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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  Love it! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Linda L - June 5 - 11:16 pm

  I traded in my 2008 Sonata for the new 2011 Sonata. My 08 was a good reliable vehicle and in great condition. I just loved the new styling on the 2011 Sonata. Ive got 1200 miles on the new car now; and I love it more every time I drive it! The seats are so much better - they really enclose you. People ask me about the car everywhere I go - they all think its a Mercedes or a Lexus. I had the windows tinted and it looks even better now!

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  Wonderful Car & fun to drive - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By KPlove - June 4 - 10:00 am

  The V6 engine is great and has wonderful acceleration. Its smooth and quiet.The front and rear seats are very comfortable for long and short trips.This Hyundai is very beautiful. I always get comments and questions like: "Is that a Mercedes " or "That car must have cost you an arm and a leg" If you can find a car at this price with these features, buy it!!!!

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  I LOVE IT! - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By jason alvis - June 4 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS MY SECOND SONOTA IVE PURCHASED, AND I HAVE NOTHING BUT GOOD THINGS TO SAY ABOUT IT. I COMMUTE ABOUT 2 HOURS A DAY, BACK AND FORTH TO WORK, AND I ACTUALY ENJOY TAKING THE DRIVE INTO WORK, AND BACK HOME AGAIN. MY WIFE ALSO DRIVES IT, ALONG WITH MY TWO CHILDREN. IM A BIT OF A WORRY WART, BUT IM NEVER WORRIED ABOUT THEM BREAKING DOWN IN SOME DANGEROUS OR ISOLATED AREA. IF THEY WERE TO BREAK DOWN, I CAN RELY ON THE FREE ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM THEY OFFER AT HYUNDAI. ITS A NICE FEELING, NOT HAVING TO WORRY ANYMORE.

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  great car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Cobalt99 - June 4 - 7:20 am

  I have been very pleased with the ride and perfrmance of this car. Its our third Hyundai, and the warranty keeps us coming back. The funny thing is that we have only had one repair under the warranties of any of the three cars, and it was a very minor problem (not with the Sonata). I love the smooth ride, and the interior is roomy and comfortable. The instrument panel is easy to read, and I like having controls for the sound system and cruise control on the steering wheel. Its a great car, at a great price. And it will be paid off while I still have a bumper-to-bumper warranty. You just cant beat that!

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  Wow - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By 1 happy guy - May 30 - 7:50 pm

  Its only been a month and we almost have 2k miles on our se sonata. countless compliments and stares almost everywhere we go. one lady even took a pic w/her cell phone. my wife was pleasantly surprised w/my choice for a midsized (now large) sedan according 2 the EPA. For the money and features you get, no automaker right now can beat the 2011 sonata for price, features and sexy looks. go test drive one today.

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  Good, dependable, inexpensive car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mamamia - May 29 - 1:06 am

  I first saw the new Sonata a year ago from behind, and thought to myself, this is a BEAUTY! Hyundai has been known for building better and better cars every year, so when my old Accord started giving me trouble, I knew the Sonata will be a good choice for the next 5-6-7 years... Ive been driving Camrys for years. We now also own an 05 V6 Accord -- and driving the Sonata I feel in no way like driving an inferior car!

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  Best car ever!!! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Courtney - May 29 - 12:46 am

  After reading many reviews on this car I decided to give it a test drive. I was completely amazed at how well the car performed and how comfortable and stylish the interior and exterior were. I test drove every other car in its class to include the Camery, Accord,Taurus,Maxima,and LaCrosse. The Sonata was by far the best all around. I traded in my 2005 BMW X3 for the Sonata SE. I absolutely love this car. I have had people asking me what it was, wanting to look in it and have seen so many other drivers turning to check out my new car. If you are looking to buy a midsize car do yourself a favor and test drive the new Sonata! (previous cars owned Chrylser, Volvo S40 T5, BMW X3)

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  Great Power with Great Gas Milleage - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mark - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a mid-size car that had great gas mileage (40 hwy) with the power of a six (200 hp). The acceleration is great. I am averaging a combined city/hwy driving of 26 mpg driving moderately aggressive.

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  Love this car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Bette - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I was driving a Lexus 350 SUV and when my lease was up I did a lot of research. I wanted something with better gas mileage, yet good looking. This car had high approval ratings and a 89 rating from another research group for drivabilty. So, it was worth a look. What a beautiful car inside and out and drives aggressively when you put your foot to the medal. Not bad for a 4 cylinder engine. Very happy with my decision. Had a very good experience with the dealership and their service department.

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  What a car for the money - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jim - May 26 - 10:00 am

  We just bought the car and drove from Ohio to Wisconsin. The car DID get 35.6 mpg at 70mph! WOW! So much better than the Jeep we traded in for the Sonata. Quality of components, design and looks of the car are outstanding! Hyundai truly out did themselves with the car. We selected the SE for the dual exhaust and larger wheels, but liked the appointments of the Limited. Not sure why Hyundai doesnt put all of the good items they have available on the Limited. We love the car! a GREAT buy. Check it out! We think you WILL agree!