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:

• 

  Do not purchase this auto - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jeff - August 16 - 9:13 am

  All my service was performed on time and engine began to burn oil. The dealer found bad ring and recommend to Hyundai of America to fix. The tech line from Hyundai said it was normal for the engine to use 1 qt of oil every 1 k miles. I have never heard of such. If this happens the engine would lock up before the next oil change. Do not by this car as the company will not honor the warranty. The dealership also took my engine apart and found that it was extreamly clean and had been service on time as it should. They also sent pictures to the Tech line and they still would not stand by the warranty.

• 

  Buy it! You will love the 2006 Sonata! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By John - August 16 - 6:16 am

  I originally was in the market for a Honda Accord or a Toyota Camry. The reviews for the 2006 Sonata caught my eye and I decided to give it a test drive. This is a GREAT car! I test drove the Accord and Camry the same day as the Sonata. The Hyundai is the most quiet, refined, comes with the most included options, and is several thousand dollars under the competition! Not to mention the best warranty in the business. I am very happy thus far with my purchase and was pleasantly surprised when I realized how large the trunk really is after a recent shopping trip. If you want a very roomy, sporty, refined sedan this is the car for you!

• 

  Review after 11,000 miles - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By mark130 - August 15 - 6:10 pm

  After you own a car for 8 months you have to ask yourself - Would I buy it again. The answer for me is YES. One of the best looking cars on the road. Best Value in the midsize class. No issues with steering or noises. I live in CT and we have been hammered by snowstorms. Car is very good in the snow. Better then the Lincoln MKZ that I had. Gas milage isnt as good as I expected, probably due to the many hills in CT. I glad I didnt buy the Ford Taurus which would have cost $6000 more. My next car will probably be the 2012 Hyundai Azera.

• 

  Great value for the money - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By RayC - August 15 - 6:03 pm

  Look and drive like a 30K car for under 20K after rebate. You cant get more for your money.

• 

  Nice family sedan with safety - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Joohy - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Its stylish and roomy. Also it has lots of safety features. Im just satisfied with these. No more espectation on this car.

• 

  Poor design - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By Masoud Mousavi - August 13 - 9:49 am

  You have to remove 14 bolts to remove the splash guard under the car to change the oil. It took me 1-1/2 hour to change the oil that would normally takes 20 minutes. Hyundai did not give me a satisfactory answer when I suggested to add a trap door under drain plug and filter for easy access. I would have purchased a Camry for the same amount had I known this.

• 

  The best in its class...no doubt! - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jong - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Very comfortable, quiet, smooth ride and lots of features period. Why would anyone wants to buy something else for more money. This is a very well-built and designed car. Camry and Accord? Oh! Please.....Hyundai on the rise. Watch out!

• 

  Love this car - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By fiVe - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Weve had the car 2 weeks & have approx. 400 miles. I really like this car--power, smooth ride, great value. It just feels right when you drive it. We think it looks like a Jag. We had a good buying experience and got a great deal. You cant beat the warranty. Im very impressed with what Hyundai has done here.

• 

  Great Car - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By BillF - August 9 - 8:56 pm

  Since new, this has been a great car. It is quiet, powerful for a 2.7l engine and handles very well. We have had only one issue with the starter where the Bendix drive slipped. The starter turned but the engine didnt turn over. Roadside assistance was here within an hour, took it to the local dealer and claimed to find nothing. It has never done it again in over a year. Its the best 17K Ive spent on a car.

• 

  Good value for the money - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Stekicar - August 8 - 10:13 am

  For a $16,266.62 OTD price, no-one could come even near this car. Just got 7500 miles on it. Excellent ride. Great MPG for the size of the car. Average 27MPG, worst 23MPG-city (driven by my wife :) ), BEST - 30MPG-freeway (average 65MPH). Just came home from a vacation. On 75MPH (average) had 28MPG. Big trunk, was able to fit all skies except mine + the luggage for family of 4. Mine skies ended up in between the seats. Roomy interior. Flimsy parking brake handle. Soft plastic on the back, bent under pressure. Kick-down very slow, there is some delay. NON fold-a-side rear view mirrors. Driver seat not so supportive. Doesnt have an opening on the rear seats for placing skies in the trunk.