It looks like the Hyundai Sonata is picking up right where it left off last year, starting 2011 by attracting thousands of new customers each month and garnering a steady stream of impressive third-party honors. Among the latest:
Calling it a “compelling mix of design, quality and value,” the auto experts at Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com recently named the Sonata to their list of “Top 10 Family Cars of 2011.” Specifically earning kudos were the Sonata’s high level of standard safety content, top-notch warranty coverage and available hybrid model. Significantly, this KBB.com recognition is based on information drawn from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and only bestowed on IIHS Top Safety Picks.
Hyundai’s family-friendly approach to the auto industry also helped the Sonata earn the inaugural “Family vehicle of the Year” award from the Midwest Automotive Media Association, besting finalists that included the Honda Odyssey, Chevrolet Cruze and Audi A3 TDI.
Of course, the Sonata appeals to more than just families. In fact, its fuel efficiency, reliability and spacious interior were keys to it finding a place on Forbes’ recent list of Best Cars for Commuters. As explained by Hannah Eliot, an auto reporter for the publication, “more than 42 million Americans spend at least 30 minutes in the car on their morning commutes. Seven million spend over an hour. For that kind of time spent in traffic, it pays to have a reliable car: something spacious enough for comfort, small enough to get good gas mileage and durable enough to withstand the occasional fender-bender. This year, mid-size sedans like the $19,395 Hyundai Sonata are best for surviving the slog.”
And that “good gas mileage” is a major chapter in the Sonata’s success story—as well as a vital factor in the car being named among the “Greener Choices 2011” lineup, as developed by the American Council for an Energy-efficient Economy (ACEEE). This is the third consecutive year Sonata has made the list, which recognizes widely available gasoline-powered vehicles with particularly notable fuel-economy and emissions ratings.
Finally—at least for now—Hyundai’s commitment to passenger protection paid off with the Sonata being honored as a Best Bet in this year’s edition of The Car Book. The publication is printed annually by one of the country’s top automotive safety advocacy groups, the Center for Auto Safety. Said Jack Gillis, the book’s author, “We appreciate the fact that Hyundai has made a significant contribution to improving the market choices for the American car buyer. During these most challenging times for the auto industry, the fact that Hyundai vehicles have the quality and features most important to today’s car buyer is a testament to their desire to meet customer needs.”
You must log in to post a comment.