The SE and Limited feels like two different cars. SE is noticeably more "sportier" as in more heavy steering, firmer ride quality (not harsh), and minimal body roll. I like the looks of the 18inch wheels on the SE as well. It perfectly compliments the overall design of the car. Personally, the SE is by far the best looking of the model trims. My opinion of course.

One more thing, the power from the 4 cylinder was surprising peppy.

 

I have to agree with ConceptVBS, 2 totally different feels. I drove the Limited first, then drove the SE. I did not get 50 yards away from the dealership before saying to myself that this was much better in the SE. The ride and feel of the SE for me was a hands down winner between the 2.

 

Just finished my first tank of gas in my LTD. The LCD counter had it at 25.0, with about a 70/30 mix of city vs. highway driving.

 

QUOTE (BiXLL @ Mar 15 2010, 03:21 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=304494

I have to agree with ConceptVBS, 2 totally different feels. I drove the Limited first, then drove the SE. I did not get 50 yards away from the dealership before saying to myself that this was much better in the SE. The ride and feel of the SE for me was a hands down winner between the 2.

Can the feel of the SE be replicated on the Limited via swapping the tires & wheels, shocks, and anti-sway bar? I just feel that those factors can be had on the Limited, but the Limited's front & rear leathers seats, rear vents, and dual-temperature can't be replicated on the SE

 

QUOTE (jambaj0e @ Mar 15 2010, 04:17 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=304590

Can the feel of the SE be replicated on the Limited via swapping the tires & wheels, shocks, and anti-sway bar? I just feel that those factors can be had on the Limited, but the Limited's front & rear leathers seats, rear vents, and dual-temperature can't be replicated on the SE

ROFLMAO, I have no idea!!!!!

 

Not for nothing, I drove all three trim levels before I purchased my Sonata. The GLS and the Limited have roughly the same suspension feel even though the Limited rolls on 17" wheels and the GLS on 16". IMHO, I think the folks at Hyundai designed the car to give the GLS/w Popular Package and the Limited roughly the same feel, as the GLS on steel wheels felt a little rougher to me.

If I was about 10 years younger I would have jumped all over the SE. Crisp tight steering, stiffer suspension, and a slightly throatier growl (with that whopping extra 2 HP!), but I decided the ride was a little too stiff for me. So, keeping a budget in mind my wife and I went with the GLS w/Popular Package. Any day you can get a car of this quality OTD for under $20K is a fine day in my book. I'm still on my first tank of gas, looking like I'm in the 26-27 MPG range so far. No matter what trim you get, this is an exceptional vehicle!

 

Are the front sway bars are the same in all models? Means the springs must be close? +2 on tires is HUGE - Very HUGE 90% of SE ride might come from wheels and tires. Front suspension is 80% of handling

 

QUOTE (herr_howard @ Mar 26 2010, 09:53 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=307375

I'm still on my first tank of gas, looking like I'm in the 26-27 MPG range so far. No matter what trim you get, this is an exceptional vehicle!

I just fueled up a couple of days ago and I hit just under 26 MPG in 30/70 Hwy/City driving. I can't complain. I was at near highway speeds just after tanking up and when I got home (approx 42 miles later) the computer had my average MPG at 36.7. I can't wait until this weekend when I'll be off to my parents' house in MD. I'm guessing I'll be somewhere in the 32-35 MPG range to and from!

 

I also liked the feel of the SE better but not having leather seats was a deal killer for me. The leather bolstered seats are ok but for them to not offer at least a leather upgrade on the SE is kind of silly. I love leather seats and pretty much they are a must-have in my new car purchase.

Right now I am trying to decide between the Mazda6, Mazda3, Sonata Limited, Fusion and Subaru Legacy. I was almost ready to buy a Mazda6 on Saturday but decided to try the Sonata and liked it so much that Mazda6 is almost off my list of cars to consider. They are pretty similar vehicles with the 6 being sportier but also a little more expensive. I also like the power the Sonata provides with a 4cyl in comparison with the 6.

Decisions, decisions.....

 

QUOTE (jtfortin @ Mar 30 2010, 12:16 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=308531

I also liked the feel of the SE better but not having leather seats was a deal killer for me. The leather bolstered seats are ok but for them to not offer at least a leather upgrade on the SE is kind of silly. I love leather seats and pretty much they are a must-have in my new car purchase.

