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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  One Year review - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Gary D. - August 8 - 4:43 am

  I have now owned this vehicle for 1 year with 20k and it hasnt had so much as a hiccup. What originally sold me, apart from the price and warranty was the interior and trunk size, (large), and the level of comfort, usually only felt with leather upgraded interior. I love all the thoughtful little upgrades which are standard, such as the 3 nozzle window sprayer, the above visor lit vanities lights, and beautiful interior stack. I have been averaging 31 mpg on regular, and honestly, I hardly miss my G35(only off the ramps and when I feel a little crazy), or its 20 mpg with super. My wife now likes to take it whenever she can and everyone who rides with me is quite impressed.

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  Sonata review - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Billy Wehunt - August 8 - 1:36 am

  Suspension is a noisy especially when hitting bumps. Allow car to "bottom out" struts too easily. Other than too much noise from suspension and noise coming in from an uninsulated trunk mat, the car drives beautifully. Passenger area of car is noisy and difficult to use "bluetooth" with cell phone, end up having to hold cell phone, unsafe move!!! Gas mileage not as good as I thought it would be especially on the highway (for its size and make of engine - V6).

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  Fantastic Upgrade!! - 2016 Hyundai Sonata
  By Austin Dailey - August 5 - 9:47 am

  I love it!!!! I was trying to get out of my 14 Sentra SV that I felt I was over paying for. Only 1.5k miles on the car and I love the change to a larger sedan, I get almost the same gas mileage as I had with my Sentra by driving on the freeways a bit more that surface streets. It has the power for me to navigate traffic with ease. I also ended up getting the sport edition with quite a few of the additional packages, and I love everything I got, and its definitely worth the ~$100 difference in my payments. My only wish is that the BlueLink last longer, or was less expensive to renew. Its definitely worth looking into, its about 10 times the car other manufacturers were trying to sell me.

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  Runs as good as it looks! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Peter Orapello - August 4 - 11:00 am

  I had my eye on the 2006 Sonata from the first day I received a promo in the mail. After reading many reviews I was conviced this was the car for me. Lots of room for my family, including my 17 month old, her car-seat and all the extras a little one needs. The car is very well built, stylish, and sporty, not to mention a blast to drive. I would have spent close to 30K for a compairable model from Honda or Toyota instead of the 24K I spent for this baby.

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  A lot of car for not a lot of money. - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By eric39 - August 2 - 9:36 pm

  If you told me two years ago that I would buy a Hyundai I would have laughed out loud. I bought a Hyundai Sonata LX loaded and I love it. It drives great, it looks great and the stereo sounds great. The car really handles has great pick up and incredible brakes. The design is beautiful and the interior controls are well thought out and easy to use. My overall experience with this vehicle is very positive.

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  verry happy, would buy another - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By bizzman - August 1 - 4:21 pm

  i have about 37,000 miles on it and no major problems as of yet.

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  suprise - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By bill barnhart - July 31 - 7:06 pm

  As a person that has not owned anything smaller than a full size American car,the ride, performance, and handling of this were the biggest surprise Ive ever gotten from a car. The car performs exceptionally well! The ride takes a little getting used to. I purchased the car for the warranty, and got a big surprise.

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  Great Car - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Sapient - July 31 - 7:47 am

  I have been very happy with this purchase. The only downside is fuel economy. I usually get 21 MPG for non-highway traffic (and that is with climate control turned on). For a V6 the MPG is not bad.

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  great car - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By J Charles Hailes - July 29 - 11:58 pm

  Very stylish car and very comfortable to drive. Quiet ride with good entertainment features. Love to drive this car and my kids want to take it every chance they can.

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  Car is as good as you take care of it - 1999 Hyundai Sonata
  By Chris B. - July 28 - 7:18 pm

  I bought this car 4 years ago. I use it to go to and from work. Ive had 1 problem (sensor) in 4 years, 50K miles. The person who owned it before me regularly seviced the vehicle, I have done the same. I did not expect a lot out of this car given its history. I cant believe its still around. Sensors go in any car w/age. You can buy this car now for <$3K. If you know the car has been maintained, Id give it a try. I took the risk and still have it several years later.