2011 Hyundai Sonata

osaka75

The Hyundai site lists Proximity Key Entry with Push Button Start as standard for the Limited and SE. I thought this meant that it had keyless entry but the salesperson said that it only meant that the start button was proximity, not entry into the vehicle. He opened the door and I didn't think to test it out.

Can anyone verify what the Hyundai Proximity Key Entry feature actually does? Thanks.

pcgeek86

Hello Philip,

Thank you for responding to my post about the iPod static. My case # with consumer affairs is 3868972.

Let me know if you need anymore detail ... I'm happy to reproduce the issue as much as you need.

Cheers,
Trevor

pcgeek86

You can unlock the doors with the proximity key. You press the button once to unlock the driver's door, and twice for all the doors.

Cheers,
-Trevor

wrelessb

The proximity key will allow me to leave the key (looks like a FOB) in my pocket and as long as it is within 30-40 inches, I just push the button on the door handle to unlock the car.

wrelessb

I have a 2011 Sonata Limited and have not had this issue with my iPhone 3GS at all. I do use this feature quite frequently as well.

I actually find that the 2011 Sonata Navigation is superior in UI and features to our 2010 Genesis Sedan with premium and tech package. I hope that Hyundai releases new firmware that enables Bluetooth streaming, and phone book import into my Genesis.

swingman

Thanks for all the videos trevor and for going over the heated seats feature.

Could you post a video of your engine sound in normal driving? Just to get a general idea of how much it differs from the SE.

Do you think the limited is worth it over the base SE?

Jason5

Perhaps it would appear like you were less of a "hater" if you put the quote in it's entirety.. What you missed was:

Still, it's not tuned to jar bones and remains an acceptable ride for a performance-oriented package. We suspect the GLS and Limited models will ride softer than the SE. Steering heft is good, though a little lacking in feel, and we found the brakes to be strong and confidence-inspiring, with excellent modulation.

and

The improvements mostly work, with the Sonata being acceptably quiet inside, although some staffers felt that the last-generation Sonata perhaps had an upper hand on NVH levels. Overall, the new Sonata does seem keen to trade a little comfort for a more dynamic personality.

bobad

The improvements mostly work, with the Sonata being acceptably quiet inside, although some staffers felt that the last-generation Sonata perhaps had an upper hand on NVH levels.

Was that the SE by any chance?

midas69

After test driving the Fusion and Sonata yesterday (as posted earlier), this morning I did the Internet request for quotes. Most were BS. But I got one quote that I just couldn't resist. Limited with Nav in White Pearl ($200 extra) in stock for $25,468. I loved the white one I drove yesterday so I couldn't resist. Haven't really done much driving other than to take it home from the dealer in rush hour traffic. But I did play a little with the NAV.

My earlier information that it wasn't voice activated is wrong. It is indeed voice activated. Even better, it's not really locked down when driving, even using the touch screen. The screen is a tad smaller than my Camry, but the lack of lock outs is really nice.

Oh well, off to start reading the manuals.

Bluetooth pairing was a breeze with my Blackberry 8830, but I do have a few minor issues there. It downloaded my entire phonebook. Unfortunately, that means I have a lot of work people that I don't plan to ever call. I'll have to read the manual to see if there are any work arounds.

My wife isn't happy that the interior is black, but with the white, I think it's the best color combo. It's been a long time since I've owned a white car and wow, this car is REALLY WHITE! But it does look sharp.

pcgeek86

swingman,

Does this video help?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOOhnZSGEg0

It all depends on whether you want the features of the Limited or not. Personally, I'd say go for the Limited ... leather seats (they're really nice ... didn't think I wanted them), heated rear seats, turn signals on the side mirrors, dual climate control, and a bunch more ....

