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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  Its OK - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By JY - March 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because of the price. I personally prefer Japanses cars, but financial problems always happen to everyone, I believe. Compared to my old car, Nissan Sentra, its really not fun to drive. But it rides pretty smooth and pretty comfortable. BUT I would definitely go back to NISSAN!!! Just invest a couple of thousands more.

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  Great Bang for your buck - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Cecilia - March 14 - 5:06 am

  I considered the Honda Accord & Toyota Camry before deciding on the Hyundai. The most noticeable features which impressed me were the whisper-quiet interior and feature-rich Limited package. The Honda accord had nicer exterior stying and better handling, but for the thousands of dollars more for equivalent features, was simply not worth it. As others have noted, the suspension needs tweaking- it leans noticeably in corners, and shock absorption on rough roads ruins the otherwise quiet isolation in the cabin. Overall, its an excellent value for someone looking for a refined luxury ride with exception power from the 3.1L V6 engine. Overall, Im very satisfied.

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  Happy Sonata owner - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Paul - March 12 - 10:13 pm

  I bought Sonata about a month back, and every morning I feel happy that I made a right choice. I compared Camry, Accord, and Sonata. The base model GLS has all essentials and lot of premium features. Safety features like ABS, ESC, 4 wheel disc brakes, Traction control are all standard. The sound system is of premium quality and has mp3 decoder built in. Interior is specious. Trunk space is huge.The night driving is comfortable due to bright head lights.I own a 2000 Camry, and the Sonata sounds little bit noisier due to wind noise. I get about 28 mpg with 60% freeway and 40% local driving. I have 1100 miles yet and I am hoping the mileage improves from here. Its great value 4 money!!!

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  The Honeymoon Is Over! - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By David - March 9 - 10:56 am

  I purchased this car a year ago and have written two reviews, one when I first got the car, and then another at six months. This will be my final review at a year old. Im sorry to say, but I now understand why Hyundai is not considered the same in quality as the leading Japanese manufactures. Not only have I detailed a number of options missing that the competitors offer, but numerous problems have reared their ugly head in the past year. The 09 Sonata is a nice car, but its priced right where it should be. After my year experience with the car, I understand why Hyundai does not have the resale value of the Japanese as well. Hyundai has made great strides, but they have a ways to go.

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  OK, but not refined - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By GSX - March 9 - 10:30 am

  The Hyundai engineering department needs to pay more attention to the drive train to truly make this an outstanding car. The interior/exterior, suspension and handling are all fine on my 2007 Sonata. The engine and transmission is where this car falls on its face. The transmission shifts entirely to lazy and slips with the engine revving in to the next gear, this shows lack of refinement. The drive by wire system allows the engine to rev slightly while coming to a stop and then rev slightly again when lifting your foot off the brake, very annoying to drive with this revving. I am putting up with these problems for now and trying to get used them as the dealer says its normal.

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  Great Car Period - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By Dan - March 9 - 8:26 am

  My mother purchsed a V6 2007 Sonata because of the safety features (she is 85). She let me borrow the car for a few trips and I fell in love with it. With the offer of 0% financing I decided to trade in my 1999 Taurus and purchase one for myself. I decided to go with the inline 4 instead of the V6 because of the threat of ever increasing gas prices. In the short time that I have had the car, I havent regretted going for the 4. It gives me the performance and gas milage that I was looking for.

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  Nice! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Phil - March 7 - 8:16 am

  Can not beat the price, this car in an equivalant Honda or Toyota would have costed $3,000 to $4,000 more and doesnt even come with roadside assistance nor 5 year warranty.

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  Hyundai Rules - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By dan mcneill - March 6 - 3:36 pm

  I am thoroughly enjoying my new Hyundai Sonata and encourage everyone to test drive this innovative and spacious car.

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  Steering Problems! Think before you buy. - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By acrossley - March 5 - 3:43 pm

  Overall, this car is not worth buying. Plagued with rattles and wind noise right off the lot, and more importantly, the steering. The Sonatas steering is entirely too sensitive and requires constant correction on the highway. Dont let the dealer tell you its because it has electric power steering, this is not why something is wrong with the steering. Go drive another car with electric power steering and you will find it to be worlds more comfortable to control than the Sonata. My arm is literally tired from keeping it in a straight line. If you go on a test drive, try staying in the middle of your lane; it is impossible. This steering problem is a safety issue.

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  No not a Jag but a Hyundai! - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Steve - March 2 - 7:00 pm

  Couldnt be happier with this car. We have owned it for three years now and still love it. Great looks, style and best of all this car has Lexus type of reliability.