2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T Limited Review

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The affordable mid-size family sedan hasn't changed except for the fact that it has been completely reinvented. Consider for a moment the challenge that Hyundai faced a few years ago when they sat down planning the next Sonata. Not only had they become brand-conscious, but competition in the huge segment had never been so strong.

Hyundai had to come out swinging big-time. They did and hit a home run.

The affordable mid-size family sedan hasn't changed except for the fact that it has been completely reinvented. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com)

Content is the buzzword around these parts. In the car business, value and bang for the buck have been replaced by the C-word as the other two themes conjured up images of cheap cars for bargain-basement prices.

Hyundai remains a leader in delivering the goods to consumers, however the way they do so is now very different. Take the latest Tucson and Elantra; they still represent value and good deals, but just take a look at them. They certainly do not give off an econobox aura for the less fortunate among us.

The new Sonata still poses as one of the best buys in its category and consumers know this. Whether contemplating a base $22,649, 6-speed manual GL car or a full-load $33,499 2.0T Limited with navigation, consider yourself a smart buyer. Kit and equipment levels meet or surpass what is available elsewhere, no doubt, and can even rival with more-expensive cars.

Not only are you wise, but passersby and your neighbours will likely be jealous of the beautiful piece of machinery you have brought home.

Hyundai has pie-in-the-faced Japanese and American makers with designs that actually stir feelings and emotions as opposed to having ad campaigns telling you that this is what the car does to its immediate entourage. In other words, the cars are hot.