2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited

The Sonata's not without fault, but after spending a night with the newest Hyundai, I think the positives far outweigh the negatives. The engine is absolutely brilliant. Never mind the squabbles about its note; you can't have your cake and eat it, too. This engine is an exceptional performer and a thrifty consumer of fuel, so giving it a pass in the "Does it sound like a Ferrari?" department is fine by me. The engine is quick and builds revs smoothly, while its 198 hp is enough to make the Sonata feel quite spry. The six-speed complements the engine with seamless shifts and a predictable logic. I'd love to see this powertrain (or the coming turbocharged variant) find its way into the Hyundai Genesis coupe. In person, I find the Sonata's styling to be a bit anonymous, an affliction that I hardly noticed in photos. Like others here, I feel that the grille is too ostentatious. The roof's sleek arch does mean that my 6'3" frame doesn't fit unless I slouch or press my head to the ceiling. The biggest disappointment, though, are the seats, which are utterly flat and about as comfortable as a wood bench. And these observations were all with my longest trip under thirty miles. I cringe at the thought of having to spend a serious road trip in those seats. Eric Tingwall, Associate Editor