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2011 Hyundai Sonata

5326 messages,  Last post on Feb 15, 2013 at 11:34 AM

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What is this discussion about? Hyundai Sonata, Future Vehicle, Sedan

Messages Page 135 of 534

#1335 of 5326 GLS by backy

Mar 12, 2010 (7:17 am)

Finally saw the GLS today when I dropped off my 2007 Sonata for some work. A black base model, no options except AT, was in the shop. I was glad to see that Hyundai made the plastic wheel covers attractive; in fact, at first I thought they were alloys. So no need for alloys (for me)--they just get scuffed up on curbs anyway. Second, I thought the body-color grille with chrome surround was sharp--not as prominent as the all-chrome grille. But the grey interior with the patterned inserts was cheap looking, which was my impression of the SE's seats which have the same cloth inserts as the GLS. So I would definitely need to go with the camel cloth interior. From the brochure it appears to be more monocolor than the grey interior--no cross-woven inserts. Can someone who has seen the camel cloth interior confirm that, and how did it look to you? I think the camel interior would brighten up the inside considerably also compared to the black/grey interior.

#1336 of 5326 Re: Blind Spot [bobad] by midas69

Mar 12, 2010 (7:34 am)

Replying to: bobad (Mar 12, 2010 6:58 am)
Just hit the gas and go. That's why we have insurance!!!
 
Seriously, it's no worse than other cars on the road, for me. For me is the key. The Sonata has a lot more head room than most cars. So, for me, I usually have to scrunch down to see out the side windows on any car I have. It's no worse in the Sonata.
 
But when you talk about the blind spot, you're typically talking about the area around the C pillar. It's not that bad. Again, no worse than almost any other car out there in it's class. I felt it was much worse in the Fusion I test drove.

#1337 of 5326 Re: GLS [backy] by shabadoo25

Mar 12, 2010 (7:47 am)

Replying to: backy (Mar 12, 2010 7:17 am)
I may be alone on this, but I don't like camel-type interiors at all. However, I like it even less on the darker cars.
 
You have the dark exterior and the dark dashboard and side panels and then the camel cloth starts. It looks incongruous and out of place.
 
If you decide to get a GLS, pay the $900 and get aftermarket leather from the dealer.

#1338 of 5326 Re: Need help [m6user] by sanfromva

Mar 12, 2010 (8:21 am)

Replying to: m6user (Mar 11, 2010 7:42 pm)
You're right about people being elated to get 2K less than MSRP. Some reviews that came when I googled their name mention "their website prices are bogus and include rebates you won't qualify for". I haven't tried them yet so can't form an opinion yet.

#1339 of 5326 USA Today review .. by chrono

Mar 12, 2010 (8:31 am)

Replying to: sanfromva (Mar 12, 2010 8:21 am)
Another good review, I'm not sure we need to keep a tally because looks like 99% of the reviews are positive.
 
http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/reviews/healey/2010-03-11-test-drive-review-- hyundai-sonata_N.htm
 
So were other key elements:
 
•Steering was firm, quite so in the SE, and kept the car pointed straight until the driver commanded otherwise. So simple; so rare among cars.
 
If you like over-boosted power steering, the front-wheels-on-ice steering feel, Sonata's not your car.
 
•Suspension also was generally firm, again very much so in the SE, and cornering response was commensurately satisfying. No sweat handling tight, twisting freeway off-ramps approached at high speed.
 
•Brakes were delightful. Push 'em a little, slow a lot. Nothing spongy, vague or tentative. Very nice.
 
Classy interior and smooth-operating, firm-feeling controls were more like you'd expect in a near-luxury car. Even just operating the turn signal stalk or pulling the shift lever into gear could generate a tiny shiver of delight.
 
---
The 2011 Sonata accomplishes a mighty pair of feats.
 
It gives buyers a huge amount of refinement, driving enjoyment, comfort and style for not a lot of money.
 
And it forces other automakers to confront, and match or trump, Sonata's package of attributes, which may be the new benchmark for midsize (roughly) family sedans: four-cylinder engine with direct injection and at least 200 hp, 35 mpg or more rating on the highway, six-speed automatic (instead of the five-speeds most still use) and a $20,000 starting price.

#1340 of 5326 My Early Review by shabadoo25

Mar 12, 2010 (8:36 am)

If anyone's interested:
 
2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited: First 72 Hours Review

#1341 of 5326 Re: GLS [shabadoo25] by backy

Mar 12, 2010 (8:46 am)

Replying to: shabadoo25 (Mar 12, 2010 7:47 am)
I like camel and especially camel/black if it's done right. It can look cheap if not done right. I got a ride home from the dealership today in a silver blue 2010 Sonata with the camel cloth interior and I thought it looked pretty sharp, with the contrasting black dash and other black trim. And it makes the cabin more airy feeling than a dark interior.
 
Another possible problem with camel cloth is it will show dirt (but not lint) more than black or grey. So I wouldn't have camel if I had small kids etc. I don't have that problem anymore.
 
I actually prefer cloth over leather. It's more grippy and feels warmer in the winter (bun warmers help of course) and cooler in the summer (and the Sonata doesn't have seat coolers). Plus I really don't need/want all the bells and whistles (and extra cost) of the Limited; the GLS is plenty of car for me. With aftermarket leather, I'd worry they'd mess up the OCS and side airbag system. Also I don't think $900 aftermarket leather would include bun warmers, would it? That is a necessity for cold climates as in MN.

#1342 of 5326 Re: Blind Spot [bobad] by napsfan

Mar 12, 2010 (8:48 am)

Replying to: bobad (Mar 12, 2010 6:58 am)
I've only had the 2011 for a week, but like you, I am still getting adjusted to the visibility which is not as good in the Sonata compared to my previous vehicle (a minivan, not a fair comparison Plus I am newer to bifocals, which doesn't help. I believe it is "not too bad" and that I will learn how to adjust. But like you, I do notice that the narrower roof lines does impact visibility a bit and will take some getting used to.

#1343 of 5326 Re: GLS [backy] by shabadoo25

Mar 12, 2010 (8:51 am)

Replying to: backy (Mar 12, 2010 8:46 am)
As I always say, to each his own. To me, light colored interiors are for girls or rental cars. With the LTD, I don't have to worry about the seat being too cold--it comes with the heated seats.
 
The camel interior, the wine interior, cloth seats and the red/silver blue pearl exteriors aren't for me, but I'm glad they have something for every aesthetic sensibility.

#1344 of 5326 Re: Difference between the steel wheels and the mags? [ramkat] by m6user

Mar 12, 2010 (9:20 am)

Replying to: ramkat (Mar 12, 2010 4:46 am)
I'm not questioning the theory or the physics. I'm asking if anyone knows if there is a big difference between the ride and handling characteristics of the GLS vs. the Ltd. To my knowledge, there were no reported major differences between the previous version GLS/Ltd.
 
I totally agree that it would be nice(and logical) if the more expensive Ltd had better ride/handling. I'm just wondering if anyone can actually notice it.

Messages Page 135 of 534

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