2011 Hyundai Sonata

j2j

You do know that Hyundais are significantly more reliable than VWs?

If you want better grade interior materials - then move up to the Azera (well, until the next gen Azera gets released).

The interior of the Limited trim of the Sonata has been considered by auto reviewers to be at or near the top of the mainstream mid-size segment.

And btw, one could very well say similar things for the CC, in comparison to the Mercedes that it apes, the CLS.

Kirstie_H

Accusing someone of being a Honda rep (which he isn't) is baseless, and not helpful to the conversation. The member may be incorrect or confused, but let's direct comments toward the issue rather than the member.

cyndeana

OK, call me picky, but I must have the camel, in the Limited trim. (Or Pacific Blue, but apparently that's even harder to find.) I've got several dealers searching for one, and found what was apparently the only one in New England, but it got sold out from under me last night. (I was supposed to make a deal on it today; someone beat me to the punch.) Can anyone explain what exactly the problem is? Why aren't these colors being shipped to the dealers, and are they going to be soon? (I'm sort of hoping a Hyundai higher-up will be reading this.) I don't have to buy a car right this second, but I want to, and if I can't get the colors I want, I'll test-drive something else. Any info would be appreciated!

schdy

I didn't say he was a Honda rep. I said he sounds like a Honda rep. Go back and read it!
For your info there are authors on this and other Forums that work for other Manufacturers and knock their competitors while sounding like ordinary consumers.
Maybe you weren't aware of this before you attacked my post.

bneuman542

My wife has the old school Hyundai bluetooth in her Santa Fe, and this is exactly how it works. The priority system makes it only recognize the higher priority phone.

If your wife uses the car without you and your phone inside, it will pick up her calls.

Can anyone confirm this is how it works with the 2011 Sonata? As I said before I'm new to bluetooth. I figured or at least hoped if the two phones were paired with the system it would automatically answer the phone that was ringing.

shabadoo25

Most of the camel exteriors out there for sale right now are the base trim. Hyundai must be under the impression that most buyers want black, blue, silver or grey models, because those are the easiest to find colors.

keyman2

Hi Everyone Again
I'm down to 2 colors?I'm hopefully going to buy my car end of month or first week of June?I'm looking at the Radiant Silver,Indigo Blue.I love the Pearl White but the ewaler I'm speaking with told me it's a long wait and $200 more,I really want a car now ?not 2 or 3 months.Hyundai should know all of this and produce more colors loke more White colors with black.I need help,someone wrote a post on Silver and yes I do think it's beautiful,but White is so nice?what about Indigo Blue,the Pacific Blue seems so dark almost Black it takes the beauty away?

pegasus17

ref: 2609
Have you seen the indigo blue in person? Don't go by the brochure photos - the indigo is a flaming or electric blue. Very bold and feminine (not that there's anything wrong with that)

meik

Unfortunately, it is so true. You can consider the bluetooth system in Sonata as one of bluetooth ear piece. It can connect to only one phone at a time. Difference between Sonata system and an ear piece is that Sonata system can remember the paired phone up to 5 or 6 while an ear piece can't.

Also, I believe that the idea of Bluetooth-In-Car system is to provide hand-free phone conversation to a driver while driving. Passengers can pick up their phones since they are riding, not driving.

dash5

I like the Silver and Pacific Blue myself. If you love the white though I'd hold out for that. Talk to other dealers or just wait it out. If you're spending over twenty thousand dollars you should have the color you really want. At least that's how I see it.

moontrain

Ref # 2605

I just got my Black Plum Limited with the camel interior on 4/22. They just started making the camel leather about April 1st. They are hard to get,but they are now making them. Have your dealer call Mike Perkins in N.J. He is the distribution manager and ask him to send what you want.That is how I got mine so fast.

bneuman542

Unfortunately, it is so true. You can consider the bluetooth system in Sonata as one of bluetooth ear piece. It can connect to only one phone at a time. Difference between Sonata system and an ear piece is that Sonata system can remember the paired phone up to 5 or 6 while an ear piece can't.

Also, I believe that the idea of Bluetooth-In-Car system is to provide hand-free phone conversation to a driver while driving. Passengers can pick up their phones since they are riding, not driving.

Thanks for confirming. It makes sense.

jlindh

Bluetooth has the ability to pair with only one phone at a time. It may be set up to pair with several phones, but only one at a time.

syitalian25

I have seen both the white and the silver, and both are beautiful colors. The silver is more sporty/stylish and the white gives more of a luxurious look, especially on the Limited. The GLS would look better in black or silver because the body-color grill blends in better. In any event, I am not a fan of the Indigo blue at all, and would not suggest it. The Pacific Blue isn't bad, but you are right that it is very dark so you'd almost be better off just getting black instead if you were going to go that route.

schdy

http://www.insideline.com/hyundai/sonata/2011/2011-hyundai-sonata-gls-vs-2010-ho- nda-accord-vs-2010-mazda-6-i-touring-comparison-test.html

Takes into account Performance,Style,Handling vs Price.

travelady605

I have been looking for a red ltd with camel/black since March....have dealers all over the east cost searching but they are sold before they get to dealers....did yoy try Hyundai Village in Danvers, MASS they had one as of yesterday ...I live in NJ so that a bit of a hassel. Really need to trade or sell my 2004 LX with 110k miles starting to cost me money.

maxamillion85

...came away absolutely impressed.

The cars were Pacific Blue with Gray cloth/leather interior with the hard to find Sunroof/Navigation Pkg and Indigo Blue/Gray without the nav/sunroof pkg.

Exterior: Beautiful, from the color to the 18 inch wheels the Sonata in SE trim in Pacific Blue Pearl looks excellent. I like how the color changes depending on the lighting. We've gotten rain off and on all day in my area (Upstate, SC) so depending on the angle and where the car was parked it looked green sometimes and at other times it looked dark blue. In direct sunlight its a nice dark blue-green. It's my favorite of all the colors for the new Sonata...Harbor Gray is a close second, though I'm eager to see how the Limited Trim will look in Plum and Camel. The 18s on the Sonata really bring out the look and make the car look more proportioned IMO. The 17s on the Limited are OK but smallish, I prefer the design of the 16s available on the GLS models over the Limited wheels honestly. On the website I figured I'd prefer the Indigo Blue Pearl to the Pacific Blue Pearl but in person I think the IBP is too bright of a blue for a car of the Sonata's class. Just not my cup of tea.

Interior: Navigation system is really nice, though I'll admit I've never really played with one. I like the push button start, the gauge cluster is real nice and futuristic and the center stack has a nice design. Some of the interior materials were hard to the touch and felt lower grade than the 2009-2010 model years but overall the interior is on par with the Accord and better than everything else in the class...this includes Fusion, Malibu, Camry, Mazda6 and Altima. Front room was pretty good (I'm only 5 feet 9) and rear seat room was good too, only problem I really had was getting in and out of the back seat. The sharp cutlines in the design of the roof can make ingress and egress a challenge for folks taller than myself. The Cloth seats inside the model I drove were "gray" and I wasn't particularly crazy about them but they weren't bad. The fabric felt a bit coarse though. I really wish the "Camel" interior was available on SE models because I prefer the Camel to any other interior color (especially WINE)

The Drive: I drove the IBP one first but it had a minor steering issue. Upon take off out of the dealership the car had this lumpy-thumpy feel to the steering. I told the salesmen about it and we took it back to the dealership. He could feel it himself. I'm thinking the tires were overinflated or something. I wanted to drive the Pacific Blue one first but the sales manager couldn't find the keys so we took the IBP one out instead. By the time we got back to the dealership the salesmen finally got the keys to the PBP one and I took it out for a spin. No steering/lumping problems with this model and the power was impressive. Really good take off in traffic, really good pick up power on the interstate and it felt more powerful than my 05 Altima. I'd driven a Silver Limited a month or two ago and the power of all three seemed to be comparable. I didn't expect a difference in power but I did notice that the SE model has sharper and firmer steering, which I really liked. The Limited Model I drove felt more Camryish that I had liked. I also felt a bit of torque steer in the SE model that I had not noticed in the Limited. The test drive was done on some patched up roads in the area and the Sonata handled them nicely. It definitely rides, handles and has better power than the 09-10 Sonata I4, which I felt was underpowered and sloppy handling-wise. The Sonata SE feels more Honda Accord than Toyota Camry this go round.

