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Elantra wins North American Car of the Year for 2012.
Elantra wins North American Car of the Year for 2012.
Fifty veteran automotive writers from the U.S. and Canada evaluated 30 cars, then voted. They rated Elantra above all the others. In 2009, Genesis won. Now it's Elantra's turn.
Award caps record year for Hyundai Motor America and Elantra
? Bold Fluidic Sculpture design
? Best-in-class standard fuel economy on all models
? Highest owner satisfaction with real world fuel economy of all compact cars
? Mid-size interior room in a compact class footprint
? Elantra is built at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing AlabamaDETROIT, Jan. 9, 2012 ? The 2012 Hyundai Elantra took top honors in the most exclusive award in North America when it was named 2012 North American Car of the Year today.
A jury of 50 independent North American automotive journalists evaluated each of the new cars introduced last year and chose the 2012 Hyundai Elantra as the winner. The award was announced at a news conference at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, which marks Hyundai's second win. The Hyundai Genesis was named North American Car of the Year in 2009.
"Elantra speaks to the success of our recipe of bold design and great fuel economy," said John Krafcik, president and chief executive officer, Hyundai Motor America. "In a year with some truly breakthrough competitors, we are honored that the jury recognizes Elantra's far-reaching impact on the industry."
The jurors considered more than 50 new vehicles, before selecting the top three cars and top three trucks. The Volkswagen Passat and Ford Focus were the other car finalists.
This is the 19th year of the awards, which were inspired by the prestigious European "Car of the Year." The jury is administered by an organizing committee and funded exclusively with dues paid by the jurors. Jurors judge the cars on a number of factors including innovation, impact on the industry, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar.
HYUNDAI "FLUIDIC SCULPTURE" DESIGN
Elantra exemplifies Hyundai's emotional "Fluidic Sculpture" design principles. "Fluidic Sculpture" considers the interplay of wind with rigid surfaces to create the illusion of constant motion. Elantra is an evolution of the design qualities found in Sonata.
Along Elantra's sides are Sonata's flowing lines, with the addition of a strong undercut feature line starting at the front door. These lines, along with muscular wheel arches and a sleek roofline, create a memorable and spacious package. Flowing lines also lead to an aerodynamic body. The drag coefficient for the Elantra is an exceptionally low 0.28 that compares favorably to the Chevrolet Volt (0.29).
Hyundai's signature hexagonal front grille and detailed swept-back headlights give Elantra a compact athletic face. The assertive stance is complimented by 15-, 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels and athletic proportions. Available fog lights and side repeater mirrors complete the distinct design. Elantra was designed at Hyundai's North American Design Center in Irvine, Calif.
40 MPG POWERTRAIN
Elantra's standard fuel economy is EPA-rated at 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway, amd 33 mpg combined, with the six-speed automatic transmission or manual transmission. These figures give Elantra a highway-only driving range of up to 500 miles. Elantra's strong EPA ratings are backed up by the highest owner satisfaction with real-world fuel economy in the compact class, according to data from J.D. Power and Associates.
Under the hood, the Elantra is powered by an all-new 1.8-liter Nu four-cylinder engine with 148 horsepower and 131 lb-ft of torque (145 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque for Elantra PZEV). Thanks to advanced clean engine technology, most Elantras sold in California, Oregon and several Northeast states are certified as Partial Zero Emission Vehicles (PZEV) by the EPA. The PZEV Elantra is as clean as many hybrid electric vehicles. The PZEV Elantra helps Hyundai meet its environmental commitments. Outside of these "green" states, the Elantra is available as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV).
Why Hyundai??
It's not just about how we build cars. It's why.
There's a reason why Hyundai cars are so frequently praised for their standard safety equipment. There's a reason why our designers spend so much time driving and testing our vehicles. And there's a reason why we've invested so heavily in processes and equipment that ensure the quality of our cars.
Safety
A number of years back, Hyundai made the decision to invest in safety. Take Electronic Stability Control (ESC). We took note of studies done by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which found that ESC reduced crashes and fatalities by as much as 43%. Knowing how many lives could be saved made our goal clear: to make ESC standard on nearly every car we build.
