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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  New Sonata is Great - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Greg - June 19 - 7:10 pm

  I havent been a fan of Hyundai vehicles until I saw the new new Sonata on the TV commerical. I decided to go for a test drive and was hooked instantly with the cars options and looks. The price was great for the packages I got on the car. Performance is amazing with the redesigned 4 cylinder engine. Gas mileage as something I have been worried about, but no so much an issue anymore with this car. The engine components are covered so it cuts down on engine noise on the highway, you can hardly tell the engine is running at 80 mph, and idle sound is pretty much non existent. The seats are great, and evne though it sits low to the ground its not a hassle to get in and out of.All in all its an A+

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  2006 Hyundai - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Al Fralich - June 19 - 3:23 pm

  great styling - much more than expected. performance very good, gas mileage quiet, and very smooth ride. best in safety features.

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  Shimmy Vibration - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Chris - June 19 - 8:13 am

  07 Hyundai Sonata Limited -- shimmy or vibration begins at 44 mph and continues depending upon roadway surface. I would not buy the car again.

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  frequent traveler - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By dennisnkc - June 17 - 2:53 am

  I bought this car with the popular package which was pretty good with heated front seats, power drivers seat and alloy wheels. (Cant stand hubcaps). I also got the power rear view mirror. Overall, I am satisfied. The one issue I have is that the steering is electronic power and does not have the center detente. Wherever you point it, it goes. So it does not center itself when you let go of the wheel. This is OK when I dont think about it, but has a disconcerting affect if I do. However, for the money, this is a great car. I frequently rent cars for my job, and the Hyundai Sonata has always been a favorite. If you iphone, you will like the options. I prefer playing through bluetooth.

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  Absolutely Fantastic Car! - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By Grayson Digger - June 12 - 9:54 pm

  Ive owned my 2015 Sonata for almost 6 months. I actually purchased a 2014 Sonata and when I took it in for the first scheduled maintenance I decided to take a look at the 2015. Long story short I drove out with one! Hyundai made numerous changes from the previous years and every one of them is an improvement. They turned a nice looking car into an absolute beauty! The 2015 has more interior room and drives like a dream. The interior was completely redesigned and simply looks awesome. I already have 17,000 miles on it and have not had any problems whatsoever. I am 6 1" and even after a 400+ mile day have absolutely no lower back pain at all.

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  Good buy so far !! - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By NItin - June 10 - 1:56 am

  I purchased this car in feb and have been happy so far. The car have been giving me 24-25 City driving. The exterior styling of the car is amazing, but the interior needs some work. Purchased the car @ (15000 + TTL) on the last day of the rebate, so saved some green. The only thing that should be improved the vibration when braking the car at high speed. This could merely be that the brakes have to wear out a little..

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  Just Awesome! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Nkohs - June 10 - 1:36 am

  This is my 3rd car overall and 1st new car just coming out of college. And I am impressed. I am 68" and am quite comfortable in this vehicle. The leg room is not quite as much as my 2004 Impala but it is definitely very good for a sedan. So, you tall guys out there have nothing to worry about. Also, the interior design looks great! The 2010 Sonata had a nice interior design and they blew that away here with a sleek and luxurious looking design. The XM radio and Aux cable is great I can charge my Zune and run everything through USB and that is nice. The XM radio is good for sports radio but ah. The exterior speaks for itself. The looks I get and the compliments go get one!

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  Best value in town - 2017 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ketan Shah - June 8 - 8:12 pm

  Got this one after comparing to others in the market. Was able to add several promos on top of each other to get really good price for this car. Value wise this is way ahead of others...

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  You get what you pay for - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By sprintrps - June 8 - 3:10 pm

  Like others, I compared the Sonata to other cars in its class, and found that the features offered for the price, made this an easy choice. However the car has an annoying front end shimmy at 44 mph, which has yet to rectified.It seems to be a problem in 6 cyl. models with the 17" wheels. I have contacted Hyundai and lets hope they can resolve the problem.

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  Didnt purchase. Leased. - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By M - June 6 - 2:40 am