2011 Sonata at the dealer

I passed by my dealer today and they have a 2011 Sonata on the lot.

Below is a summary of the styling:

WOW

 

I saw it in a commercial last night. It looked pretty fly. They steal away
some designers from Mercedes-Benz?

Jon

 

I don't know - the overall lines are nice but the windows are so small I
get claustrophobia just looking at it. Don't know how bad it'll be on
the inside looking out, of course.

--

 

I haven't sat in a new Sonata, but I have had several other rental cars
with the smaller windows and it doesn't get better on the inside. I
hope this styling fad is short-lived.

Matt

 

It is supposedly needed for the extra support now required for side impact
testing. Less glass = more steel support. I strongly dislike the Chrysler
with short windows, the new Lacrosse is similar. I've not sat in any of
them yet.

 

I have heard that also, but I have seen no credible data to support that
assertion. I think it is simply a styling trend and the safety claim is
urban legend. I bet the loss of visibility is more of a safety hazard
than are lower beltlines. I bet we see this trend reverse in a few
years as people wise up.

Matt

 

It's hard to see how making a car with poor visibility is going to
enhance overall safety. If I want something with a chop-top I'll
stick to a '51 Mercury or the like.

--

 

">I passed by my dealer today and they have a 2011 Sonata on the lot.

I'll second that, and then some. I had a 02 Elantra and just last Tuesday
bought the new 2011 Sonata. Can't believe it's the same company that makes
both cars. Absolutely a fantastic car, especially for the money. There isn't
a lot on the dealers floors yet but I'll bet the demand will be out of this
world once the public realizes what this model really is. I've seen 3 road
tests on this new 2011 Sonata and they all compare it to the new lexus---and
they are RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Andy H

 

Good luck with it. How is the view out the side windows? That was a
concern by a few people as then seem smaller, but I've not seen one up close
yet.

 

I got to see one at the Houston Auto show. I prefer my 06 for the
reason I have children. The back seat now is tough to get into on my
own (I am 6' 3" ) & I can't imagine having to get a kid onto a car
seat through that small doorway. Aren't these cars still classified as
family sedans or do families have no choice but mini vans now. I guess
the car looks sweet however I am also one of those claustrophobic
kinds who like more glass area. I am sure I will never be comfortable
ridding in the back seat of the new model if the need arises.. Just my
2 cents..