2011 Hyundai Sonata

A base price of $19,395 for a manual-transmission GLS includes equipment like power windows, Bluetooth, steering wheel-mounted controls for audio, cruise control and an audio system with iPod/USB/aux input. Car and Driver says the 2011 Hyundai Sonata SE (Base MSRP: $22,795 to $24,345) with optional navigation and sunroof "suited us well, but sadly, it cannot be configured with heated leather seats." To get those, you'll have to step up to the Limited model (Base MSRP: $24,495 to $27,245). MotherProof.com agrees that some equipment requirements seem annoying. Reviewer Lori Hindman points out that "a navigation system is available on all trims, but the backup camera is only offered for the Limited." Even with some restrictions on the way it's equipped, all reviewers praise 2011 Hyundai Sonata on overall value. The Sonata's mechanical twin, the 2011 Kia Optima (Base MSRP: $19,200 to $26,200) manages to undercut its sibling's price and still comes crammed with features, earning it a Best Reviewed spot as well.

The Sonata's powertrain lineup is composed exclusively of four-cylinders for 2011, a move that initially raised eyebrows. Reviewers note that the previous-generation Sonata V6 sold in small numbers, and Road & Track points out, "The Theta II 2.4-liter GDI (gasoline direct injection) 4-cylinder produces 198 bhp and 184 lb.-ft. of torque, [so] maybe those two extra cylinders aren't needed." While a manual transmission is available on the lowest-cost Sonata, experts anticipate that most will be sold with the six-speed automatic transmission. "Fuel economy for all auto-equipped Sonatas is EPA rated at 22 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway," explains Car and Driver, "with the highway figure being best in class" among gas-powered family sedans. Expect 26 mpg combined, or 28 mpg with the manual transmission (24 mpg city/35 mpg highway). If you're willing to spend an extra couple thousand dollars, you can step up to the 274-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder for the same fuel economy as the base-engine automatic. A hybrid Sonata is available now, too.

There is some disagreement over the quality of the interior materials. "Sadly, the dash is made of a cheesy plastic material that screams rental car," says Hindman at MotherProof.com. Car and Driver disagrees and describes the interior as "a multitude of attractive materials, and impressive quality -- forget Toyota, the Korean automaker is quickly homing in on Lexus-level fit and finish." Many reviewers note that although the seats themselves are roomy, the curved rear roof pillar eats up rear-seat headroom.

All reviewers note that the 2011 Hyundai Sonata acquits itself well on the road. "It's definitely not a sports sedan," says Road & Track; "while it didn't exhibit any truly bad traits, the soft suspension and low-rolling-resistance/low-grip Kumho all-season tires mean it's not what you would call a precise machine -- but then, it's not intended as such." The SE trim level has a sportier suspension tune, which has "more than enough cornering confidence to send groceries and toys flying about the cabin while still permitting a forgiving ride with minimal road noise," according to Car and Driver. MotherProof.com sums up the Sonata as a family car by saying, "Driving the Sonata is pleasant, but not extraordinary."

A top safety performer

In federal crash tests, the latest release of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata earns a 5-star overall safety rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has independently crash-tested the 2011 Hyundai Sonata and awarded it the Top Safety Pick designation for scoring the maximum rating of Good in all tests. Reliability is expected to be very good, and the 2011 Hyundai Sonata carries one of the longest warranties in its class: five years/60,000 miles basic and 10 years/100,000 miles powertrain.

ConsumerReports.org tests most current sedans -- including the 2011 Hyundai Sonata -- and ranks them from best to worst based on the results, also taking safety, reliability, fuel economy and value into account. Cars.com and Motor Trend both include the redesigned 2011 Hyundai Sonata in their latest family car comparison tests, showing how the 2011 Sonata stacks up against its direct competition. MotherProof.com's quick glance of a review is also useful from an everyday, average-user point of view. Road & Track and Car and Driver, as well as Motor Trend, all offer similar opinions of the Sonata in both first-drive reviews and more in-depth road tests.