2011 Hyundai Sonata: Up Close
The Sonata has long been a practical family sedan, but Hyundai aims to increase the car’s style appeal with the redesigned 2011 model, which sports a more distinctive — if not revolutionary — design.
The changes are immediately apparent in the Sonata’s face, which features a wide chrome grille and long, thin headlights that run into the fenders. Chrome trim around the side windows is a common styling cue; Hyundai has taken it a step further by extending the chrome strip, which sits at the base of the windows, forward along the sides of the hood to the headlights. While the overall look definitely pushes the bar compared to the previous Sonata, there are some other memorable designs, including the Mazda6, in the segment.
I oversee Cars.com’s testing-related Editorial content, from our expert car reviews and videos to our multivehicle comparison tests. I’ve been covering the auto industry for more than 20 years, with a focus on helping shoppers find the right car for them. I’m a member of the Midwest Automotive Media Association, and I’m also a juror for the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year awards. My daily driver is a Honda Odyssey minivan; my very occasional driver is a Ford Focus that’s prepped for cheap endurance racing.
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