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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  Very Disappointed by 2011 Hyundai Sonata - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By 2011sonataownr - May 15 - 2:59 am

  Bought this Hyundai Sonata (2011 GLS) new. Thought I would try a Hyundai since seeing all the TV ads about their quality. The Ride is hard. Radio FM tuner sound quality is marginal at best. Radio was replaced due to display fading issue(research on web for more details). Having issues with the engine pinging while accelerating. Only 19K miles on engine, and trying to get it fixed at dealer is not going well.

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  WOW Incredible Value - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mike - May 12 - 8:56 am

  I bought a black Limited edition sonata for 25,200. Limited is fully loaded with everything but navigation. This car floats on the road. The styling is excellent looks like a Mercedes, Lexus,etc.. And I havent driven in those cars but let me tell you.. 1) You dont feel a bump 2) You dont hear the engine...stopped at a light for first time I though engine died, no you really cant hear a thing 3) People really look at this car 4) Quality everywhere is top notch from closing the doors to interior, to under the hood 5) SIMPLE! Everything is logistically placed perfectly!! HANDS DOWN UNBELIEVABLE CAR FOR THE MONEY!!

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  Sherrys Review - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Sherry - May 11 - 11:06 am

  I just traded in an 07 Cobalt for my Hyundai. I should have bought the Hyundai first! Beautiful car, so much more bang for your buck than any of the GMs or Fords I looked at. I just really like this car, happy to be out of a car with 50k that was falling apart and had constant recalls. Hyundais warranty also cant be beat, and my dealership was great to work with!

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  Great Car - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By W. Thomas - May 11 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased my first Hyundai Sonata (LX)in March and drove it from CT to MO. This was one of the best cars Ive ever driven and this is taking into account that prior to purchasing this car Ive never owned anything but Volvos. Actually the car drives alot like a Volvo but is much more spacious, and has more play in the brakes and at half the price. All I can say is Im glad I made the purchase..."Great Car"

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  Would not recommend to friend - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By djshotmail - May 9 - 9:00 pm

  This car had 2 major problems within 15 days of owning the car. 1. The radiator popped a weld (or something) on the way home from the dealership. The radiator had to be replaced (at 25 miles on the odometer). 2. Within a week of the radiator being fixed, the car would not start. The battery was fine. The car had to be towed back to the dealership. Turns out that the circuit board controlling the car starting was dead. We also own a 2006 Sonata that has never given us any problems. Maybe Hyundai quality has gone down since the Sonata is becoming more popular?

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  Simply Amazed - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By AdamP - May 9 - 6:00 pm

  Until July, every car I owned had at least 140,000 miles when I bought it. I did a lot of research and comparisons, and my Sonata ended up being fully loaded for just about the same price as a base model of Camry, Accord and Legacy. The car has the interior comfort and size of a full- size/luxury car. It gets good milage given the size & power of the engine. The features (power everything - including driver seat - the sunroof, the size of the trunk, etc.) are amazing, and are a deal that you cant and shouldnt pass up.

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  Was Sonota Hype more than their Quality - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By SONOTTTTTA - May 7 - 6:50 pm

  Have two 06 & 07 nice cars but less than expectations my 07 is in the shop because of rear noise like swishing of gas, was told that this seems to be a random ongoing problem with Sonotas, have loaner now while the beat goes on with the rear noise. Owned Hondas, Toyotas, now Hyundais. Hyundais overall quality has me questioning did I fall for hype or is it truly a quality vehicle time will tell my 2007 has 1800 miles on it swish knock, swish knock,swish knock,swish knock the beat goes on.........Ps Prior to the 07 Sonota I had a 06 Tucson I traded with 1800 miles it was in the shop for grinding warped rotors all these little things have me questioning quailty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  First Hyundai Ever - 2018 Hyundai Sonata
  By Don B - May 6 - 7:22 pm

  We have just purchased a new Sonata Limited with Ultimate Package for my wife. This is her first non Toyota car ever, after having 10 Toyotas in the past. We started out looking at the new Camry then the Altima and the Accord. Her first inclination was to go with the Camry but as we talked with the dealer and put together an offer she found several things about it that turned her off. The Hyandai dealer was close at hand so we began to look closely at the Sonata. We were able to put together a deal with a comparably equipped Sonata at thousands less than the Camry. We have just had the car delivered so it will be sometime before I can put together a more comprehensive review. The initial quality and delivery were excellent, but time and miles will tell if it holds up. My wife is not an aggressive driver, nor a car enthusiast, she views cars as merely an appliances. We hope the car provides her with reliability and comfort. Stay tuned for updates/

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  Who wants a Sonata that needs a new engine?? - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By Kathryn - April 30 - 2:28 am

  Our 2012 Sonata with regular maintenance records experienced a sudden catastrophic engine failure at 74,000 miles. No warning lights have ever come on in the car but it suddenly began to lose power and make a terrible noise. Since it was still under warranty, we had it towed to our dealer who told us that the engine had to be replaced and it was covered and the engine would be replaced within a few days. Subsequently, Hyundai changed their mind and chose not to honor their warranty stating "customer neglect". We provided all our service records showing oil changes basically every 4 months but they still said it was our fault. We have since found out that this is happening all over the country to cars with the 2.4 liter Theta II GDI engine. Edmonds should research this because this is a widespread problem. I would not buy another Hyundai because they do not honor their warranty.

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  So Far GREAT car!!!!!!! - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By kaitanker66 - April 29 - 6:27 am

  Have had car for 5 days, so far I cant complain. The car is GREAT. Fun to drive for a larger car. Traded in a Mazda Miata so I know FUN in a car. Gas mileage is right were Hyundai claims, in fact on the freeway I am averaging 42 MPG on cruise control at 67mph!!! Comfortable, smooth ride. My kids amazed at all the Gee Wiz gadgets. They think I am actually conversing with the CPU when I use the hyundai bluelink. LOL. LOTS of Gadgets, great gas mileage, cool looking car, all for 21K!! Like I said, cant complain so far.