Design
We believe in exterior design. Making it dynamic and fluid and utterly head-turning. But, more important, we believe in ergonomic design?the science of making our cars intuitive and comfortable. And, with the introduction of the Genesis, we've taken our study of ergonomics to a whole new level.
Quality
Designing is only half the equation. Which is why Hyundai invests millions of dollars in its assembly plants around the world. The Hyundai plant in Montgomery, Alabama, was built from the ground up to be efficient, quality-focused, and mindful of the people who work there. Every car is put through a series of checks by both uncompromising machines and humans alike, with an eye on making every Hyundai the very best one we can build.
HYUNDAI DRIVE 4 HOPE TOUR LAUNCHES IN SAN FRANCISCO FOR HOPE ON WHEELS
HYUNDAI DRIVE 4 HOPE TOUR LAUNCHES IN SAN FRANCISCO FOR HOPE ON WHEELS
Tucson FCEV driving coast to coast to demonstrate Hyundai environmental leadership and commitment to the most advanced green-friendly automotive technologyTo demonstrate the environmental advantages and performance of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) while benefitting kids with cancer, Hyundai Motor America has launched the Hyundai Drive 4 Hope. As the official car of Hope on Wheels, Hyundai's major pediatric cancer program, a Hyundai Tucson FCEV will travel more than 4,500 miles coast to coast for kids with cancer. During September National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Hyundai Hope on Wheels will award a total of $7.1 million to children's hospitals nationwide.
During its national tour, the Hyundai Tucson FCEV will stop at hospitals across the country, collecting colorful handprints from childhood cancer patients and survivors along the way. By the end of September, the vehicle will have collected hundreds of handprints from children around the country, each representing a personal story about a child's battle with this deadly disease.
After its kickoff with a handprint ceremony at University of California San Francisco Benioff Children's Hospital on September 1st ? the first of 71 hospitals to receive $100,000 Hope Grants ? the Hyundai Tucson FCEV will travel over 4,500 miles through more than 15 states in under 30 days.
"Hyundai is committed to bold and innovative change to make the world a better place," said John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. "Through Hope on Wheels, we are making great strides in the treatment of childhood cancer and through our leadership in fuel cell technology, we are making bold strides for a cleaner planet."
As part of the company's fuel efficiency strategy, which includes more cars and trucks that achieve over 40 miles per gallon than any other automotive manufacturer, the Hyundai Drive 4 Hope Tour will showcase the efficiency and advantages of Hyundai's next-generation fuel cell electric vehicle technology. The Hyundai Tucson FCEV utilizes fuel cell power from compressed hydrogen, an energy source that is not only renewable, but less volatile than gasoline. The Tucson FCEV's performance is comparable to that of a gasoline-powered vehicle.
Fuel cell electric vehicle technology also presents the potential for a more practical long-term alternative fuel driving solution without limitations. Unlike plug-in electric vehicles that are limited by range and recharging times, fuel cell-powered electric vehicles can go up to 400 miles between refueling ? more than three times the range of a plug-in electric vehicle ? and never need to be recharged.
Hyundai's Director of Corporate Social Responsibility, Zafar Brooks, is teaming up with Hyundai Drive 4 Hope Field Leader, Joe Foster to complete this epic journey, which they will be chronicling on www.HyundaiDrive4Hope.com. Zafar and Joe will be blogging in real time and uploading photos and videos of their cross-country voyage, sharing event highlights and stories of people they meet along the way.
"Fuel cell technology is one of the lowest carbon footprint power solutions in the automotive industry and it has the potential to be a zero carbon solution," said Michael O'Brien, vice president of product and corporate planning of Hyundai Motor America. "Several manufacturers are actively exploring fuel cell technology, but Hyundai is making it a reality with the ability to begin factory production of fuel cell cars and trucks in the next several years."