Cheers,
Trevor

m6user

Congrats on your new car. Sounds beautiful. Question about the bluetooth phone pairing. Is this something that downloads into the car each time you enter the car or is it a one time deal? What if you have two phones? When you turn off the car and leave it and then come back, are the last numbers dialed or received kept in the cars memory? Based on the situation I don't know if I want everyone knowing who I called or who called me??? Or is this something that is easy to delete from memory when exiting the car?

midas69

Congrats on your new car. Sounds beautiful. Question about the bluetooth phone pairing. Is this something that downloads into the car each time you enter the car or is it a one time deal? What if you have two phones? When you turn off the car and leave it and then come back, are the last numbers dialed or received kept in the cars memory? Based on the situation I don't know if I want everyone knowing who I called or who called me??? Or is this something that is easy to delete from memory when exiting the car?

I don't really know if it does it every time. I guess I have to add a new number and see if it shows up. As far as history, I haven't checked this yet. But on my Camry you could see a list of recently called numbers. I don't know how easy it would be to delete since I never bothered.

syitalian25

When you get in the car, the bluetooth connects to whatever phones have been paired to it (yes, it works with two phones at once) ... you can make/receive calls over the bluetooth system as soon as the phone is connected, however you have to wait about 15-30 seconds for the system to download your phonebook names in order to use voice activation. They are not saved into the car's memory, and are re-downloaded when you get back in the next time. You can call the most recent number as listed in your phone, but none of it is saved to the car itself so it is pretty similar to using a wireless headset.

In the settings you can select which phone has priority over the hands-free system in case you are using both phones at once (say, for example, your phone and your wife's phone). I have two phones but the bluetooth is broken on one so I will have more information on exactly when it chooses which phone when I get a replacement next week.

This is much better than the system in the 09/10 Malibu where you have to manually input each name/number you plan to voice-dial (each taking a series of annoying prompts) before you can use the voice recognition for that person. The Sonata's takes a few seconds to download but then you can say any name/number that is in your phone, no additional setup required.

swingman

Thanks for the videos. You've been awesome.

I definitely like a lot of the features in the limited and never had a car with leather seats, so that could be nice. My current car is without a sunroof and kind of miss having that as a feature. Plus, your dimension audio system looks pretty good if they can figure out the ipod issues. I have an ipod touch 2G that I plan on using in it.

The engine in the limited doesn't sound too bad. I wish they would have put the dual exhaust in the limited. I kind of have a feeling the turbo version might be a combo se limited type deal.

syitalian25

I think both the Limited and SE are gorgeous cars, the Limited has more features/luxury/ride comfort and the SE has better handling/performance and looks slightly better on the exterior.

I decided to go with the SE because it was $3000 cheaper, had most of the features I cared about, and better handling for spirited driving. While the ride is just slightly less refined than the Limited I test drove twice, there was also less lean around the corners and a feeling of really being stuck to the road. I also think the 18'' wheels/duel exhaust really adds to the sporty exterior look of the car, and I like the paddle shifters/performance tires/exhaust note.

I wish Hyundai offered the sunroof/upgraded stereo on the SE without the pricey navigation system. I already have a decent Garmin, and I don't need to pay $1200 for the screen in my dash (that is what they are said to cost). That being said, the base stereo sounds good and is louder than I could pretty much ever want to set it without rupturing an eardrums, and I am young so this is saying a lot. $1400 for just the stereo and sunroof and I would have been sold though (are you listening Hyundai?) :surprise:

If you care much about the sunroof/upgraded stereo/full heated leather/turn signals on the mirrors/duel climate control and are not the type to drive your car hard anyways than definitely going with the Limited, these are great features to have. It's all a matter of preference and price range.

SE in silver - http://blogs.cars.com/.a/6a00d83451b3c669e2012877b54fc4970c-pi

Limited in silver - http://blogs.cars.com/.a/6a00d83451b3c669e20120a8ce341c970b-800wi

zornundo

I don't know any specific numbers, but my brother, who works down at the plant as an engineer, said that they should be making them this month and then you should see them in April, at least.

lancep97

I have my fingers crossed as well that the turbo will be available in a limited trim level. Hopefully Hyundai will clear this up for us with the announcement at the NY Auto Show next month.

swingman

I definitely plan on test driving both. Decision will probably depend on which one I think drives better for me. Roads around here are in disrepair (especially this time of year) so a softer ride might be a better choice given the circumstances.

