2011 Hyundai Sonata SE Turbo Leased

After some long deliberation, I've come to the conclusion that I will lease the Hyundai Sonata Turbo. The car I ultimately leased was built in February of 2011, and I drove it off the lot on February 19th, 2011.

As far as the car's looks, drivability, and every day live-ability, I doubt anything else could have come closer to what I was looking for in a vehicle. (I have several other reviews to post. I've test-driven the Passat CC, the Subaru Legacy, the Buick Regal CXL, and more. Look for those soon!) After the break, I'll have pictures and potentially a video review of the vehicle including a brief test drive.

Review of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T SE

Next up, because my time was relatively limited, was the 2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0 Turbo SE.


With the same requirement and wish-list as the Nissan Altima in mind, I went to Hyundai to try out a black Sonata 2.0 Turbo SE with a six-speed automatic. Looking at the window sticker, I noticed the mileage far exceeded my wishlist expectations even before the test drive began. 22 MPG city, 33 highway. I already did my homework going into this one. The Sonata I drove has 274 horsepower and weighs 3338 pounds. 12.18 pounds per horsepower. Like the Altima, not terrible, right in my range. Also had an 18.5 gallon fuel tank. This put its maximum effective range 110 miles higher than my minimum requirements for a range. After a very pleasant meeting with a somewhat more friendly, less pushy but similarly courteous salesman, I was able to take one for a spin. 

Review of the 2011 Nissan Altima 3.5 SR

A bit of a background: I currently own a 2000 Cadillac Eldorado ETC as my daily driver. The car has genuinely spoiled me for what I've come to expect out of a car used for a daily commute. This particular ETC is loaded. The only available option that wasn't included on my car are the massage-enabled front seats. Thanks to that car, my bar has been set particularly high for what I expect out of its replacement.

• 18+ city, 29+ highway miles per gallon
• 18+ gallon fuel tank
• 12 to 13 pounds per horsepower.
• Uses regular, 87 octane fuel.
• Highway driving offering a 500-mile range or greater.
• 0-60 MPH in under 7 seconds.
• 60-0 MPH in under 125 feet.
• 15+ cubic feet of trunk space.
• Smooth-ish, quiet ride at least 80% as good as my current Cadillac.
• A relatively ergonomic interior.
• A strong warranty.

With those hard limits set in mind, I also had a wish-list built. Things that aren't exactly necessary, but would be nice, or something that I already have in my existing vehicle.

• Power-adjustable seats, possibly heated.
• Available sunroof.
• Available premium sound system
• Fold-down rear seats
• Rear-wheel drive.
• Automatic Windshield Wipers.
• Automatic Climate Control.
• Automatic headlights/daytime running lights.

A lot of research around the 'net and a lot of research through brochures have helped me to narrow my search by quite a bit. Cadillac, unfortunately, doesn't make a car like the Eldorado anymore. The CTS is close, but falls short on power delivery and fuel economy. I looked through Chevrolet and Buick, but even the new Regal falls short in the power production category. Although, the resulting handling the vehicle has over the segment was tempting. With that, I decided to start looking elsewhere. 


My travels took me to a grouping of dealerships owned by the same individuals, selling Hyundai, Nissan, VW, Subaru, and Mazda motor vehicles. I tried Nissan first. I handed my requirements and wishlist above to the salesperson who was assisting me during my trip. He led me to the Altima 3.5 SR with the XTronic Continuously Variable Transmission. Looking at the window sticker, I noticed one very glaring "no" even before the test drive began. 27 MPG highway. After inquiring about the curb weight and the power, I started crunching some numbers mentally. 12.4 pounds per horsepower. Not terrible, right in my range. Also had a 20 gallon fuel tank. This put its maximum effective range in my required list. After a very pleasant conversation with the professional and courteous salesman, I was able to take one for a spin.