2011 HYUNDAI SONATA

The Tee To Green D-R-I-V-E of the WEEK:

*Note:  For 2011, the Hyundai Sonata has been completely re-designed

    D - Drivability:   9

What I liked:   I liked pretty much everything about this car.  After 5 minutes behind the wheel, I felt as though I had been driving it for years.  The driver's seat was comfortable and all of the interior knobs and controls were easy to read and use.  The interior had a luxury car feel.  Excellent handling, both in traffic around town and on the open road.  The Sonata didn't lose any power on a winding mountain road.  The ride was smooth and quiet.  It drove like a much more expensive car.

What I didn't like:  The front sight lines were blocked by the door and windshield panels.  This caused a slight visibility problem when turning left or right.

    R - Rideability:  9

What I liked:  The Sonata seats 4 adults comfortably with easy access, in and out of the front and rear doors.  Leg room was adequate, front and rear.  Like the driver, passengers get a ride that is smooth, quiet and comfortable.  The trunk is the largest in it's class. (16.4 cubic feet) Definitely a plus.  In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests, the Sonata was named the agency's "Top Safety Pick."  All models come equipped with anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, full-length side curtain airbags and front seat side-cushion airbags.

What I didn't like:  The redesign seemed to decrease cabin space a bit.  The severe sloping roof design cuts down on rear seat headroom.

    I -  Image:      9.5

It's hard to stand out in a very good mid-size sedan category, but the Sonata does very well.  I like the front grill/headlight styling.  It's sporty and aggressive but it also reminds me of top end luxury cars like Lexus or Jaguar.  The side mirror turn signal repeaters (new for 2011) give the Sonata a sharp hi-tech look.  This is a vehicle that cuts across all demographics and catches the eye at the beach, grocery store, at school, at work or at the country club.

    V  -  Value:      8.5

Hyundai's tag line "Looks expensive. But it isn't." says it all.  The 2011 Sonata GLS 4 door sedan (2.4L 4 cyl) with 6-speed manual transmission has a national base price of $19,195. (MSRP)  The same model with automatic transmission has a base of $20,195.  The sporty SE starts at around 22K.  The top of the line Limited stickers out at 25K (MSRP)  Two optional equipment packages are available.

   E -  Economy:   9

24 miles per gallon in the city.  35mpg on the highway.  Uses regular unleaded.

   TOTAL:  45 (out of 50)

What it competes against:  The Nissan Altima, Mazda 6, Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Chevy Malibu are other vehicles in this category.