For more information about Hyundai's leadership in fuel efficiency and Fuel cell electric vehicle technology, please visit http://csr.hyundai.com/eng/environment/product/sub_hydrogen.aspx. For more information about Hyundai Hope on Wheels, this year's Hope Grant recipients, and how you can get involved, please visit www.HyundaiHopeonWheels.org.HYUNDAI HOPE ON WHEELS
Hyundai Hope on Wheels® is the united effort of Hyundai Motor America and its more than 800 dealers across the U.S. to raise awareness about childhood cancer and to celebrate the lives of children battling the disease. In 2011, Hope on Wheels will have committed more than $43 million in donations to pediatric cancer research since the program began in 1998. Hyundai Hope on Wheels is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 800 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile power train warranty, 5-years of complimentary Roadside Assistance and the Hyundai Trade-in Value Guarantee.For more details on Hyundai Assurance, please visit www.HyundaiAssurance.com.
HYUNDAI HOPE ON WHEELS REVS UP SUPPORT FOR NATIONAL CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH WITH RECORD BREAKING $7.1 MILLION IN DONATIONS
HYUNDAI HOPE ON WHEELS REVS UP SUPPORT FOR NATIONAL CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH WITH RECORD BREAKING $7.1 MILLION IN DONATIONS
In its 13th Year, Hyundai Hope on Wheels Program Expands Hospital Grant Awards, Launches "Hyundai Drive 4 Hope" Cross Country Tour and Hosts Inaugural 5K Run & WalkTo support National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this September, Hyundai Hope on Wheels today announced that through Hope Grants totaling $7.1 million, it will fund a record breaking 71 pediatric cancer research projects and programs at Children's Oncology Group (COG) institutions across the country. In addition, the organization will launch the "Hyundai Drive 4 Hope" tour to recognize pediatric cancer patients across the U.S, as well as host the first-ever Hope on Wheels 5K Run & Walk. Since 1998, Hyundai Hope on Wheels and its more than 800 dealers have been committed to fighting childhood cancer, raising awareness by collecting over thousands children's handprints and committing more than $43 million and counting.
To recognize National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the first donation, in the form of a $100,000 Hope Grant, will be received on September 1 by UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital. All month long, the remaining $7 million in Hope Grants will be awarded as Hyundai Hope on Wheels travels the country, conducting handprint ceremonies with 70 additional hospitals.
"Hyundai Hope on Wheels' ongoing funding offers a beacon of hope to children and families battling cancer," said Dr. David Poplack, Chief of Pediatric Oncology at Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers. "Despite the lack of funding currently available for pediatric cancer research, great strides have been made in the treatment and care of kids with the disease, bringing us today to an 80 percent cure rate. While this is good news, hospitals and research facilities still need major funding to continue important research to bring us to a 100 percent cure rate."
Earlier this year, Hyundai Hope on Wheels opened up a call for proposals for its 2011 Hope Grant program, with the goal to support the best, brightest and most promising researchers, whose work is likely to have a significant impact on understanding the biology and/or developing diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in the field of pediatric cancer. The winning 71 proposals include research projects and programs ranging from evaluating new research in genomic medicine to important survivorship and family support programs.
"Until we find a cure, Hyundai and its dealers will not rest," said Oscar Leeser, Chairman of the Hyundai Hope on Wheels. "Since we began this program, we are proud to say we have dramatically increased donations each year. We will continue to support research projects and programs that have significant potential to improve the survivorship and care of kids battling cancer."
In an exciting twist to this year's program, Hope on Wheels will drive from San Francisco's launch event to New York City in a Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) as part of an official "Tucson Drive 4 Hope" tour. The Tucson will make stops at 15 Handprint Ceremonies along the way, allowing children currently battling cancer, and those who have survived their disease, to place their colorful handprints on the vehicle each representing a personal story about their battle with this deadly disease. By the end of September, the Tucson will have traveled more than 4,500 miles across the country and collected hundreds of handprints from children.
"2011 is a record-breaking year for pediatric cancer fund-raising at Hyundai," said John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. "From funding critical cancer research that propels us closer to a cure, to providing vehicle technology that drives our industry-leading fuel efficiency, we love to respond to important challenges at Hyundai with our own big bold solutions."
An additional means of generating funds for this important cause includes the inaugural Hyundai Hope on Wheels 5K Race & Walk, which will kick off on Labor Day in Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., of which all proceeds will go toward childhood cancer.
