Sedans

First Drive: 2011 Hyundai Elantra

There are a lot of reasons to buy a small car, like low price, good fuel economy, or the maneuverability of a vehicle that doesn't require its own zip code. But until now, impressing your neighbors with head-turning style, or pleasing yourself with luxury features simply weren't considerations.
The 2011 Hyundai Elantra changes all that. Like all small cars, it offers great fuel economy, it's easy to drive, and it doesn't cost much. But that low price includes features normally only found in more expensive cars, and its design makes it one of the most eye-catching cars on the road today at any price.

It all sounds too good to be true, so when Hyundai invited me to drive the all-new 2011 Elantra in San Diego, I jumped at the chance to get behind the wheel and see if Hyundai's new car could live up to its promises.

Quick Specs

Family Friendliness: 8.1

First Drive: 2011 Hyundai Sonata

With higher gas prices, a shaky economy and uncertainty abounding, the winds of change are blowing in the automotive marketplace. It has many manufacturers rethinking exactly what a large family sedan should be, and nowhere is this redefinition clearer than in the 2011 Hyundai Sonata. Restyled and reengineered, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata is unique in several ways. For example, you have an elegantly styled but imminently affordable large sedan, with class-leading highway fuel economy, a big trunk, and surprising features such as Bluetooth standard even in base models. On the other, Hyundai is ignoring convention by offering only four-cylinder engines, a fuel-economy gambit that could turn out to be a stroke of genius if fuel prices climb again. While a turbocharged four-cylinder will be introduced in a few months for the power hungry, the base four-cylinder is the most powerful in its class. But is this stylish sedan as Family Friendly as it appears on paper? We spent the day with the 2011 Hyundai Sonata to find out.

Quick Specs

Family Friendliness: 8.3

First Drive: 2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T

When it first introduced the excellent new 2011 Hyundai Sonata earlier this year, the Korean manufacturer proved it had stopped playing catch-up, and was ready to lead the pack. The Sonata combined high levels of standard equipment, lots of room front and rear, a big trunk, class-leading fuel economy and a low price, and then wrapped it all up in styling usually reserved for much more expensive cars. The Sonata even went on to become the top-scoring sedan from any manufacturer in our Family Friendliness Index.

But there was something missing. The Sonata's competition -- Honda Accords, Toyota Camrys and others -- all offer powerful optional V-6 engines for customers who demand sports car-like acceleration when hauling their groceries home. Not only did the Sonata lack a bigger engine, it wasn't even engineered for one. Instead, Hyundai said it would offer up a turbocharged version of its four-cylinder engine for power-hungry Sonata buyers, promising more horsepower and better fuel economy than the competition. It was a big promise to make, but after driving the new, turbocharged 2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T around the mountains surrounding San Diego, I can say this: Mission Accomplished.

Quick Specs

Family Friendliness: 8.1

First Drive: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is the Korean manufacturer's first hybrid in the U.S. market, and just like the Sonata and Sonata 2.0T, it's poised to shake up its competition.

It's not because the Sonata Hybrid's fuel economy is dramatically better than its prime competitors, the Toyota Camry and Ford Fusion hybrid. Nor is it because of space-age technology, although again, the Sonata Hybrid is plenty sophisticated. No, it's because of two key Hyundai advantages. First is price, a traditional Hyundai perk that's unlikely to change. The second, surprisingly, is style. It's still a little hard to think of Hyundai as a style leader, but that's rapidly becoming the case, and the Sonata Hybrid's standout design could just be the key to its success.

Quick Specs

Family Friendliness: 7.9

First Drive: 2012 Hyundai Accent

Historically, subcompacts were lousy family haulers, thanks to their poor crash test scores, limited safety equipment, and impractical packaging. But things are a lot different these days. Small cars are still inexpensive, but manufacturers are adding features like high-end audio systems, power windows and door locks, Bluetooth and the latest safety equipment. They even look good now.

The Hyundai Accent was once the poster child of cheap small cars -- with the emphasis on "cheap." But those days are over, and the all-new 2012 Hyundai Accent redefines Hyundai's smallest car with eye-catching style, plentiful safety equipment, and a surprising number of features while somehow still undercutting similarly equipped cars by hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

The question is, does all that translate into a small car that's fit for family duty? Hyundai invited Family Car Review to Las Vegas to find out, no doubt gambling that the answer would be "yes."

Quick Specs

Family Friendliness: 7.9

Review: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze 2LT

Let's be honest: We're spoiled. We've become so used to our power windows, keyless entry, Bluetooth, satellite radio and other luxury doodads that they're no longer optional. They're mandatory. The problem is, $4-per-gallon gas is forcing many to give up their bigger cars for smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, a segment that historically has been short on features and refinement.

But no more. Automakers have responded to downsizing customers like never before, and the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is a good example. Replacing the unloved rental-fleet special known as the Cobalt, the Chevy Cruze offers up a comfortable and fuel-efficient package that offers a surprising amount of refinement and features considering its size and price. If the kids-only rear seat doesn't bother you, it's easy to let the big trunk, quiet highway manners and comfortable driver's seat win you over.

Quick Specs

Family Friendliness: 7.7

Review: 2011 Ford Taurus Limited

The Taurus is one of the more venerable nameplates in the Ford lineup, and over its 25-year history, it's had its share of ups and downs. These days, it's definitely on an "up." Ford completely revamped its full-size Taurus sedan for the 2010 model year, giving it a new lease on life with sophisticated styling, advanced safety features, and a comfortable and roomy interior.

The question is whether big, four-door sedans still make sense for a family in these days of crossovers and minivans. I figured it was time to get behind the wheel and see how the Taurus stacks up against modern family hauler competition.

Quick Specs

Family Friendliness: 7.8

Review: 2011 Kia Optima EX

It's rough being a little brother. Sure, your family loves you as much as your big brother. But you get hand-me-down clothes and toys, the noogies never end, and you always have to play Luigi.

Kia is out to prove that sibling rivalry makes it stronger. As little brother to Korean powerhouse Hyundai, Kia often plays second fiddle with new models, technology or fresh designs. Yet Kia's forging a corporate identity unique from Hyundai, offering sportier, more aggressive designs than its luxury-oriented Seoul-mate. Take the 2011 Kia Optima for example. It shares its engine and basic mechanical underpinnings with the best-in-class 2011 Hyundai Sonata, but its style and attitude sets it apart. After a week behind the wheel of a 2011 Kia Optima EX, it's clear this little brother might give Hyundai a few noogies of its own.

Quick Specs

Family Friendliness: 8.3