Overview & Reviews

The Hyundai Sonata is a comfortable and likable midsize sedan that proves Hyundai can build cars that are not just easy on the pocketbook, but easy to live with as well. Like most vehicles in the midsize sedan class, the Sonata offers front-wheel drive, numerous safety features and a choice of trim levels that include sporty and plush variants. Setting the Sonata apart, however, is Hyundai's lower pricing and outstanding warranty coverage.

For the most part, the Sonata has kept getting better. The current model, in particular, is the most competitive to date. In addition to the strong value proposition, this Hyundai adds a few things previously not seen in this conservative nameplate -- namely, daring styling and sporty driving dynamics. Newer pre-owned Sonatas are also a solid choice, but models prior to 2006 remain a risky used-car proposition.

Current Hyundai Sonata
Although it's classified as a full-size family sedan by the EPA, the Hyundai Sonata still competes in the midsize segment. It's available in GLS, SE and Limited trim levels. Even the base car comes well equipped, while the SE features sporty suspension tuning and the Limited pampers its passengers with more luxurious features.

The standard engine on every Sonata trim level is a 2.4-liter direct-injected inline four-cylinder rated at 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-exhaust SE with the same engine makes 192 hp and 181 lb-ft. A 2.0-liter turbocharged engine generating 274 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque is available on SE and Limited models. All Sonatas come with a six-speed automatic as standard.

Whether serving family car or commuter car duty, the Hyundai Sonata is a nice place to be thanks to its spacious cabin, comfortable seating, solid build quality and quiet highway ride. In reviews we've found that the Sonata provides spirited acceleration as well as responsive handling, with a slightly firm but still comfortable ride. Fuel mileage is also impressive, with 30 mpg being a realistic number for conservative drivers in mixed conditions. Our only notable gripes concern the relative lack of rear seat headroom for adults and a somewhat rough ride for the SE model. Overall the Sonata is rather impressive and deserves serious consideration from those shopping for a family sedan.

Used Hyundai Sonata Models
The current Hyundai Sonata represents the fifth generation in the car's lineage, and was introduced in the 2011 model year. That following year, the Sonata picked up the Blue Link telematics service and a higher-resolution navigation system display. A manual transmission was available for the Sonata GLS for these first two years, but was discontinued after that.

These Sonatas produced prior to 2014 differ in a number of minor ways. Styling was ever so slightly different, while they lack standard driver-selectable steering effort and the availability of certain features like xenon headlights and a blind-spot monitoring system. Also, the 2.4-liter engine made 198 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque (200 hp and 186 lb-ft for the SE) versus the current car's somewhat lower ratings.

The previous, fourth-generation Hyundai Sonata was produced from 2006-'10 and is really the only other version worth considering as a used Sonata. Initially, three trim levels were offered: GL, GLS and LX. The sophomore year saw a shuffling of the trim levels to the current format. Most notably, the sporty SE version debuted, wearing 17-inch alloy wheels and foglights.

Originally, the 2.4-liter four-cylinder produced 162 hp and was standard on the GL and GLS trims. A five-speed manual was standard (GL only for 2006) and a four-speed automatic was optional with this engine. Optional on the GLS and standard on the LX, SE and Limited was a 235-hp version of the 3.3-liter V6, matched to a five-speed automatic transmission. For 2008, the four-cylinder became standard on all trim levels and the V6 became optional. That year also saw a few more standard features added to the SE and Limited trims.

The biggest changes occurred in 2009 when engine outputs were increased (175 hp for the inline-4 and 249 hp for the V6) and the interior was spiffed up with a new dash and higher-quality materials. There were also two notable additions to the features lists -- a standard auxiliary audio jack and an optional touchscreen navigation system.

Prior to that, the cabin had respectable build and materials quality along with a precise feel to the controls. But it wasn't nearly as top-notch and had odd placement of the audio and climate controls -- the former was placed too high and the latter too low. Beyond that, the spacious cabin remained unchanged, and although the exterior had a few nips here and tucks there, you'd be hard-pressed to tell the difference between Sonatas of this generation.

At the time, we found that the fourth-generation Hyundai Sonata prioritized ride comfort over precise handling. It smothered bumps well and delivered a luscious highway ride, but with its significant body roll and vague steering, it wasn't particularly fun to drive.

Power from the efficient four-cylinder engine was competitive, and although the V6 wasn't quite as potent as those in rival sedans, it still got the job done while returning good fuel economy. Inside, soft, high-quality plastics were plentiful, and the overall design was eye-pleasing.

Pre-2006 Sonatas remain a risky used-car proposition even though depreciation means they can be found at a bargain-basement price. Only in recent years have we seen the kind of build quality and structural integrity that might portend long-term durability.

Nevertheless, the previous (third) generation Hyundai Sonata was originally introduced for 1999 with a vastly improved appearance, far better engines and significant improvements made in noise and ride quality versus its lamentable predecessors. The base car featured a 138-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder and the GLS had a 159-hp 2.5-liter V6. These numbers may be different from what you'll find elsewhere, since Hyundai misstated its horsepower ratings prior to 2002, giving the Sonata 11 more horses than it actually had. As such, you'd be best to stick with Sonatas from 2002 or later, which were characterized by even nicer styling, a better interior and a legitimately more potent V6.