For more information on this year's Hope Grant recipients, Hyundai Hope on Wheels, and how you can get involved, please visit: http://www.hyundaihopeonwheels.org/.HYUNDAI HOPE ON WHEELS
Hyundai Hope on Wheels® is the united effort of Hyundai Motor America and its more than 800 dealers across the U.S. to raise awareness about childhood cancer and to celebrate the lives of children battling the disease. In 2011, Hope on Wheels will have committed more than $43 million in donations to pediatric cancer research since the program began in 1998. Hyundai Hope on Wheels is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 800 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile power train warranty, 5-years of complimentary Roadside Assistance and the Hyundai Trade-in Value Guarantee.For more details on Hyundai Assurance, please visit www.HyundaiAssurance.com.
HYUNDAI ELANTRA TIES FOR TOP SPOT IN KELLEY BLUE BOOK?S KBB.COM COMPACT SEDAN COMPARISON TEST
HYUNDAI ELANTRA TIES FOR TOP SPOT IN KELLEY BLUE BOOK'S KBB.COM COMPACT SEDAN COMPARISON TEST
Hyundai's 2011 Elantra came out on top in Kelley Blue Book's www.kbb.com all-new 2011/2012 Compact Sedan Comparison Test. Tying for first place with the Honda Civic, the Elantra beat out the Chevrolet Cruze and Ford Focus in kbb.com's thorough vehicle comparison, scoring 7.5 out of 10 possible points in the overall ratings.
"When the 2011 Hyundai Elantra Limited sedan showed up for our test, it arrived as a gut-shot to the entire compact sedan class. It started with the all-new Elantra shape, a small-sedan variation of the look that we already love on the Genesis and Sonata. It continued with a leather-lined, feature-filled interior that would have been considered excessive in a car from the next class up," said kbb.com experts. "At $22,830, the Hyundai Elantra Limited was the least expensive compact sedan in our quartet. The Chevy Cruze LTZ had a nervous breakdown. We spotted sweat on the Ford Focus SEL's lip spoiler. And even the 2012 Honda Civic was having trouble catching its breath."
During the comprehensive testing of the compact vehicles, the kbb.com editors gave each model an overall rating as well as specific ratings based on interior, exterior, performance, comfort/convenience and value.
"The 2011 Elantra stands out in the compact category, offering innovation, content and style -- characteristics often missing from this competitive segment," said Mike O'Brien, vice president, Product and Corporate Planning, Hyundai Motor America. "We are thrilled that kbb.com recognizes that standard 40 miles-per-gallon highway fuel economy, remarkable luxury and convenience features, and advanced design can be found in a compact sedan at such an accessible price point."
The 2011 Elantra sets the bar in the compact sedan category offering a "class-above" midsize car interior volume, modern design, outstanding fuel economy, and loads of comfort and convenience features, all at an attractive starting price. Elantra also continues to lead the industry in standard advanced safety technologies including a new Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system to optimally manage Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and the Motor-Driven electric Power Steering (MDPS).
For the entire comparison test, including full editorial commentary and reasoning behind each of the editors' picks, visit the Big Things From Small Cars story at kbb.com.KELLEY BLUE BOOK (www.kbb.com)
Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, is the only vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the industry. Each week the company provides the most market-reflective values in the industry on its top-rated website www.kbb.com, including its famous Blue Book® Trade-In and Retail Values and Fair Purchase Price, which reports what others are paying for new cars this week. The company also provides vehicle pricing and values through various products and services available to car dealers, auto manufacturers, finance and insurance companies as well as governmental agencies. Kbb.com provides consumer pricing and information on minivans, pickup-trucks, cars, hybrids and SUVs. Kelley Blue Book Co. Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of AutoTrader.com.HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 800 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile power train warranty, 5-years of complimentary Roadside Assistance and the Hyundai Trade-in Value Guarantee.For more details on Hyundai Assurance, please visit www.HyundaiAssurance.com.
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA NAMED ?TOP SAFETY PICK? BY IIHS
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2011 HYUNDAI SONATA NAMED ?TOP SAFETY PICK? BY IIHS
02/18/2010, Fountain Valley, California
Today, the all-new 2011 Hyundai Sonata joins an elite group of motor vehicles as a ?Top Safety Pick? of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This award is only given to those vehicles that do a superior job protecting people in front, side, rear and rollover crashes. A car?s ability to handle itself in these crashes is determined by how many ?GOOD? ratings it receives in each of the IIHS tests. Additionally, the vehicle must have electronic stability control readily available as an option.
