While I never owned a Hyundai, I had 09 Sonata (also 4 cyl, 5 spd auto) as a rental for a week, and I was really impressed with the car. The re-designed (for 09) interior is really sweet
, you certainly don't feel like you're driving a Hyundai, it's that upscale.
Two things I didn't like:
Suspension - while quiet and smooth on fairly good roads, but on road he;ll, they call highways in Montreal
, the suspension was transferring a lot of jarring vibration to the cabin, also made a weird popping sound.
The 5 spd AT - I think Hyundai programmed the AT too much to the comfort side, even though it's 5 spd, it makes the engine feel far less peppy, even compared to my 2.0 Mazda3 4spd AT. It's slow to downshift, and only downshifts one gear at a time, when my Mazda can go from 4th to 2nd at half throttle if the speed allows it.
Overall, however, it's a fantastic family car that is comfortable and really spacious. When I'm in the market for a mid-sized family sedan, Sonata will definitely be considered.
I think you made a good choice