The second-generation Sonata was introduced for 1995 and offered improved fit and finish compared to its predecessor, but that's not saying much. It now had dual airbags, but no more power under the hood. For instance, the V6 only produced 5 more horses than the four-cylinder. For 1997, the Sonata was restyled dramatically, but not necessarily for the better. All in all, we'd avoid this car.

The same goes for the original Hyundai Sonata, first launched in 1989 to give Hyundai a player in the midsize family sedan game. Aggressively priced but sloppily built and saddled with weak, unrefined powertrains, the boxy first-generation Sonata did little to change the public's perception of Hyundai cars as cheap in more ways than price.

User Reviews:

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  Decent Car - 2001 Hyundai Sonata
  By John - September 3 - 1:32 am

  I got this car as a hand down from my parents when it was at about 55K miles. We bought it brand new in 2001 and had zero problems with the car until recently. After 50,000 miles the Engine had to be replaced. Though its been running great as long as Ive had it, the only problem I see now is the auto-Tranny is lagging (at 65K Miles) but thanks to the 10year/100K mile warranty that wont be a problem. The power you get is surprising for a 4cyl. I have no problems passing people on freeways and it handles corners very well for a Sedan. I wouldnt recommend this car but its fairly reliable.. if your stuck with it, itll get you from point A to B without many problems.

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  Could have been better - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Marion - September 1 - 8:33 pm

  Had a 1992 Mitsubishi Eclipse Turbo that that the ripe old age of 13 years reliably got me to Texas from Michigan, I love the classy look of this car, but I dont really like the Hyundai dealers that can never find issues that I tell them it has. There is something wrong with the electrical system, the car doesnt unlock at times, all the lights in and out went out one day when I was at the stop light and magically came back on when I pressed the gas pedel, I have had the battery checked all ok, drove the car to a store and had to have it jumped when I came back out?, I dont know if I can trust it. Hyundai is not a big help. To many issues for not being very old. There is more but no room

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  GPS Upgrade, $199.99 "Robery" - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By VICTOR216 - September 1 - 10:53 am

  The GPS update is $199.99 per yr, I will buy a TomTom Portable GPS with lifetime Free Map Updates. Second Problem on the Hwy wind noise is too laud as if we had our windows open, poor construction. Acceleration very week, transmission problem but the dealer cant find the problem. Corporate office wont even help they will refer you to the local dealers where they continued to fail finding the problem. Good looking car but Construction & Customer Service is very poor.

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  Love this car - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Rtuh Bishop - August 31 - 6:16 am

  I bought this car to replace my 10 year old Nissan Altima. I have to do quite a bit a difficult driving in the D.C. area and needed a car with some power for beltway driving. I was going to buy another Altima, but felt that the Sonia was a better value. I drive my cars for ten years plus so the lower resale value of the Hyundai was not an issue. I found for the same money I would have spent on a 2006 used Altimia I got a fully loaded Hyundia with a better warranty. I love the ride and handling and would defiantly recommend this car if your in the market.

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  "my sonat is hot - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By rockstar - August 31 - 1:13 am

  After having a 01 Saturn, elantra07 and now the sonata. After originally test driving Genesis, priced to high, but loved it overall. Without even test driving sonata I said, if price was good Id buy. After the test drive, I was impressed! Bought it, traded 07 elan (elantra). I really enjoy my 09 sonata it turns heads where ever I go its black on black (black out) and pulling up next to a Toyota cam, Honda accord, even a c-class Benz. I truly recommend if you looking for a great car sonata 09 is it. Buy it now. Proud to drive a sonata.

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  POOR GAS MILEAGE - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By Sam - August 30 - 9:11 pm

  Bought a used Hyundai Sonata Limited, 63,000 miles, nice car, I bought if for the gas mileage.. Wrong there it gets 26 miles to the gallon city or hwy dont matter 26 best I get.. Real disappointed.. We be selling it this spring.... Wont never buy another one..

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  Luxury became more affordable - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Craig - August 30 - 7:33 am

  This vehicle is not in the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord league... I would say my Sonata LX is in more of Lexus or Acura league...Well, Hyundai does not have its luxury division as of yet but it will soon... Its interior is larger than those Camry or Accord. Performance? 6.7 seconds from 0-60 with excellent road management ability. All premium features such as Advanced Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control System, ABS are standard. Safety is the best in its class.

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  That darn ABS/TCS light! - 2000 Hyundai Sonata
  By Barry - August 29 - 12:42 pm

  ABS/TCS lamp comes on in damp wheather (when you really need the TCS). Dealership cant figure it out. Trans has blow in & out speed sensors (seperately) and neither was covered under warrenty ($200 a pop!). Trans blew internal solenoid. Dealer repaired under warrenty minus $$ for trani flush. "Intelligent" transmission is actually pretty dumb. Shifting is usually sluggish and its gear choice bogs the engine down too much. Front grill design...is pretty absent. ...Looks like that guy didnt show up for work that day.

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  Sonata - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By ksummer - August 29 - 12:23 am

  It doesnt feel like a 4 cylinder. Its very peppy. I love the interior! Very luxurious feel to it. The trunk space is incredible and the options it came with was unbeatable. Feel very secure with the excellent warranty too.

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  Sonata Elegance - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Groovy - August 28 - 5:32 pm

  Excellent driving experience! The 2003 Hyundai Sonata- super value, super elegance!