Sonata is built from the ground up with safety in mind, with a hot stamped ultra-high-strength steel body structure, advanced airbag technology and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), delivering on Hyundai?s commitment to both active and passive safety technology leadership. In 2005, the Sonata was the first popular midsize sedan to standardize ESC-- once again every 2011 Sonata has lifesaving ESC as standard equipment. This is important because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported that ESC results in 35 percent fewer single-vehicle crashes and 30 percent fewer single-vehicle fatalities in passenger cars.
The Sonata also features a state-of-the-art Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) including Brake Assist and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). Sonata features six airbags?including dual front, front seat-mounted side-impact, and front and rear side curtain airbags?along with active front-seat head restraints.
While past Hyundai models, such as the Genesis, have been named IIHS ?Top Safety Picks,? the standards are higher than ever for 2010, with a roof strength test added to the qualifications. According to the new guidelines, roofs must be more than double the strength of current federal requirements in order to better maintain vehicle integrity in the event of a rollover accident.
Because this roof strength test is so demanding, many of the vehicles that had previously been named ?Top Safety Picks? were dropped from the list in 2010. From the 2011 Sonata?s inception, Hyundai engineers carefully considered the importance of roof strength and designed the newest edition to pass this high hurdle set by the IIHS.
The other IIHS ?Top Safety Pick? standards are stringent as well ? the institute's frontal crashworthiness evaluations are based on results of 40 mph frontal offset crash tests. Each vehicle's overall evaluation is based on measurements of intrusion into the occupant compartment, injury measures recorded on a dummy representing a 50th percentile male in the driver seat, and analysis of slow-motion film to assess how well the restraint system controlled dummy movement during the test.
Side evaluations are based on performance in a crash test in which the side of a vehicle is struck by a barrier moving at 31 mph. The barrier represents the front end of a pickup or SUV. Ratings reflect injury measures recorded on two instrumented dummies representing an average-sized woman, assessment of head protection countermeasures, and the vehicle's structural performance during the impact.
Rear crash protection is rated according to a two-step procedure. Starting points for the ratings are measurements of head restraint geometry ? the height of a restraint and its horizontal distance behind the back of the head of an average-size man. Seat/head restraints with good or acceptable geometry are tested dynamically using a dummy that measures forces on the neck. This test simulates a collision in which a stationary vehicle is struck in the rear at 20 mph.
The $25,000 Family Sedan Shootout....'11 Sonata is #1!!!!
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The $25,000 Family Sedan Shootout
By Patrick Olsen, Cars.com
We took eight popular sedans, six automotive journalists, a family of four and three days to determine: What's the best family sedan you can buy for $25,000 or less?
We asked automakers for cars that stickered out at $25,000 or less (not including destination charges). Eight chose to participate. We put their cars through a Mileage Challenge and two days of real-life road tests to choose a winner.
Our experts in the Shootout were: David Thomas, Jennifer Newman and Kelsey Mays of Cars.com; James R. Healey and Chris Woodyard of USA Today; and Brian Robinson of "MotorWeek."
On the family front, Jill and Ben Tiernan and their two daughters were good enough to put these cars through their paces for us.
How did we score the Shootout? Each car was scored from 1-10 in 10 categories, with a maximum score of 1,000 points. Reviewers accounted for 60 percent of the total; the parents accounted for the remaining 40 percent.
See the video above that sets up the competition, check out how much you can get for $25,000 or keep reading to see which sedan came out on top.No. 8 2010 Ford Fusion; 669 points
It's clear that reviewers got a great first vibe from the Fusion, but the more time they spent in the car, the less they came to enjoy it.
Pros: The Fusion's exterior got an "I think it's sexy" from mom Jill Tiernan, a point of view echoed by several of the journalists. Healey liked its combination of ride and handling; Robinson said its "interior fit and finish is one of the best," while Thomas enthused: "Looks, leather and Sync for under $25K?! I'll take it."
