The 2011 Hyundai Sonata already has been a hot-seller since its arrival at dealerships earlier this year. It soon will be greeted by two new members of the Sonata family: the 2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T and the Sonata Hybrid.

The new-for-2011 Sonata is longer, leaner and lower, giving it a much sleeker and more sophisticated look. Exterior colors range from Pearl White to Camel Pearl to Venetian Red to Phantom Black Metallic.

The sleek design is carried throughout the interior of the car in the center console and instrument panel.

The Sonata also has improved its interior quality with its comfortable and spacious design. The Sonata has more passenger and cargo volume than most of its competitors and is the class-leader in total interior volume.

Hyundai also has given its new Sonata a new engine: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that boasts impressive fuel economy. Available in automatic or manual transmission, the six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC^® gets 22 city miles per gallon (mpg) and 35 mpg on the highway, making it a class leader in this category as well.

The new Sonata isn’t just about improved comfort and performance. Hyundai also has improved the Sonata’s standard safety and technology features for 2011. This includes an advanced airbag system, Electronic Stability Control, and a state-of-the-art braking package. Comfort technology features available for the new Sonata are an AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system with digital HD Radio Technology, a touch-screen navigation system, and a Bluetooth^® hands-free phone system.

Coming Soon: Sonata 2.0T and Sonata Hybrid

It’s no wonder the 2011 Hyundai Sonata has been a big seller so far, but the automaker didn’t just revamp the Sonata we know and love; they turbocharged it, and are bringing us the 2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T. The Sonata 2.0T comes equipped with a 274 horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline direct-injection engine. This twin-scroll turbocharger delivers a best-in-class 34 highway mpg, with regular, not premium, fuel.

With the addition of the new 2011 Sonata Hybrid, the Hyundai sedan has become a “triple threat” in the industry. Hyundai’s Sonata Hybrid offers exceptional fuel economy in the city, where it gets an impressive 37 mpg, and on the highway, it gets 39 mpg. This new hybrid Hyundai also comes with some slightly different features like its more aerodynamic exterior design and its 4.2-inch LCD Hybrid Technology Display inside the vehicle.

Hyundai’s development of the gasoline direct-injections, twin-scroll turbochargers, and full-hybrid powertrains make the Sonata the first vehicle in the industry to offer all three technologies.

With even more models and new capabilities to choose from, you now can have your 2011 Hyundai Sonata just the way you like it.

Shop for a new Sonata | Find a Hyundai dealer

You don’t plan specifically to cause a car accident (or to be in one at all, for that matter!). Nevertheless, in most states, you still must plan for how you’ll pay for injuries and property damage done to others if you cause an auto accident.

While there are a number of auto insurance carriers out there, we wanted to let you know about several programs that are available directly from the automakers or from their associated finance companies. These programs will help you be prepared in case of an accident – while also providing you some nice auto owner-specific benefits.

Automakers offering car insurance programs include:

• Audi
• BMW
• Chrysler Group (Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles)
• Ford Motor Company (Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury Vehicles)
• General Motors (Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC Vehicles)
• Subaru

By buying car insurance from your automaker or its finance company, you’re often able to take advantage of special group discount rates on the price of your insurance. In many cases, you’ll also receive towing or other concierge services that go beyond what other auto insurers might provide. By bundling your auto and home insurance coverage together, you’ll likely receive further discounts. In addition, most auto insurance programs from the automakers require body shops to make collision repairs using only genuine manufacturer replacement parts.

For specific information on each of these programs, check out our article Vehicle Insurance Programs from the Automakers.

Related Stories:  9 Ways to Save on Auto Insurance | Automaker Perks and Programs

Each year, automakers work to make their next model year of autos even better than last. Well, this year is no different for Nissan, and boy have they been busy!

Nissan is releasing two brand new models for 2011: the LEAF and the JUKE. (Check out our previous blog post about the LEAF.) Set to arrive this fall, the JUKE will be added to Nissan’s roster of crossovers – Murano, Rogue, and cube^® – as the new small crossover SUV.  According to Nissan, the sporty Juke draws inspiration from “active lifestyle influences, including motorcycles and rally cars,” with its distinctive design inside and out.

New for 2011 – Nissan JUKE Small Crossover SUV

The JUKE’s design is not the only distinguishing characteristic of the new Nissan; it also offers exceptional performance technology that is sure to make the bold, new SUV fun and exciting to drive. Debuting for Nissan on the JUKE is their new I-CON system. This integrated control system allows the driver to adjust the throttle, transmission and steering feel for whatever type of ride he or she desires: Normal for everyday driving, Sport for a more intense performance feel, and Eco for maximum efficiency.

While all Nissan models have been enhanced for 2011, some models have some significant improvements:

The 2011 Quest will return to the Nissan lineup in early 2011. This new Nissan is breaking the “mom-mobile” stereotype as Nissan boasts that the newly redesigned minivan will not only be family-friendly, but also great for empty nesters or any other buyers needing the size, safety and functionality that the Quest has to offer. For more details on the 2011 Nissan Quest, visit the consumer microsite: http://www.nissanusa.com/microsite/quest/2011/.

One model that will get a considerable facelift for 2011 is the Murano. Some of the Murano’s new features include a newly designed front grille and bumper and taillight appearance, and the instrument panel illumination changed from orange to white. Nissan Intelligent Key™, iPod and Bluetooth® connectivity, Bose® premium audio system, and an advanced touch screen navigation system are all technology features that are standard or available on all eight Murano trims, including the new Murano SV trim level. The new Murano is scheduled to go on sale in October 2010.

Introduced in 1986, the Nissan Pathfinder celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. So in honor of the midsize SUV, Nissan has created a Silver Edition model for 2011 to add to the Pathfinder’s four-model lineup, which will arrive in showrooms in September 2010. This new model will add leather interior, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, heated front seats and outside mirrors and special Silver Edition badging.

Also available in September 2010, the Rogue has been upgraded, inside and out, for 2011. For the exterior, this SUV has new front fascia and grille, front and rear spoilers, door side molding, chrome accent trim and license plate finisher, and is offered in four new exterior colors. The 2011 Rogue has improved storage and utility features and offers advanced technology features like Nissan Intelligent Key, Bluetooth, XM® Satellite Radio, and Bose premium audio system. The new Rogue also comes equipped with a long list of standard safety features, including an advanced airbag system.

Nissan has brought a lot to the table for 2011, adding models and upgrading its vehicles inside and out! Be on the lookout for these new Nissans and other revamped-for-2011 models, arriving at your local Nissan dealership soon!