2011 Hyundai Sonata Pros and Cons at TrueDelta: Little Things Mean a Lot One Year In by mertensr

Powertrain performance

Acceleration is best in class for non-turbo, 4-cylinder engine. I appreciate car's ability to quickly pass on two lane roads. Transmission is among best I have experienced. People who drive my car swear it has a 6-cylinder engine.

Handling

Ride is noticeably harsh in comparison to Fusion, Altima and Accord. Suspension is loud, also. I'm not found of OEM 205/65-16 tires. Front tires can lose traction suddenly when exiting from Interstate at too high speed. Car performs poorly in even light snow. I'm reminded of Sonata's vague on-center steering feel whenever I drive another mid-size car.

Quietness

2.4 GDI engine has developed loud clattering sound at 13,000 miles. I suspect pre-detonation or intake carbon build up.

Tires

OEM tires had to be replaced at 8,500 miles due to improper toe-in from factory that was not caught by dealer PDI or me. My 2008 Kia Optima had same problem. Machens Hyundai aligned car under warranty, but offered nothing regarding premature tire replacement. Too bad, this caused my wife's car purchase to be a Ford.

Feature availability

My GLS is a base model with hard plastic door panels. I should have purchased appearance package with soft inserts in door sides. This small luxury would have been appreciated one year into ownership.

Controls and instruments

Control design on base car is very good for helping driver not be distracted. Bluetooth is much appreciated. Instrument lights, however, cannot be turned down far enough and are distracting. Not sure I like blue lighting, either.