even the base GLS trim comes well equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, USB port and iPod integration, XM Satellite Radio and keyless entry. A navigation system is available on all trims, but the backup camera is only offered for the Limited.
The seats are comfortable, with the sporty SE model offering two-tone leather seats and luxurious heated leather seats in the Limited trim. Sadly, the dash is made of a cheesy plastic material that screams rental car, but the layout of the gauges and controls is simple and clean. In the backseat, the seats are wide and deep. Child-safety seats should fit well, though the Latch connectors are buried in the seat crevice. The seat belts have floppy receptors, which are often frustrating for young kids trying to buckle up on their own.
Driving the Sonata is pleasant, but not extraordinary. It rides smoothly, with a crowd-pleasing mixture of road feel and bump absorption. There’s enough power to handle freeway merges and steep hills, but the Sonata isn’t the kind of car that will inspire impromptu drag races. There’s a bit of lag before the engine really kicks in and a noticeable amount of engine noise when it does. As long as driving is moderate, however, noise levels are fairly quiet, and the terrific sound system is more than adequate at covering it up.
The 2011 Sonata has been named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. To receive this safety nod, a car must earn the top score of Good in front, side, rollover and rear crash tests and have standard electronic stability control. The Sonata also comes with standard antilock brakes with brake assist, traction control, front- and side-impact airbags for the front row and side curtain airbags for both rows.
The Hyundai Sonata is priced to move; the base GLS trim with manual transmission starts at $19,195 and the top-of-the-line Limited trim with an optional navigation system tops out at $27,395.
I look forward to putting the Sonata through a MotherProof.com test drive with my family to see how it fares in the real world.
User Comments
who cares if it looks like solara, atleast its not overpriced like solara.
I disagree about the interior. It’s better than anything in its class and looks/feels NOTHING like a “rental car”. It’s beautiful.
I got to sit in one at a dealership, and I was shocked how much car you get for such a low price. I would have thought it would have been thousands more! Also impressed with the estimated MPG, something like 35 or 36 on the highway.
To James: you need to look at this thing in person before you start with the insults. It is really a beautiful car and the Solara seems 10 years old compared to this…knowledge, pass it on…
Before you buy a Sonata beware my 2003 model has paint blistering on the car and never has any other of the many cars I have owned done that.
BEWARE!!!!!!
wife owns a 2008 Sonata great car no mechahnical, electrical, or body or paint problems. I now own the 2011 Sonata SE. Won’t be filling up tank quite as often! Lot of people make comments about cars that look like other cars. This is very difffent under the hood and interior.
Whoops, I had thought for a second there Toyota made a 4-door Solara. Hyundai never really could think outside the box, huh?