Hyundai Sonata - What the Auto Press Says??

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata ranks 2 out of 19 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 11 published reviews and test drives of the Hyundai Sonata, and our analysis of reliability and safety data. Sharply-styled inside and out, and remarkably fuel-efficient, the all-new Hyundai Sonata is winning some positive press -- but its most upscale trims can’t compete with some competitors.

In its previous form, the Hyundai Sonata quietly built a reputation as an excellent value, with long warranty coverage and a lot of options at a low price. Completely redesigned for the 2011 model year, the new Sonata won’t do anything quietly. It’s one of the most unusual looking cars to hit the affordable midsize sedan class in years. It still carries that long warranty, and offers a long standard feature list even on its least-expensive trim levels. But it now combines those conservative values with dramatic styling inside and out. The new Sonata has been on the market a very short time, but Edmunds writes, “So far, it's proving difficult to find any substantial flaws in the considerable armor of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata, and the case for it only grows stronger when you consider the price points. This is, quite frankly, a tremendous amount of car for the money.”

Hyundai offers the Sonata with only a four-cylinder engine, even though almost every other car in its class is available with a V6. Still, reviewers say the Sonata offers plenty of power for most everyday needs, and impressive fuel economy as well. Most like the unusual styling outside, and almost all like the contemporary styling inside and the huge amount of passenger space. However, its cloth upholstery and front seats don’t leave many critics impressed.

Other Cars to Consider:
Reviewers say the Sonata may be an excellent choice for those shopping at the low-cost end of the midsize car segment, where its standard Bluetooth and XM Satellite Radio even on base models are unusual. Near the $20,000 mark, only the Suzuki Kizashi offers a similar package. Buyers might also be interested in the Kizashi’s available all-wheel drive.

Those with a little more to spend, however, might be disappointed that it’s hard to equip a Sonata as a more upscale car. The Ford Fusion, with its well-reviewed SYNC infotainment system and upscale cabin, might be a better choice for some. Those looking for a sportier feel without sacrificing fuel efficiency might want to test drive a four-cylinder Mazda6.

Details, the Hyundai Sonata
The Sonata has been completely redesigned for the 2011 model year. It’s available as a bargain-hunter’s GLS model (the only one offered with a stick shift), or a better-equipped Limited edition. A sport-tuned SE model is also available. Reviewers say it’s definitely sportier than other Sonatas, but still not the equal of a Mazda6 or Ford Fusion in the handling department.

• “The new Sonata is at or near the top of its hyper-competitive class in a broad range of categories -- some you might expect (low price, fuel economy, light weight) and some you might not (power, torque, interior space, and driving dynamics).”
• “Warning to Toyota, Honda, Ford, Chevrolet, Mazda and Nissan: Your corporate lives just became more difficult.”
• “On paper, it racks up enough best-in-class points to whoop the competition without breaking a sweat. On the road, we found the Sonata to be a strong contender with its bold new styling and a new sporty demeanor, but with arguably a little less grace and refinement than the outgoing model."
• "Completely redesigned for 2011, the Sonata is freshly styled and more spacious than its predecessor. It brings a few innovations to the game, including a new direct-injected four-cylinder powerplant mated to a six-speed automatic - yet it has no V6 option."

Hyundai Sonata Prices
We want to help you get a good deal on the Hyundai Sonata. While MSRP and Invoice prices are set by the manufacturer, they tell only part of the story. What you really need to know is what other people are paying for the Sonata. We work with TrueCar, Inc. to help you determine what constitutes a Great Price, Good Price, or High Price for the vehicle.

2011 Hyundai Sonata: 4dr Sdn 2.4 Man GLS *Ltd Avail*
Transmission: Manual MPG: 24 City / 35 Hwy Engine: Gas I4 2.4L/144
MSRP: $19,395
Invoice: $18,593
Avg. Paid Nationally:$19,816

2011 Hyundai Sonata: 4dr Sdn 2.4 Auto GLS *Ltd Avail*
Transmission: AUTO MPG: 22 City / 35 Hwy Engine: Gas I4 2.4L/144
MSRP: $20,395
Invoice: $19,538
Avg. Paid Nationally:$20,802

2011 Hyundai Sonata: 4dr Sdn 2.4 Auto SE *Ltd Avail*
Transmission: AUTO MPG: 22 City / 35 Hwy Engine: Gas I4 2.4L/144
MSRP: $22,795
Invoice: $21,578
Avg. Paid Nationally:$23,170

2011 Hyundai Sonata: 4dr Sdn 2.4 Auto Ltd *Ltd Avail*
Transmission: AUTO MPG: 22 City / 35 Hwy Engine: Gas I4 2.4L/144
MSRP: $25,495
Invoice: $23,847
Avg. Paid Nationally:$25,832

2011 Hyundai Sonata: 4dr Sdn 2.4 Auto Ltd w/Wine Int *Ltd Avail*
Transmission: AUTO MPG: 22 City / 35 Hwy Engine: Gas I4 2.4L/144
MSRP: $25,495
Invoice: $23,847
Avg. Paid Nationally:$25,834