Cons: "It's great that the Fusion has leather for under $25K," Robinson noted, "but it's not very nice leather." That seems to capture the overall tone: As Woodyard noted, the "Fusion did everything fine but didn't seem to stand out in any particular category." It means well and it looks good, but the devil is in the details.No. 7 2010 Chevrolet Malibu; 697 points
The family and the reviewers found the Malibu attractive but lacking in the power department. "Looks better than it drives," was how Healey dryly described it.
Pros: Room, and lots of it. Mays noted: "The backseat is wide enough to fit three small child seats, and the Malibu is our only contender with an additional set of Latch anchors for the center seat." Mom Jill loved the seatback storage pouches, while Healey said the easy-to-read gauges were a plus.
Cons: The word "plasticky" was tossed around by more than a couple of reviewers (and dad Ben) when describing the interior. Although the Malibu won raves when it was last redesigned, "it is in dire need of an update," Thomas said.
Editor's note: A group of cars, starting with the sixth-place Altima through the third-place Kizashi, was neck-and-neck; only 20-odd points separate third and sixth place. That shows both how competitive the class is and why shoppers should focus on how well each car handles its most important task, whether that's driving, roominess, fuel economy or trunk space.No. 6 2010 Nissan Altima; 711 points
Nissan's entry also suffered from a lack of enthusiasm, although dad Ben did note that the competitors were evenly matched: "They're all pretty much the same car."
Pros: Simplicity worked for Newman: "There aren't a lot of bells and whistles in the Altima, but its center stack looks good and has an easy-to-use layout." Others raved about its comfortable seats and how roomy it was, and Healey enjoyed the Altima's ride and handling: "Fun to fling," he said, "yet never a harsh moment."
Cons: For all the praise of its interior's simplicity, almost no one liked its looks. "The model seems like it's getting a little long in the tooth," Woodyard said, "at least on the outside." Mays noted that its strong engine couldn't "make up for its unrefined suspension." Robinson was likewise down on it: "It's the only one that feels cheap."No. 5 2010 Honda Accord; 723 points
The Accord is very familiar to buyers in this segment: It has long been the No. 2 seller. It's that benchmark status that our reviewers and family split over.
Pros: It definitely seemed like a driver's car, especially a driver looking for room for passengers. While Newman praised the Accord for having "plenty of power for quickly getting up to speed," Robinson raved: "BIG!" Mays concurred: "Kids and adults alike will find it commodious." Whatever that means.
Cons: "A benchmark just a few years ago," Healey noted, "it now seems among the bottom feeders in the segment." What's changed? Poor seating, poor interior quality and road noise were the top complaints. Mom Jill also was put off because "it's not as good looking as the others, and everyone has one." Woodyard found it "just OK."No. 4 2010 Mazda6; 724 points
The Mazda6 won a lot of praise for its looks, both inside and out, as well as for its ginormous trunk. However, it was dinged for not living up to its Zoom-Zoom vow.
Pros: The Mazda6 has a good set of features "with few sacrifices," Thomas said. It has a "blind spot monitoring (system) for under $25K!" Robinson noted. In addition, Newman appreciated its styling: "It shows that midsize sedans don't have to be boring." Healey liked its "crisp turn-in and excellent rotation of the car through tight corners."
Cons: Several reviewers felt the Mazda6's acceleration and handling weren't as good as the Accord, which it beat by a single point. The seats drew fire from Healey, who labeled them "lumpy," and Robinson, who called the fabric "awkward." Newman thought it'd be difficult for a child in a booster seat to buckle himself independently.No. 3 2010 Suzuki Kizashi; 731 points
The newest entrant was also the smallest. Despite its size, the Kizashi won fans for its "zippy" handling and peppy drive. And it was the only one with all-wheel drive.
Pros: Healey called it the "let's rock" car in the test, a motion that was seconded by several reviewers and the family. Dad Ben called it "the driver's car" while mom Jill called it "the youngest car" of the bunch. Mays noted: "Sorry, GM, the Kizashi outplays the Malibu at its own game." Robinson said it had the "best-looking wheels."
