2010 Hyundai Sonata SE

The 2010 Hyundai Sonata SE has several positive points working for it: smooth engine, strong warranty, and handsome exterior with an upscale looking interior.  It also has some negative points to contend with such as comparatively poor steering and flat-feeling seats.  It is categorized along with the likes of the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry.

At a base price of $ 22,050.00, the Sonata SE comes in standard equipment including the 2.4L I4/16 valve engine which provides 175 hp at 6000 rpm and torque of 168 lb-ft at 4000 rpm, 5-speed automatic transmission, anti-theft and locks, AM/FM radio with 80 watts, satellite radio, cruise control, leather steering wheel, keyless entry, 17- inch 5-spoke alloy wheels, upgraded cloth seats with leather bolsters, driver airbag, front and rear side head curtain airbags, carpet in passenger cabin and trunk, and air-conditioning.  Options include Bluetooth hands-free phone system, front and rear mud guards, cargo mat, front and rear carpeted floor mats, and sunroof deflector.  You will need to shell out at least $ 1,650.00 more for the Premium Package.

Available in 7 exterior colors and 2 interior colors, the 2010 Hyundai Sonata comes into two other trim levels aside from the SE namely GLS and Limited.  These three basically have the same styling.  Its form favors the conservative side but is definitely well-proportioned.  The new interior touches consisting of soft-touch plastics and padded surface plus a matte-metallic finish successfully pushes it to sophistication, except for a few remaining hard finishes.  These are touches that we normally see on more upscale models such as the Lexus vehicles and Hyundai’s very own Genesis.

The Hyundai Sonata also scores high points for front and side-impact safety, storage, stability control, and climate control.  Generally, it is able to get acceptable reviews performance -wise although not considered as extraordinary driving experience.  Some say that the experience is like driving a small car which can be good if it means it’s more nimble and easier to handle, but certainly bad if it means that it is far from smooth-sailing over rough roads.  It is able to handle small road surface imperfections but not sharp bumps and ridges.

The inclusion of a lot of features in the car can be a primary convincing factor to buyers.  Some of the features however are not quite up to the level of category leaders.  Still, the Hyundai Sonata can still impress.

The 2011 version is expected to be offered in the market at a slightly higher base price of $ 23, 315.00.  Its 4-cylinder engine will also offer a higher horsepower and torque.  It shall be equipped with 6-speed automatic transmission and bundled with more options.