The Price:I've noticed Hyundai's steady increase in pricing over the last couple of years but I was a bit shocked at first when I saw the Price of the PB Sonata SE with the Sunroof/Nav. But when you look at the long list of standard and optional equipment on the car it didn't seem so bad. Navigation, push button start, iPod Cable, leather/cloth seats, power sunroof, 18 inch alloy wheels. I priced out similar competition. Malibu, Accord, Camry and Altima all come within a few Hundred bucks give or take for similar equipment (though none of them can be had with the Sonata SE's Navigation System or 18 inch wheels) I guess I'd just become accustomed to the Sonata undercutting them in price. Salesmen tried to get me to buy, but I'm holding out until the Turbo model (and the Kia Optima) are available...unless my jalopy 05 Altima falls apart (and it probably will.) Overall I came away impressed by the car, I got to spend a lot of time in various models while at Atlanta and NYC's autoshows and the car is really impressive for the class. From the power, feature content to the looks. It's a really nice car and if not for me wanting the Turbo model, I would have haggled on the price of the SE.
The Price of a Sonata SE with Nav/Sunroof pkg is comparable to the Price of a Sonata Limited without Nav. Too bad you can't get a Sonata SE with Sunroof and without Navigation. I noticed some GLS models have the Limited's 17 inch wheels. Hyundai is offering a "Spring Event Upgrade" pkg on GLS models with the PEP pkg that gives you the wheels, mats and I think the ipod cable for a whopping $100 MSRP! Not bad.Funny how just six years ago when I got my 05 Altima I would have never considered a Hyundai, now the new Sonata is at the top of my list and I won't even consider the current Altima. Honda, Nissan and Toyota need keep an eye on the new Sonata, it really shows how complacent all three manufacturers have become (especially Honda)

mexjohn

The Pearl White does have an added charge, but I was able to get one fairly quickly. They had two on the lot the first time I went, two days later, they were gone. I almost let them talk me into silver, but at the last minute, I just could no go for it, told them, and in two days they traded for a white one from 70 miles away. Stick to what you want, and wait if you have to because you're going to likely be in the car for a long time, and it may continue to be a thorn if it's not the color you really want. I am so happy I didn't buy the silver, just not what I wanted. Hyundai is cranking out cars as fast as possible, and sending them to dealers all over the US. It's hard to get a lot to each dealer, and they stick to the most popular selling colors, Silver and Black first, then the other colors. It's just good sense to try to sell what's most popular I suppose. Good luck, and I hope you don't have to wait too long, but it'll be worth the wait in my opinion.

mexjohn

Kirstie, I agree that attacks are not warranted, but how do you know he's NOT a rep? Are you acquainted with the poster? Otherwise, you can't know. Thanks for your good reason though. John

mexjohn

I've been reading all over the internet about Sonata's interior. Often, I see someone say that some of the interior is harder to the touch, but really, I don't often feel up my dash board or much of anything else for that matter. Actually, I've had Two Caddys and the Toyota Solara that all had soft touch accent pieces, but I found that over time, they tend to grab hold of dust and can stain more easily. I actually LIKE the slightly less porous pieces in my Limited, and find them very easy to clean. The steering wheel feels great, the arm rest comfortable, but like I said, the rest of the interior I hardly ever am touching.

One thing, if you are a person who has trouble turning his / her head, you may want to be careful buying this car as one must really turn to look past the B pillar (between the front/back doors) blind spots on both sides. This is not a problem for me, but it does take a bit of getting used to because of the wide pillar, and the sloping contour of the roof line. The very small part of the back window is useless for seeing through, so one must be extra careful with lane changes.

Another plus, to me, is the braking. In my Toyota, just touch the pedal a little and you get instant forward forces, making it hard to do an almost imperceptible stop as I can in the Sonata. Touch it lightly, and it smoothly begins breaking and you can come to a complete stop and nearly not feel it. Not in my Toyota (Which I have loved for 11 years).

Small gripe: The detente on the turn signal when you just want to change lanes should be just a bit stiffer, as much pressure at all puts it into full turn mode. I still have not been able to lightly hit it for the 3 flash lane change every time, and dislike having to then return the lever to off. But as I said, small gripe.

I'm beginning to get used to the electric steering, which feels like easy manual steering, not like power steering I've had in the last 3 cars. I believe I like it better now as it feels as though I have better control. At first, just the slightest movement of my hands made it move, which was at first disconcerting, but doesn't happen anymore as I've accustomed myself to it.

Since I'm past the 600 mile "break in" period recommended in the owner manual, I tried some hard turns, and coming off the expressway on a curved exit, I notice there is little to no sway, and going over dips in the road, there is no continuing bounce in the front and rear. Nice and tight.

I've never received so many compliments on any car I've had as I'm getting now. A few days ago, parked at a grocery store, even some teenagers (12-15) took the time to say, "I really like your car. It's really great looking." Co-workers have stated, "I never knew that Hun die made such great looking cars!"

