2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid user reviews

Pros 1) Electronic proximity detection system works intuitively
2) Attractive outside
3) Roomy and functional inside
4) Comfortable seats
5) Excellent Bluetooth system
6) Good Audio system
7) Comfortable ride
8) Smooth shifting
9) Stable braking

Cons My grandchildren can stain the fabric.

Summary I have driven my Sonata Hybrid for over 10,000 miles. The car is excellent. My impressions/experiences are:

Appearance - the striking lines and sleek contours evoked completments from my friends and family.

Ride - The ride is very smooth, yet controlled. The car absorbs road bumps, which are aplenty in Cleveland, yet maintains excellent
control during avoidance maneuvers. Our daughters and grandchildren like that smooth ride on trips. That my family likes the ride makes this car worth it. I really enjoy driving this car and I am not the only one. I enjoy driving green and getting 42+mpg (see fueleconomy.gov). My wife likes driving the car as well. Although she does not try to drive green she still get 37-38mpg.

Braking is very sure and controlled - the regenerative braking system does not compromise function. In an emergency braking situation, the car slowed smoothly and stayed in control.

Shifting - After the free updates to the computer system, the car shifts smoothly at low speed. Turn the car on and put it in "drive" or "reverse" and the car advances slowly and smoothly without touching the gas pedal. If you need to move fast to enter a highway or otherwise merge with fast moving traffic, hit the pedal and the car takes off like Iron-Man chasing Loki. It does not sputter or stutter, it surges smoothly into traffic.

Interior - The seats are comfortable. I easily fit my wife and I (Grammy and Pop) our daughter, two grandchildren in car seats and our luggage in this car for trips.

Hyundai wants to make this car popular and is committed to making sure that it works well. I have read isolated negative reviews that are not consistent with my experience. I have driving my Sonata hybrid for almost a year and really enjoy the experience.