Hyundai Sonata Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.48/5 Average
3,413 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 1121 through 1130 of 3,413.00
  • great commuter car - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    A little too wide for a city car, and slightly sluggish on acceleration (it is not meant to be a muscle car, though). Otherwise, a great commuter/travel/hwy car. Never had any real problems, very dependable.

  • After Testing Servral Autos - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    I test drove 7 autos in this category and nothing came close to the comfort or the ride quality or the PRICE. We have the Limited V6 with everything but GPS. I kept reading reviews that the handling was all that great, our other car is a Avalon and I fail to see the difference. I researched this car for three years while comparing it to others and price/feature wise nothing comes close. Large trunk and well shaped with fold down rear seats, some have a pass thru.

  • Expectations More than Met - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    Initially sought out the Genesis but walked away with the Sonata. For the money, theres no comparison. Consider the touch-button start and door locks, bluetooth, integrated IPOD and heated seats front/back.. for a 26k sticker price! Im giddy over the highway mileage. Getting between 36-38 highway averaging 72 mph. In the city, prefer to use the manual transmission shifting option as the auto tends to shift too early and often. Bottom line... I prefer to leave my Mercedes CLK 320 Convertible in the garage and drive the Sonata. Who would have thought? Do not buy a Camry, Accord, Fusion or Malibu without looking at the new Sonata.

  • Car no good - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    Fianance the car at 45k miles at 109k miles the whole engine locked after a oil change trash car

  • 2011 Sonata - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    Just made a 200 mile trip with my 2011 Sonata GLS auto. I averaged 37.4 mpg on rolling GA back roads. That means periods of 55 mph, lowered to 45 near towns, then 35, and finally 25 by the speed trap. There was a brief period of interstate driving where the gas pedal was put to good use. 80 comes very quickly. The Sonata is not a sports car, but it can move!

  • Ok but has Issues - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    Like the overall car for looks and roominess inside. A little disappointed how the vinyl doors inside scratch easily. Sporty and stylish.

  • Hyundai changed my opinion of them... - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    I have driven this car for 32,000 miles plus from Fairbanks, Alaska down to Seattle, Washington and now down to Lompoc, California and I have not had one single problem! Not one!!!

  • wasnt what i expected from hyundia - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    this is a nice car for what you pay for...it wasnt what i originally thought hyundias were like. this is a great car! i would highly refer it to any first time buyers. it is just nice and i will keep it until it will not run!it has a smooth, semi- quiet ride. a lot of options for under $22K. The only bad thing is gas mileage and it could use a little more horse power. But, it is a nice car. You go hyundia!!!

  • Nice Car - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    I had the car a month and enjoy it For the price it is well worth it nice appointments and design. good fuel economy, Lots of comfort.

  • Sonata 04 GLS - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    For the money, Hyundai builds a fine car in the Sonata. I have 11,000 miles on mine & other than normal oil changes & tire balancing/rotation, Ive had no problems. Many people say it looks like a Jag & my response is that it looks better. Every time I see an Accord or a Camry, I just smile as I got mine loaded with a V-6 for less than their stripped models go for. Good acceleration, handling, braking & 24 MPG average in suburban driving. Id highly recommend this car & over the years Ive had some big Buicks & an Infinity. Id stack the Sonata up against any of em. Great car for the $$$.

Great Deals Near You
  • Loading cars...

Selected Edmunds.com visitor vehicle reviews

Edmunds.com Visitor Vehicle Ratings and Reviews are the property of Edmunds.com, and may not be reproduced or distributed without the consent of Edmunds.com. Edmunds© is a trademark of Edmunds.com, Inc. Edmunds.com, Inc. is not affiliated with this website or app.

Powered By Edmunds

× Estimated monthly payments based on 3.9% APR, 60 month financing, and 20% down payment. Tax, tags, title, administration fees, and license fees are not included in price or payment. Subject to approved buyer credit. Actual purchase terms may vary.

Payment calculations are sourced by EveryAuto.com and may not reflect actual dealer financing terms.

Send Us Feedback ×


Locating Vehicles In Your Area