News that the 2011 Hyundai Sonata had earned yet another accolade wasn’t a complete surprise to Kansas City new car dealers.  The updated sedan has been recognized by Kelley Blue Book, Business Week, and NADA Guides to name a few.  What made Hyundai’s reception of the first-ever President’s Award on June 10 so special is the fact that it comes as the direct result of the 2011 Sonata’s very satisfied drivers.

AutoPacific, an automotive consulting firm, created the award as a means of honoring Hyundai for the company’s outstanding performance in a recent study on their latest sedan.  The study asked 975 drivers of the new Sonata to rate their vehicles in 48 categories “ranging from the basics of comfort and convenience, to performance and environmental friendliness.”

The 2011 Sonata attained a score of 775 out of 1,000 and received an almost perfect rating for its unique styling.  George Peterson, President of AutoPacific extolled, “Quite frankly, we were blown away by the results… The sheer magnitude of the 2011 Sonata’s score made recognition necessary… Clearly, 2011 Hyundai Sonata drivers are extremely satisfied with their purchase.”

Automotive experts at Edmunds.com, a leading site in the auto review industry, maintain that the Kansas City Hyundai 2010 model Sonata was a “solid contender” in the sedan market.  However, the Sonata’s revamping for 2011 is seen as a huge step forward from the Kansas City Hyundai 2010 models.  The Edmund’s editors laud the 2011 model and declare that it has vaulted to the head of its competition citing a laundry list of pros including its smooth ride, high fuel economy, comfortable and handsome cabin, spacious trunk, capable handling, impressive value, strong safety scores, and lengthy warranty.

Hyundai also used the 2011 Sonata to launch its new Theta II 2.4 gasoline direct injection engine which creates a formidable package when paired with the car’s in-house six-speed automatic transmission and 198 horsepower.  With a base price of 19,195 the Sonata is slightly more expensive than some of its peers, but it compensates with plenty of standard features that are either optional or not available from their competitors.

John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America notes, “Consumer response to the all-new 2011 Sonata shows the strong appeal of Hyundai’s recipe of bold design, great quality, a segment-best 35 miles per gallon, and outstanding residual values.”  Hyundai is certainly doing their best to ensure that you end up with a car you love and that you get to keep it for as long as possible.  All Hyundai vehicles sold in the US are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the five-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance.  A Kansas City new car dealer near you has a 2011 Sonata ready and waiting to impress.