Right now I drive a 2007 civic so that's what I've been used to driving. It will be interesting to see the differences between my civic and the sonata (se and limited), fusion and altima when it comes to drive/handling etc.

m6user

Thanks for the explanation. I kind of thought that's how it worked. I knew you could have more than 1 phone paired so it makes sense that the system wouldn't retain data after the bluetooth connection was lost or overriden by the more priority phone.l

ramkat

Question to the US owners of 2011 Sonatas. Does the US version of the Limited (or any other model of the 2011 Sonata) include a "Windowshield Wiper de-icer". The reason why I am asking is that Hyundai apparently does not include the push button start on the Canadian version of the Limited, that is included in the Nav upgrade package which does not include the Infinity radio, so I am trying to see if they have replaced it with something else, and Windowshield Wiper de-icer is the only thing that I could pick up in the list. It will probably be some heater elements build into the bottom of the windscreen.

Judging from my experience, and I live in the coldest capital city in the world, I will use that de-icer about 5 times a year, even when leaving my car outside 24/7. So I would have preferred the pushbutton start.

They also give us an option of only 8 colours with only one matching seat colour per exterior colour. :mad: .

2011limited

I live in Ottawa too..... As usual, Canadian consumers get ripped. I want the push-button start, so I have to order the NAV option... without the stereo up-grade!

Pitiful.... plus our prices are about 20% higher, with the Canadian Dollar only about 3% lower than a USD.

I have the windshield wiper deicer on another vehicle... it works nicely, but I could lose it

thdrkpoet

Hello all. I'm a new member to the forum and had a question about the 2011 Hyundai Sonata SE and the sport-tuned suspension that comes with it. Compared to the Limited, how much more bumpy/rough should the ride be with that suspension? I test drove the limited but ended up buying the SE due to price and features, but I'm finding that I'm constantly moving in the cabin of the car and that I can feel every little imperfection in the road...is this normal?
Also, does everyone's exhaust tick after shutting the car off?

Thanks,
Brian

nace818

I drove the two back to back abd did not notice a big difference in ride or noise. The SE definitely looks better on the outside, but the Limited is much better on the inside. My dealer will add an electric sunroof to the SE for me for about $800 so I don't have to get the nav/sunroof bundle from the factory. I'm still having a hard time deciding though.The cloth/leather in the SE don't do much for me. Also, do all the dealers make you wait for 30-45 min to see the finance manager after talking to the salesman? I walked out on my dealer yeasterday after about 45 minutes waiting.

m6user

Not to get into a lengthy discussion but why is that cars are equipped so differently for the Canadian market vs. the US? I can understand price difference flucuations(maybe not to the degree it occurs) but the cars themselves being so different seems strange. It would seem cheaper for the manufacturers to make them the same except for the obvious kilometer/centigrade stuff. I seem to remember years ago when people in the states wanted to buy Canadian cars because they were so much cheaper and now they are more expensive.

Is this just a matter of manufacturers taking advantage of an area with possibly a lot less competition? If that were the case, it still seems it would be easier to make the same car but just keep the prices higher. :confuse:

bobad

Haven't drove either yet, but I can tell you that 18" tires can feel very bumpy. That's the price you pay for the better handling and road feel.

The exhaust will have a few noises as it cools and contracts. This should improve pretty soon, but may never go away completely.

herbie10

I'm not aware of any "Wiper De-icer" on any of the models. It would have been nice to have with the winter we had though. I've looked through the brochure, owner's manual, and web site, and don't see anything about a De-icer.

herbie10

Well, I got my car back on Tuesday after I took it in on Saturday. They got the computer re-started and brought the car back to me. I have to admit that I really missed the car. I'm going to drive it today since I didn't drive it because of snow the last two days. They didn't really know what the computer upgrade was for. I'll have to hand it to the dealership though. They cleaned the car and filled it with gas before they brought it back. I even got a call from the sales manager telling me to stop by next time we're close and they would fill it up with gas again for me. Even with the computer problem, we're very happy with our purchase.

pcgeek86

I would have missed my car for just a few days as well. Glad you've got it back, and in good working order!

