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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  First Three Weeks - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Roy E - July 26 - 12:00 am

  I had been shopping for a new car for over 1 year not finding exactly what I wanted. The Malibu almost had me, but I wanted to wait for the 2011 Sonata. I looked at it, drove it and left with it 3 hours later. Its a beautiful car inside and out. In addition, I have been getting over 30 mpg around town! It

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  Too noisy - Badly built - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By somanycars - July 24 - 7:13 am

  At first I thought I really did well getting a Camry-like car for $3000 less. The V6 is smooth, power when you need it etc. The car is comfortable and you sit higher than in most other cars. The heater starts working within a mile. The car would be completely fun to drive BUT The BIG problem is that the 17" rear-suspension makes clunking noises on bumpy city roads. A Nov. fix supposedly doesnt include my VIN (according to dealer). In fact the car is weak on sound proofing There are other noises in this NEW car such as squeaking rear window, A rattle somewhere in the front roof as well. If you want precision carmaking, this is not the car for you - what a disappointment & hassle.

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  not bad for the money - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By pleasedfornow - July 22 - 10:00 am

  The poor mans jag. Nice exterior look. The engine is slow on pick up but once it gets going the engines power is very respectable. The seats comfort and the position of the stearing wheal need improoving. I cant last more than 3 hours in that car without cramping up. I wouldnt want to take that car across the country.

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  Great Value, Excellent Car - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jordo - July 22 - 1:16 am

  The only complaint I have is the fuel door doesnt open very well. Also during the break in period the transmission shifted rough. Now transmission is starting to shift smoother.

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  In the beginning....... - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By dr lou - July 19 - 12:46 am

  We had it delivered to our house today. A solid hunk of steel and technology with all available options included in the price. We paid 24385 out the door inclusive of 6 per cent Michigan sales tax. Dual exhaust, multi cd, power sunroof, seats. 235 horsepower all aluminum V6 5 speed transmission, heated seats. You name it. It has it. A 4 cylinder Honda sedan stickered at over 24 thousand without the options the Hyundai has. What a buy. What a car. Finally the 10 year 100 thousand mile warranty! What more could you ask for?

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  Love It!! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By ClancySRB - July 17 - 4:26 pm

  Absolutely LOVE the car!! It provides comfort & very high safety features, sleek, fun design. Great gas mileage! GREAT buy!!

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  I didnt buy a Supercar - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By 1stxhyundaiowner - July 16 - 11:26 pm

  I like my car. I didnt buy a super car so it doesnt get 10s for "performance" or "fun to drive", etc. Ive had this car a little over a year and never regretted it. Ive averaged 26 mpg in mixed driving. It has a nice ride and the handling is fine. Seats are comfortable even on long trips. It has a roomy feel to it too. I put three kids in the back seat and they do fine. Plenty of trunk space too. I had a squeak in the dash when I went on rough roads that lasted for about a month but then it disappeared. It also gets a little noisier on rough roads but still feels solid. I have strangers ask me about it in parking lots which Ive never had before.

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  Mrs - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Teresa Wilson - July 16 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! It runs great and has all of the features I wanted.

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  Find a nicer car for less....NOT - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Tony Qt - July 16 - 10:00 am

  When you take in the price, options and warrenty...how can you beat it? You cant!

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  I like it - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By rally - July 10 - 8:20 am

  great car, well designed, and well delivered. I am very pleased with it.