Right now I am trying to decide between the Mazda6, Mazda3, Sonata Limited, Fusion and Subaru Legacy. I was almost ready to buy a Mazda6 on Saturday but decided to try the Sonata and liked it so much that Mazda6 is almost off my list of cars to consider. They are pretty similar vehicles with the 6 being sportier but also a little more expensive. I also like the power the Sonata provides with a 4cyl in comparison with the 6.

Decisions, decisions.....

Funny - I have had the same process. We would be in a Mazda 6 right if they had a GT in Black Cherry w/ Nav anywhere near me. Instead they didn't so I got a chance to check the '11 Sonata out. We are impressed. In fact waiting to see if we can get a PB/Grey Limited w/ Nav. The Nav is leaps and bounds better than in the 6 too.

4 things that the Sonata could use and it would be the perfect car to me:

1) Memory drivers seat. I mean serious - how cheap is it not to offer this in the limited.
2) Power passenger seat - ditto.
3) HID headlights - again WTF.
4) LED taillights - this isn't huge, but still the competition has them.

The Mazda 6 has it's own faults too - it doesn't have Bi-Xenons and the NAV sucks pretty bad. Not to mention their 4 banger almost seems a little lathargic, especially compared to the Sonata and it only gets 31MPG.

What sucks is in this price point there isn't a perfect car to me. I'd have to go up about 10k to get a car with everything I think makes a perfect car. So at this point we are leaning more towards the Sonata.

 

QUOTE (jtfortin @ Mar 30 2010, 12:16 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=308531

Right now I am trying to decide between the Mazda6, Mazda3, Sonata Limited, Fusion and Subaru Legacy. I was almost ready to buy a Mazda6 on Saturday but decided to try the Sonata and liked it so much that Mazda6 is almost off my list of cars to consider. They are pretty similar vehicles with the 6 being sportier but also a little more expensive. I also like the power the Sonata provides with a 4cyl in comparison with the 6.

Decisions, decisions.....

The most recent issue of Car and Driver compared the Sonata to the Accord and the Legacy with the Sonata coming in first.

 

QUOTE (jambaj0e @ Mar 15 2010, 03:17 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=304590

Can the feel of the SE be replicated on the Limited via swapping the tires & wheels, shocks, and anti-sway bar? I just feel that those factors can be had on the Limited, but the Limited's front & rear leathers seats, rear vents, and dual-temperature can't be replicated on the SE

I've been thinking about that too. Just swapping in SE shocks and sway bars, using the smaller wheels for winter tires and grabbing some 18". Maybe even wider than stock 18"s for handling. The issue though is the dual exhaust, and possibly a different tune for more agressive shift points and free-er flowing exhaust.

jfulcher: I agree with your whole list. Especially the seat memory.

 

QUOTE (jfulcher @ Mar 30 2010, 01:14 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=308560

What sucks is in this price point there isn't a perfect car to me. I'd have to go up about 10k to get a car with everything I think makes a perfect car. So at this point we are leaning more towards the Sonata.

You are in the same boat as me. If money was no object, I'd probbaly get a V6 Mazda6, an AcuraTSX, a Fusion Sport, or Legacy Gt or R Limited. I am trying to stay in the low 20s which kind of limits me to top of the line small cars (Civic EXL, Mazda3 Grand Touring, etc) or towards the middle to bottom of the family sedan offerings. I like that the Sonata gives me all the bells and whistles with a more powerful 4cyl.

 

I just get a chance to test drive the 2011 Sonata SE today. I am impressed. One thing I don't like about the car is the rear passenger windows are too small. I have to triple check when I change lane. (Of course, they have the price sticker on the window at the time of my test drive. )

I have been a long time Honda fan and this Sonata has really change my view of Hyundai. Sadly they are not doing any good incentive at the moment. I guess I will have to wait a year or two before trading in my 2000 Accord for a new Sonata. :auto:


can't wait...

 

QUOTE (herr_howard @ Mar 30 2010, 11:29 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=308516

I can't wait until this weekend when I'll be off to my parents' house in MD. I'm guessing I'll be somewhere in the 32-35 MPG range to and from!

I checked the estimated MPG after my trip to my parents' place...32.6 MPG mostly cruising around 65 MPH. I'm really loving this car!