Good looking and great value, the sixth generation Hyundai Sonata is an excellent used car choice…

Hyundai gave the Sonata dramatically curvaceous new styling for the 2011 model year and dropped the V6 engine option for the all-new (sixth generation) model.

A lighter and more fuel-efficient 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder became the engine upgrade offered in this popular mid-sized family sedan, with a full-sized interior

The base engine was an impressive new GDI (gasoline direct injection) 2.4-litre four-cylinder that can produce 198-horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. That’s considerably more than the departing base four (175 hp / 168 lb-ft) in the 2010 Sonata. It offers better fuel economy and is rated at 9.4 L/100 km in the city and 5.7 L/100 km on the highway (with automatic).

Most buyers will find this base engine completely satisfies their power requirements and it’s more reliable, based on Consumer Reports owner survey results. It possesses good off-the-line power and performs impressively smooth and quiet. A green “eco” icon also shows up on the instrument panel to reward the driver for being easy on the gas pedal.

A six-speed manual transmission was only offered in the entry-level GL version and all other trim levels came with a six-speed automatic. Called Shiftronic this automatic has a manual mode sequential gear selection feature on its floor shift lever. The other trim levels offered in 2011 were GLS, Limited, 2.0T and 2.0T Limited.

There is a price to pay for the Sonata’s swoopy sexy styling in terms of rear-seat headroom (for tall adults). A high rear shelf and a steeply raked back window also restrict the driver’s rear vision. That said, the side mirrors are a decent size and many editions come with a back-up camera.

Sonata performed well in crash tests and offers a safety package that includes active front seat head restraints. Electronic stability control and a Bluetooth hands-free wireless phone connect feature are standard features. The Limited edition also comes with repeater turn signals on the side mirrors.

No major changes were made to Sonata for the 2012 model year, but heated rear seats were added as standard equipment in the GLS and 2.0T trim levels. The Limited models also got standard proximity key entry with push-button engine start and a panoramic sunroof replaced the standard sunroof.

For the 2013 model year a new SE trim level was introduced between GLS and top-line Limited. The SE comes with leather seating, 18-inch alloy wheels, dual exhaust tips, and a stiffer suspension calibration. Enhanced breathing also increased the 2.4-litre engine’s output by a couple of horsepower. The 2.0T trim level was discontinued and a manual transmission edition was no longer offered.

Good looking and great value, the sixth generation Hyundai Sonata is an excellent used car choice.

Price Check: 2011 – 2013 Hyundai Sonata (April 2014)

Year                    Edition                                                 Expect to Pay Today

2011                     GLS                                                        $13,000 to $16,000

2012                     GLS                                                        $15,000 to $18,000

2013                     GLS                                                        $17,000 to $20,000

Prices vary depending on a used vehicle’s condition, mileage, usage and history. A complete mechanical check should always be performed by a reliable auto technician prior to purchase.

Safety Recalls: 2011 to 2013 Hyundai Sonata:

2011: The front inside door handle may not return to its normal, stowed position and the door latch can remain in an unlatched position, when attempting to close the door. If the driver or front seat passenger does not notice that a front door is unlatched, the door may open while the vehicle is being driven. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the door latch assemblies.

2011: The steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connection may have been improperly assembled and may produce noise or a loose or unresponsive steering feel. If no corrective action is taken this could eventually lead to a loss of the driver’s ability to steer. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, tighten steering column u-joint bolts to specs.

2011: The stop lamp switch may fail and cause intermittent operation of the brake lights. Dealers will replace the switch.

2012/2013: Due to a defect in manufacturing of the inflator module, the side curtain airbag(s) could deploy without warning and potentially cause injuries to vehicle occupants. Dealers will replace the affected side curtain airbag(s).

Contact: bob [dot] mchugh [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca