Her and His Reviews
August 2010
2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited
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There are always two sides to everything, right? Well, the truth is there are many more than that!
To keep our car reviews innovative and well-rounded, we are providing you with not just one, but two points of view on the same exact vehicle –
Her and His perspectives.
Her: Anne Fleming, Car Buying Advocate,women-drivers.com
His: Chuck Kerber, Writer, AutomobileJournal.com
| Anne | Chuck |
|---|---|
| Price | |
| MSRP:$26,115.00 | MSRP:$26,115.00 |
| Performance | |
|
Powereasicated.
That is the word, well, the words I am using to describe the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited. Power - Ease - Sophisticated. Powereasicated. The vehicle sports a 2.4 Liter, 4-Cylinder Engine, Gasoline Direct Engine, Continuous Variable Valve Timing and 6-Speed Automatic Transmission with Shiftronic function. 198 ponies move this @ 6300 RPMs. Performance showed up big in Hyundai's latest re-engineered, restyled Sonata. Great pick up, and a quiet, seamless smooth drive puts this car as a Best Buy. Would have liked Hyundai to elevate the SE or Limited model into a V6 or more powerful engine choice. |
2.4 Liter, 4-Cylinder Engine, Gasoline Direct Engine
Continuous Variable Valve Timing 6-Speed Automatic Transmission with SHIFTRONIC 198 Horsepower @ 6300 RPMs SE Model 200 Horsepower 186 Ft. Lb of Torque Getting 198 horsepower out of a 4-cylinder engine is no easy task, but Hyundai has done it. This is a full-size sedan, but gets up to speed with ease. The engine is powerful and quiet; harmonious with its handling components. Cornering is a breeze, and changing lanes at highway speeds takes a small adjustment to the steering wheel. If you have four occupants acceleration can be a bit slower, but still adequate. |
| Fuel Economy | |
| 22 MPG City, 35 MPG Highway | 22 MPG City, 35 MPG Highway
For a full-sized vehicle, these are IMPRESSIVE numbers. |
| The Car | |
| The 2011 Hyundai Sonata has been completely re-designed. Perhaps 're-designed' doesn't give Hyundai enough credit. It's been designed, 100% newly. Hyundai has not only done an extraordinary job of positioning itself as the value price competitor going toe to toe with Honda and Toyota, but this vehicle actually surpasses the design and value of those brands
The spaciousness, layout, positioning and comfort all work congruously and naturally. Organization works with the above, and -- not as an afterthought. Trunk space is abundant. Driver visibility is excellent - the angle of the back window is soft, but not so severe or narrow that any type of blind spot appears. Driver and front passenger enjoy temperature controlled seating as well as personalized cabin control air. Dashboard and panel is accessible, readable (no readers necessary to locate button or knobs like required on some other models), and air flow is constant. Cup holders and hide-a-way spots for easy to reach necessities are well laid out. Back passengers can stow books, ipad, maps or laptops into integrated back seat pockets. Flush mounted arm rest can be adjusted into 90 degree angle to sit on back seat and make for more comfortable riding; two cup holders secure beverages. |
The 2011 Hyundai Sonata has been completely re-worked; very few components remain from the previous model. The interior is sleek and smooth. The materials and finish mock that of a entry-level Mercedes Benz. The climate controls are simple to use; the engineers at Hyundai have even put a 3-dimensional copy of the seat at the center console so the driver knows exactly what type, and in what part of vehicle, the ventilation system will be operating. Within the speedometer and tachometer is a LCD screens that monitors fuel levels and engine temperatures-very cool. Leg room in the rear of the vehicle is vast and comfortable and the power seats with power-lumbar support are very relaxing. |
| Safety | |
| This car has tested well in various front and side impact crash tests. ABS and ESC work to strongly support the driver to keep the car under control. Front, front-side impact and Side Curtain Air Bags abound. Vehicle comes equipped with Tire Pressure monitoring system and LATCH Child Safety System. | Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control
ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution 4-Wheel Disc Brakes Front, Front-Side Impact and Side Curtain Air Bags Tire Pressure Monitoring System Daytime Running Lights |
| Technology | |
| The technology and connectivity are solid, not overdone, and just what is needed on a family vehicle starting with push button start and proximity key entry. The XM satellite radio with a FREE 90 day subscription - with enough station choices to appease everyone in the household (or, car). The sound has a solid delivery with the Dimension Sound System with Sub-Woofer and speakers. There is an iPod and USB interface and of course, almost standard in this year's models -- are Bluetooth for hands free driving. The vehicle is equipped with an Advanced Trip Computer and Trip Settings; and most cool, electro chromatic mirror with digital compass. | Side-Mirror Turn Signal Indicators
Cruise Control Proximity Key Entry with Push-Button Start XM Satellite Radio with Free 90 Day Subscription Dimension Sound System with Sub-Woofer I-pod and USB Interface Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System Homelink Integrated Receiver Advanced Trip Computer with Trip Settings Electrochromatic Mirror with Digital Compass |
| Aesthetics & Styling | |
| From the exterior to the interior, the design is impeccable. Not just updating the façade, but rather giving this car its own distinct look. The grill is slightly more aggressive and bold and the hood (just like on the interior dash) has slight angled lines that are smooth and ever-so transitional, not boxy. The headlights are accentuated in style with an elongated and rounded right angle look.
Inside the car is a well laid out, simple yet, elegant look. Chrome and mahogany accents add luxurious appeal. |
If you've seen a Hyundai Sonata on the road it's easy to describe; in a word: beautiful. Usually, new vehicles mimic designs of other cars -- not in the case of the new 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The front end slopes aggressively towards the ground making the car look FAST. The sides have a pronounced seam which starts at the front corner panels, and wrap all the way around to the trunk- a fascinating and effective design. The positioning of the headlights, and rear lights, make it look like a much more expensive European luxury sedan. The fit and finish on this model is EXCEPTIONAL! |
| Warranty | |
| 5 Year, 60,000 Mile New Vehicle Warranty
10 Year, 100,000 Vehicle Power train Warranty 7-Year, Unlimited Mile Anti-Perforation Warranty 5-Year, Unlimited Mile Roadside Assistance |
HIS WARRANTY |
| Non-tangibles / Other | |
| Market share, Market share, Market share. Hyundai had a 40% plus increase in 2009 and with complete unabashedly impressive vehicles like the 2011 Hyundai Sonata, something has to give. It will be the Honda and Toyota's respective competing models that will lose a few more percentage points to this winner. | The 2011 Hyundai Sonata is a game changer. Hyundai is continuing to prove its prowess when it comes to producing a high quality, low-cost car that can easily compete with the Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion and Honda Accord. With similar equipment, a comparable vehicle in the same class from the aforementioned car companies would cost between 3-5k MORE. If you're in the market for a new car, be sure to check out the new Hyundai Sonata. |