Sorry it's so long, just wanted to pass on something that may help someone with his / her decision. Good hunting!

larry134

Finally, a nice clean looking hood!! The Sonata 2011 now hides the windshield sprayer jets that use to reside on the hood, looking at you like 2 little sinister eyes ready to cry on your windshield!! Way to go Hyundai by hinding them, now we have a nice clean looking hood!!

cyndeana

Danvers is the dealership that sold the one I found out from under me! But I found another one in Plymouth, so I'm all set. I read someone else's post that the camel interiors just started shipping on April 1st, which probably explains everything. I just don't understand why all the dealers either didn't know that or weren't telling. Maybe they'd rather talk me into buying a grey interior right now than wait a few weeks for what I really want... not good customer service.

rhodium

I bought premium floor mats from Sams club and they fit very nice on Sonata. These all weather washable floor mats costs $19 and they will save the $100 Hyundai floor mats. Al lI did is just cut a strip on the driver side to get to gas pedal. I'm looking for Cargo mat. If any body found something please post.

bobad

Have you seen the indigo blue in person? Don't go by the brochure photos - the indigo is a flaming or electric blue. Very bold and feminine (not that there's anything wrong with that)

I have to agree!

I like (in order) Pearl White, Black, Silver, and Pacific Blue. Indigo Pearl is at the very bottom of the list. I sat in an Indigo on a sunny day. It shouts "hey look at me!", sort of like a warning color for a nuclear hazard or dangerous insect. Tastes vary, if you love it, buy it!

bobad

I bought premium floor mats from Sams club and they fit very nice on Sonata. These all weather washable floor mats costs $19 and they will save the $100 Hyundai floor mats.

I have those in my 2 vehicles, and they're great. Very heavy, lay very flat, durable, and easy to clean.

fushigi

http://www.weathertech.com/ They don't list the 2011 Sonata yet so I'd suggest calling or writing them. They have a request form but again it doesn't list 2011 models yet. Maybe put in 2010 but ask for 2011 in the notes.

I have their DigitalFit front liners in my 2010 Outlander and they work well and fit perfectly. Sometime soon I'll pick up the cargo liner. They aren't as cheap as what you got at Sam's Club but they are designed & made in the US (in a Chicago suburb; I picked mine up at their "factory showroom"). Their "Behind the Tech" walkthrough ( http://www.weathertech.com/behindtech/ ) says they OEM for all 3 German manufacturers.

keyman2

Are there blind spots on both sides,I heard there was?how would you go around that problem?Side mirrors?

keyman2

Are there more White pearl Sonata SE coming in more to Dealers?

rhodium

I agree with you. They are good and expensive. I'm looking for inexpensive cargo mat for about $50. Does anyone know about Rubber Cargo mat/Trunk Liner from JC Whitney Will it be a fit for Sonata ?

shabadoo25

It is a little bit harder to see back out of the new Sonata on both sides due to the sloping roofline. You get used to it over time.

The biggest challenge is turning left across a divided highway when you stop in the median.

mexjohn

Are there blind spots on both sides,I heard there was?how would you go around that problem?Side mirrors?
When you test drive the car, make sure you do some lane changes, making sure to look over your left shoulder through the BACK window before beginning your change. There's a bit of a blind spot there, and like the other poster said, looking out the lower back window is a little blinder because of the sloping roof. I have compensated for it, but it's there in this, and many other new cars now.

travelady605

Just got a call from Tarbox in Warwick RI, they told me car ws sold 2 weeks ago and now they called back and I can have the car at 26, 700.wondering if I should take a ride to RI this weekend and finally buy the car..Getting nervous with my car.....wanted to deal with local dealer but don't want to put anymore money into my 204 Sonata..UGH !

mexjohn

I can have the car at 26, 700
That's not such a great price to me. I'd call them back and tell them you'll buy at a lower price. Is this the same car they said sold 2 weeks ago? What's up with that? If so, don't pay that price. Don't remember all the details of the car, but if that's plus the tax etc., I think it's a bit high.

denp3

Does it have navigation? Sounds a little if it doesn't. Invoice is somewhere around 24,700, Was that out the door price. With or without trade-in?

moontrain

Ref # 2635

I got my Black Plum Limited ( Loaded ) MSRP $28215. Clean deal for $25500.
How far do you have to drive? You have to add that cost.

keyman2

Was that with Tax,and everything,Nav/Sunroof?if it is that is a great price,good luck

keyman2

Hi
Thank you for your help, I'll try this,I love the car but I hope I can handle those Blind Spots.

travelady605

sticker was $ 28,300 with nav, floor mats, ipod cable and cargo net..close to invoice I think

travelady605

what color interior on the Black Plum ?

bhmr59

There's only one way to find out....a test drive.

