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Hyundai Sonata - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Hyundai Sonata ranks 16 out of 24 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 75 published reviews and test drives of the Hyundai Sonata, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Once a budget option, the Hyundai Sonata is now a legitimate competitor for the best midsize sedans.  It is not notable for any one trait, but does most things well.

Reviewers like the steady nature of the the 2010 Sonata -- it behaves much like a Toyota Camry on the road, boasts a passenger cabin that wouldn't be out of place in Honda's lineup, and carries a ten-year 100,000-mile powertrain warranty few competitors can match.

Creative financing and incentives from Hyundai, such as the Assurance plan -- which allows buyers to return the car with no impact on their credit if they should lose their job, add to the appeal.

But the Sonata lacks the personality of some of the top cars in the affordable midsize class.  It's not particularly sporty or luxurious.  It's simply practical. If that appeals to you, the 2010 Sonata may be perfect.  But be aware that it won't be true for long - the 2011 Sonata will be redesigned from the wheels up, and is expected to be far sportier and edgier than this car.

The current recession and slow car sales mean that many similar cars are available at a discount this year. Check out our best car deals page for details.

The Sonata is available in base GLS, sportier SE or well-equipped Limited trim.

• "Power is up, emissions are down, mileage has improved, and the cabin is a place in which you'll be happier to spend time. What a difference a little midlife-cycle product update can bring." -- Motor Trend
• "We think you'll like the  Hyundai Sonata if you're looking for a comfortable, roomy mid-size sedan that won't break the budget. The Sonata continues to offer almost as much as the competition at a lower price." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "Excellent looks, room, comfort, mileage and price along with very good performance." -- Chicago Tribune
• "When you are competing in the family sedan market, you better bring your 'A' game. The Hyundai Sonata, which has been updated, does just that." -- Austin American-Statesman
• "It's tough competing with Camry, Altima, Malibu, Fusion, Accord and all the other great products in that category, but somehow Hyundai continues to match content at usually a few grand less than the others. Quality improves steadily and with this mid-run update style, content and ambiance keeps up reasonably well." -- The Auto Channel
• "It seems Hyundai has taken a lot of lessons from both Honda and Toyota, matching them in styling and build quality. The Hyundai Sonata...is clearly targeted at the American consumer. And it's a bulls-eye." -- Orlando Sentinel

Sonata Performance - 7.6 (Good)

Improvements for 2009 made the Sonata a midpack performer with nothing to be ashamed of -- but no trophies to claim, either.  Nothing has changed for 2010.  Hyundai's midsize car is still a comfortable commuter with little to get your pulse racing.  Kelley Blue Book says, "The Sonata's road manners are similar to those of the Toyota Camry, which has the smoothest ride in the segment." Read More

Sonata Exterior - 7.2 (Good)

Few reviewers have much to say about the 2010 Sonata's exterior.  It's inoffensive, but not likely to win any admirers.  A planned redesign for 2011 may turn the Sonata into a sexier ride, but for now, the car's look is notable only for its anonymity.  Read More

Sonata Interior - 8.3 (Very Good)

The Sonata's cabin has come a long way.  Though it used to be a low point, the interior of the 2010 Sonata wins praise for its spaciousness and easy-to-use controls. "The Honda Accord still has the nicest cabin in the segment, in my opinion," writes a reviewer from BusinessWeek, "but Hyundai has done a lot to further adapt the Sonata to American tastes (and plus-size rear ends)." Read More

Sonata Safety - NA

The 2010 Sonata receives five out of five stars in every federal government crash test. Read More

Sonata Reliability - 7.0 (Good)

The 2010 Hyundai Sonata reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Hyundai protects Sonata buyers with a five-year/60,000-mile warranty, plus a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Read More