SAFETY

The 2011 Sonata has been named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. To earn this safety nod, a car must receive the top score of Good in front-, side-impact, rear and roof-strength crash tests as well as have a standard electronic stability system.

The Sonata also has standard traction control, front-wheel drive, antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, active front head restraints and six airbags, including side curtains for both rows of seats.

This five-seater has two sets of lower Latch anchors that are buried under stiff seat cushions. A booster seat fit well in the backseat. Even though the seat belt buckles were floppy, my boys didn't have problems buckling up on their own.

After struggling to get past the seat cushions to use the Latch anchors, the forward-facing convertible car seat fit well. The Sonata has plenty of space in the second row, so a rear-facing convertible and a rear-facing infant-safety seat both fit well back there. However, I wasn't able to fit three car seats across the Sonata's backseat.

    See also:

    Air Conditioning Operation
    To use the air conditioning to cool the interior: o Turn on the fan control switch. o Turn on the air conditioning switch by pushing in on the switch. The air conditioning indicator light should ...

    Snow Tires
    If you equip your car with snow tires, they should be the same size and have the same load capacity as the original tires. Snow tires should be installed on all four wheels; otherwise, poor handli ...

    Digital clock
    There are three control buttons for the digital clock. Their functions are: HOUR - Push "H" to advance the hour indicated. MIN - Push "M" to advance the minute indicated. RES ...