-Trevor

syitalian25

What were your impressions of the Sonata's handling/quality vs. the Fusion? What made you go with the Sonata?

syitalian25

Try adjusting the seat to the lower heights - they go unnecessarily high and if you are an average size you will probably be comfortable with it almost all the way down. It takes a little bit to find the sweet spot.

Also with your suspension, make sure all your tires are set to 32 or so PSI (the dealer had one at only 26). The suspension on either model soaks up bumps and rough road pretty well, but the stiffer springs and bigger performance tires definitely add some handling at the slight expense of refinement. If it continues to be an issue just go with All-Season Grand Touring tires when it is time to replace them. But you :shades: will appreciate that extra road feel when you get around a turn and think "wow I didn't realize I was going so fast!"

syitalian25

http://newsblaze.com/story/2010030404310200006.pnw/topstory.html

midas69

I had posted the day before regarding my comparisons. Bottom line though, the Sonata just felt like more car for the money. I loved the styling, the interior and power compared to the Fusion. It was going to be very hard to find a 4cyl Fusion with Nav. The dealer, one of the largest and oldest in the area, didn't even have any 4cly SEL models, even without NAV.

pcgeek86

Just a quick update on where I'm at with the static issue:

* Took my car into the dealership yesterday morning (2010-03-04) - Sat with tech and compared same music (Enya) on MP3 data CD vs. via the iPod Touch 3G. Tech had a hard time understanding the difference between bass rattle and the static.

* Dealership also opened a case with Hyundai (in addition to my case with consumer affairs) - Told me they didn't know when they would hear back from them.

* Notified salesperson at dealership about the issue. He got me in touch with the service director at the dealership, and there was also a regional [midwest] Hyundai Field Engineer there in the afternoon. He looked at the issue, and I sent him a recording of the static via a voice memo on my iPhone 3GS (since it's got a relatively decent microphone on it). The field engineer understood the static issue, and told me that he would report the issue to Hyundai also.

-------------------------------------------------

I think that's everything I have to report right now. So far, I have no idea when I'm supposed to hear something back, but supposedly, someone will be contacting me when they do find a resolution (who knows when). It seems that, between Hyundai corporate, and the dealership, there are issues with making any sort of time commitment, to respond back to me with a status update. As a new car owner, and someone who purchased the 2011 Sonata in part due to the iPod integration, I'm rather disappointed at the lack of commitment.

Aside from the lack of commitment, I am still somewhat hopeful that I will be surprised in the near future, by a prompt response and resolution from Hyundai. The situation has been adequately documented by the dealership and Hyundai corporate, so I'm hoping to hear something back soon.

Cheers,
Trevor

midas69

I don't know if I'd call it lack of commitment. As someone that used to be in the auto repair business, this is a tough one. They don't know what's wrong yet. They have no idea how long it's going to take to figure it out. And of course, without knowing what's wrong, they don't what it's going to take to fix it. That makes it really difficult to commit to a timeframe.

Personally, I'd give you a timeframe when I was going to at least let you know what our progress was. But really, until they have answers that's just a matter of mitigation.

pcgeek86

All I'm really asking for are status updates. I don't expect them to magically be able to tell me that they can fix it in "X" days. As someone who works in the technology field, I understand the complexity of systems such as computers and vehicles (though I do not have good understanding of mechanical engineering), and the difficulty of estimating repair times.

I would, however, appreciate some level of commitment beyond (paraphrased) "we've submitted it, but it could take any amount of time to resolve ... maybe 6 months." In 6 months' time, I'd hope they'd have already made the decision to completely re-engineer the audio system from scratch, in order to resolve this (don't take this literally).

