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Hyundai Sonata garners first-ever AutoPacific President's Award

The all-new 2011 Hyundai Sonata has earned a number of accolades since its launch earlier this year.

Suzanne Ashe
Suzanne Ashe has been covering technology, gadgets, video games, and cars for several years. In addition to writing features and reviews for magazines and Web sites, she has contributed to daily newspapers.
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Suzanne Ashe
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Credit: Josh P. Miller/CNET

The 2011 Sonata's top score surpasses anything AutoPacific has ever recorded in any product category. Credit: Josh P. Miller/CNET

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata today was awarded the the first-ever President's Award from automotive consulting firm AutoPacific.

AutoPacific surveyed 975 drivers of the all-new 2011 Sonata and had them rate their cars in 48 separate categories ranging from the basics of comfort and convenience, to performance and environmental friendliness. The Sonata's top score surpasses anything AutoPacific has ever recorded in any product category, the firm said in a news release.

"Quite frankly, we were blown away by the results," said George Peterson, president of AutoPacific. "The sheer magnitude of the 2011 Sonata's score made recognition necessary. With a score of 775 out of 1,000, the Sonata exceeded everyone's expectations. The Sonata's unique styling was rated almost perfect and was a key driver to its overall superior performance in this research. Clearly, 2011 Hyundai Sonata drivers are extremely satisfied with their purchase."

CNET reviewed the Hyundai Sonata SE in April calling it: "...bigger, faster, and, well, swoopier than the outgoing model."

Under the hood of the 2011 Sonata is the Theta II 2.4-liter gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine and in-house six-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle boasts 22 mpg city/35 mpg highway and 198 horsepower standard.

"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," said John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. "This first-ever AutoPacific President's Award, recognizing the highest score on this survey that AutoPacific has ever seen, is an apt tribute to our California design team, our global engineering team and the 2,700 team members at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama for their fresh thinking and dedication in breaking the mold of the staid and boring mid-size car."

Both hybrid and turbo power train options will be available at the end of the year.