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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  Wow. A real car for a real price - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By wow - March 1 - 8:16 pm

  more then i thought was possable for less then $25,000. leather, heated seats, abs, tcs, esc, 6 air bags. i never thought i would say it, but i am impressed!!!

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  A follow up #2 - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Matt S Miller - March 1 - 10:00 am

  I have 3K miles now and love this car, would recommend it to anyone, but here are the changes that the H engineers will be probably making. 1. Seating-power on both-cooling-higher. 2. Visibility will be improved. 3. More insulation-road noise is < than perfect 4. Will raise front end-especially in snow climates- accident waiting to happen. 5. Will include manly horn. 6. Will check seat light colored fabric for staining. 7. Will hold phone books in memory to prevent 6 minute continual downloads on bluetooth. 8. Should increase the price (of the GS) the car is worth more than sticker.

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  Visiblity, windshield, horn, acceleration - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By linda - March 1 - 10:00 am

  Immediately after the purchase, looking through the windshield was a distorted view, Feeling as if cars were coming into my lane on either side- especially the lower portion has a bad ripple, The dealer is replacing the entire windshield. There must be numerous cars that were produced with the same glass. Also the horn can not be heard in traffic, Also occasionally the acceleration issues. Also, the leather has started to loosen up and buckle on the seats, not a good grade of leather

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  Good Value - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Vince - February 28 - 10:03 pm

  It may not be the best midsize car, but it in the top 5 of the midsize cars and for the price its not bad. Out of 10 I give it a 7.5, lets be for real no car is a 10 humans make them.

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  Good Size and 35mpg! No Brainer! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By William - February 26 - 7:16 pm

  I thought being a 4cyl it would be a draw back..But let me tell you it gets every bit of 200hp!! Its Fast and Handle like a BMW I should know Ive had 3. My friends were right to recommend this car it has exceeded my expectations! GET NAVIGATION!

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  Very Fast, Quiet Engine, Smooth Ride - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Love it - February 26 - 3:33 am

  This car rides very good, very fast too, got a lot of power. I had a hard time adjusting my foot on the pedal, because it moves very fast. Other than that, the A/C is so powerful, big trunk space and lots of features. But its really a good ride.

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  Main bearings let loose. - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By Robert Sarti - February 25 - 2:01 pm

  Updated my review... I have own multiple vehicles over the years. I average 100 miles a day just going to my office. I also drive that vehicle for my job. I average about 35,000 miles a year. I have never gotten rid of any before 250,000 miles and never had any major issues with any of my previous vehicles. At 103,000 miles in this 2013 Sonata, the main bearing burnt up. Originally I was told my a mechanic that it was the oil pump. (Took it a different place to have the engine replaced.) The engine has been burning oil since 40,000, at 60,000 the engine starting chattering. The transmission has been slipping since 80,000 miles. Ive heard that Hyundais engineering/manufacturing has come a long way, but they still have a long way to go. As soon as I replace the oil pump, its getting traded in for anything but a Hyundai or Kia.

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  Good So Far - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Chambers - February 24 - 6:10 pm

  Purchased new in Feb 06. Price was great, dealer was willing to negotiate when we told him we were cross shopping Hondas and Toyotas. Avg MPG 25, which is good for that V6, it moves. Crack in dashboard at 4k, passanger seat replaced due to rattle at 8k, oil leak fixed at 12k...little worried about the quality. Have had more issues than wifes 99 Camry with 170k on it. God Bless the waranty and cross your fingers. This is our first Hyundai purchase and so far would purchase another if the price is right.

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  Great Vehicle, Great Price - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Marc - February 22 - 10:50 pm

  The car rides and handles well. I had one problem with an oil leak the first day. It seems the oil press. sender was loose. Funny click noise from the tranny when going from reverse to drive. Not sure if this is normal. Good gas mileage avg. 27-28mpg with 80% highway driving. I wonder if some of the cars with poor fuel economy have their tires inflated properly. My tires looked flat at the recomended 30 psi. So now I have them set at 36 psi. This gives me a little less rolling resistance, but the ride is a little more harsh. I am a salesman on the road most of the day. It is a nice treat to get into this car knowing the deal on price and what the car offers in comfort and highway ride.

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  Good Hyundai Sonata - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By abghar - February 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought a limited turbo in iridescent silver blue with grey interior about a week ago. It has 600 miles on it today. This car is amazing. Feels like you are in a high end much more expensive car. Very quiet so far with no issues. Picks up speed in no time. Look out for my next post a few months into the new ride.