Cheers,
-Trevor

midas69

I agree that status updates would be the proper courtesy. But really, it's just fluff until they figure it out. I just bought mine yesterday and haven't tried the iPod yet. I'll try it a little driving home tonight. But I have the NAV, so it has the Infinity system.

shabadoo25

Ed Voyles Hyundai in Smryna got in a camel/camel GLS today. It has cloth interior and not leather, but I know some of you have been waiting on this combination.

They also got in 2 models in the silver blue pearl. This model looks silver from a distance, and light baby blue up close in the sun. Might be good for you Tarheel fans.

If you are interested in either of these, go through the Internet to contact sales.

shabadoo25

If any Hyundai employees are reading this, can you answer a question for me?

I special ordered a Sonata on Super Bowl Sunday that has still not arrived at my dealer. It does exist and is part of their allotment--we even have a VIN number.

The status of this car shows as "PA" in their inventory system. Do you know what this designation means?

Thanks in advance.

shuale_ejs

I am really upset about my whole car buying experience. :mad: I still don't have a car and the sales rep has not gotten back to me, as promised, about where the car is and how soon it'll be here. To tell you the truth I'm not even excited anymore. However, each time I read everyone's posts it's helps me to not feel totally despondent. :sick:

I feel like just walking away from my "non-refundable" deposit and going to another dealer.

It's at times like this I wish you knew people in certain places. Like a lawyer, or a radio DJ or something.

jayrider

ask for your deposit back. Then relax -- all good things come to those who wait. Then stop reading the posts and focus on something important. That car will be a nice place to spend 30-45 minutes a day in but it won't change your life for the better very much at all. Trust me -- I know of what I speak.

shabadoo25

I understand how you feel because I am in the same boat. I have been waiting for a black/black w/nav since Super Bowl Sunday.

One thing you have to understand though is that there are only certain combinations out there right now in dealer stock. The most prevalent are black/grey, silver/grey and blue/grey in the Limited.

If we were trying to get a particular combo in June, this would be much easier. However, why Hyundai doesn't have a customer special order system I have no idea.

andyfromva

I went to Fairfax Hyundai to look at a Pacific Blue Pearl. It was way too dark for me. I think the brighter blue is the Indigo Blue Pearl. Has anyone seen one who can verify this?

shabadoo25

I've seen the indigo on other Hyundai models, and it is brighter. To my knowledge, no one in the southeastern region has one.

debbie37

Did you have any luck finding a venition red 2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited? I am also looking for one but want the nav system.

Thanks so much!

caseybru

The Indigo blue is the brightest blue. I am waiting on the Pacific blue pearl/gray/gray SE. In the sunlight, it looks a different color from every direction. Depends on where the sun is as compared to the shade.Kinda like the Pacific Ocean from a Pacific Island view on a bright sunny day as you watch the waves, swells, and curls wash toward the beach. Several LTD's with such colors and a few GLS but not so many SE's in our part of northern Ca. Plenty of them down Anaheim way but that is about 800 miles south.
Where is Fairfax???

andyfromva

Fairfax is in Virginia. Fairfax Hyundai has plenty of Pacific Blue Pearl Sonatas. I agree with you that the color is not easy to characterize. Sometimes it looks gray, sometimes green, other times dark blue and other times black.

What they don't seem to have are Indigo Blue Pearl or Venetian Red.

shabadoo25

I have only seen the red in GLS. Most of the SEs produced at this point have been black.

rico84

Please let me know what dealership had said this. The factory package must include both the Nav/Sunroof for the SE model if you want the sunroof. If this is true a lot of people will definitely request this. I would be one of them.

shabadoo25

The Fitzmall dealers in the MD/VA area claim they have 2 indigo blue models.

midas69

As promised, I tried mine today on the way home from work. It's only about a 25 minute drive, but I heard no static on anything. Sorry, I know that's not much help.