Cons: Being small can be a hassle for a family with kids. Newman noted that, with the passenger seat set for her 5-foot-8-inch frame, she couldn't get a rear-facing infant-safety seat to fit correctly, so "the front passenger will have to compromise on legroom" to make the car seat fit. Several also commented that the backseat was small and narrow.No. 2 2010 Toyota Camry; 752 points
Here, the leaders start pulling away from the pack. The Camry has been one of the best-selling vehicles (recall issues aside). Despite its troubles, it still won everyone over.
Pros: Thomas said it was the complete package: "Acceleration, handling and ride were in perfect balance." Dad Ben said it had a "dignified interior." Woodyard said, "Even though it's the car your grandma might drive, it was very comfortable on the road. Quiet. Sure-footed." Healey liked its "roomy, useful trunk."
Cons: Bland styling was an issue for several people, and the seatback pockets are "made out of a hard plastic that would make it difficult to store sippy cups," Newman said. Finally, the brake response was poor for a couple of our drivers, or as Mays put it, "a brake pedal that feels about as responsive as Congress." Ouch.
And the winner is...No. 1 2011 Hyundai Sonata; 794 points
Hyundai got a leg up by having the redesigned Sonata ready for the Shootout. Its striking design won over most, but it was the whole package that grabbed the title.
Pros: "Standout" styling moved Newman, while Robinson liked its "very modern styling" and Healey enjoyed its "upscale look and feel." But it's more than just a pretty face, as Thomas said: "Value, value, value. $22,745 for navigation and all the other goodies in such an attractive wrapper. None of the competitors came close."
Cons: While the value proposition was good, the handling faltered. "On curvy roads, even the Camry out-handles it," Mays said. For dad Ben, the sporty look "didn't pay off." For Healey, the looks didn't offer enough: "I was expecting to be impressed with this car, and I was, but maybe not as much as I was expecting."
HYUNDAI HAS FEWER PROBLEMS THAN INDUSTRY AVERAGE
HYUNDAI HAS FEWER PROBLEMS THAN INDUSTRY AVERAGE
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 03/19/2009 - Hyundai increased its lead over the industry average in the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Vehicle Dependability StudySM (VDS) released today. Hyundai ranked No. 13 among nameplates in the long-term quality study, four rank positions better than industry average. The Hyundai overall score was 161 problems per 100 vehicles, nine problems better than the industry average of 170. In the 2008 Vehicle Dependability StudySM, Hyundai was three rank positions and six problems better than the industry average. The Elantra sedan had the highest levels of dependability in the Hyundai lineup."Customers deserve and expect the highest levels of quality when they purchase a vehicle, and expect it will remain reliable over its lifetime," said Barry Ratzlaff, Hyundai Motor America Director of Product Quality. "Our improvements in overall dependability demonstrate our efforts to build on the foundation of our 10 year, 100,000-mile warranty. Throughout the enterprise, from our suppliers through our dealers, we continue to aggressively strive and innovate for Hyundai vehicles to be in the top tier for vehicle quality and reliability."
J.D. Power and Associates changed methodology for the 2009 VDS, so results from past years are not directly comparable. The highly regarded study measures problems experienced by original owners and lessees of three-year-old (2006 model year) vehicles. The study is based on the responses of more than 46,000 owners of new vehicles bought between September 2005 and February 2006. The 2009 VDS measures problem symptoms in categories such as vehicle exterior, driving experience, features/controls/displays, audio/entertainment/navigation, seats, HVAC, interior, engine and transmission. The VDS is one of three J.D. Power and Associates quality studies, along with the Initial Quality Study (IQS) that measures quality after 90 days of ownership, and the Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) study that measures customer perceptions on the design, content, layout and performance of their new vehicles.
HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 790 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by The Hyundai Advantage, America's Best Warranty. In addition, the Hyundai Assurance Program is now offered on all new vehicles leased or purchased from a certified Hyundai dealer. The program is available to any consumer, regardless of age, health, employment record or financed amount of the vehicle. The program is complimentary for the first 12 months. For additional information, visit www.hyundaiusa.com.
Hyundai Sonata Recognised On “Greener Choices 2009” List
 Febuary 05, 2009
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| The 2009 Hyundai Sonata was recognized by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) on its annual "Greener Choices 2009" list for the fourth consecutive year. |