A lot of the remarks about blind spots indicate to me (my impression) the posters haven't adjusted either side-view mirror correctly.

I've never looked over my left shoulder to look out the rear window in 45 years of driving. I used to look over my right shoulder (and sometimes still do) before cars came with right side mirrors.

I think it was Edmunds that had a good feature on how to properly adjust side-view mirrors. Now, if only there were a way to see over those tall SUV's while backing out of a parking space or trying to enter traffic when a lane stops and "gives you a break" to make a left turn. I almost got hit today while making a left turn, with an SUV to my right blocking vision to my right. Good thing I was only "inching" out.

moontrain

Ref# 2642

Black Plum only comes in camel ( leather ) interior in the Limited. Mine is a Limited ( comes with sunroof) with NAV,mats,and wheel locks. MSRP was $28200. I got it for $25500 plus taxes.

mexjohn

A lot of the remarks about blind spots indicate to me (my impression) the posters haven't adjusted either side-view mirror correctly.

I'm sure you don't mean to, but this statement is almost insulting. I've been driving for over 45 years, and I sure know how to adjust a side view mirror correctly. I don't care what car you're in, the side mirror almost never shows all cars at some point, and a person who doesn't look over at the other lane before changing is asking for it.

Motorcycles are another vehicle that can disappear from view at a certain point in a side mirror, and they get popped quite often because someone relies only on the view from the mirror to change lanes.

Relying only on a side mirror to change lanes sure makes me hope I'm never on the road next to you.

My advice about the blind spots is for people who know one should visually check the lane before changing to protect theirs and others' lives.

spyderone

Actually there is a way to virtually eliminate the blind spots. I read years ago something that I got from State Farm on how to adjust my exterior mirrors to eliminate the blind spots. I adjusted them to the specifications that they recommended and I have no blind spots. I have tried this on three different cars and it always works. When I lose the vehicle in one mirror I pick them up in another mirror before they are gone from the mirror that I was viewing them in. This works whether I am passing someone or someone is passing me.

mexjohn

You are correct, much of the blind spot CAN be eliminated by having your
mirrors spread further without really showing the side of your car, but this
is not foolproof, and my experience is that there still remains some blind
spot in the Sonata, and certain angles of driving cause the spot to be
greater. I think most people tend to have a lot of the side of their car in
the outside mirrors which makes it too hard to visualize the other lanes.

I was taught by some good drivers, and will continue to take their good
advice to also look (turn my head) before leaping. Motorcycles are the worst
for finding a blind spot you didn't think you had!

Good driving.

mpoblete

Great post, I also reached my second week with my black/camel Limited, I'm very happy and enjoying it each ride. Than being said as many drivers I have my little wish list for improvements:

- Engine less noisy and bumpy, it's got power but it could be less noisy and smooth but once it's in the freeway is a sailing ship!
- More grip in the steering wheel, the upper part is kind of a flat surface so sometimes it forces me to be in a 10-2 position to get more grip in city driving (my bad habit is driving with the right hand at 12). The lower par of the wheel though has a good grip so they should just add the same to the top.
- Climate control knobs with no "notches"(?), I find hard to set my desire temp because it's either too cold or to warm because of the notch that jumps between both levels, it should be smooth and with a digital indicator just like the exterior temp (switchable as the Mazda 5).
- Speaker covers in the dash: loose them, they are cheap looking, like bad plastic, they can use nicer like-net covers.

I'm sure those small changes wouldn't hurt too much in the manufacturing price but after all as I said they are only suggestions. As for the rest I'm more than happy, great gas mileage, breaking, comfort, accessories, style, etc.

wolverinejoe80

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/29/busy-hyundai-reveals-next-elantra-at-busan-sh- ow-in-korea/

another home run by a hyundai!

tenpin288

Wow! Better looking than I expected. It has a richer-than-class look.

jonpelc

The pearl white is one of the harder colors to find. As soon as it shows up at a dealer, it is sold the same day.

jonpelc

Where are you located? I can help you with your search.

akuma

not digging the grill, but the girls are fine...