Hey Schnak...I have a "stripper" 2011 Sonata GLS...with 6 speed manual tranny...It has a proper handbrake...amongst many other very nice features...I can see your point in the comparison between the '10 and '11 models, the sloping rear of the roof may cut into headroom a touch..but I find it quite commodious back there...I never sat in the back, or front of a 2010 model, so I can't comment...You're right about the steel wheels....I'll be getting some nice black 18 inchers...soon as wifey lets up on the purse strings..hehe.
I've had the car for about 3 months now, and have 2500 miles on it...It is smooth, fast and very economical...I'm getting 29 MPG on this current tankful, about a 50/50 mix of city/highway driving...I took it on a 60 mile roadtrip of mostly highway...hilly, 70-75 MPH driving and got 37.1 MPG..Amazing...The shifter is not perfect, but it's ok...the gates are pretty exact..throws could be a bit shorter...my daughters '98 BMW must have spoiled me on shifters...That lovely feeling of control and snickiness that I love is still there. I also have the aforementioned "babypoop" tan interior...which is, in effect, two tone..the dash is dark upper and lighter lower...Very nice...and I really like the material and color...and as Wing says...the dash is overall very ergonomic and pleasant to touch and use... He never mentioned the satellite radio/CD player..It has a great sound...Surprisingly so..This is a great car....Thanks for your time dragonfly