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 good car, could be better! - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By John - January 19 - 6:37 am

  Ive had the car for a little longer than a year with almost 6,500 mi. Its my first Hyundai and Im generally impressed with the overall build quality and performance of the car. Because of its quietness and solid road feel, it makes a great trip car. The seat support is very good and the dash arrangement is logical which makes it easy to use while driving. The roomy back seat is comfortable for 3 adults and the oversized trunk is well laid out, great for grocery getting and large suit cases. A few miner complains though; (1) Exhaust note, needs to be refined, doesnt sound all that great. (2) Holds first gear a little too long when accelerating even in sport mode. Overall, I really do like the car. The outside styling is very nice and the ride is firm and takes most bumps and dips in the road with a secured refinement. I just couldnt give it a perfect 5 stars. Sorry, Im picky!

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  skip the GPS Navigation system-buy a portable - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By Rick - January 18 - 10:31 am

  Navigation system doesnt work. If you were where the indicator says you are you would be swimming in the ocean. took it to a dealer and they wanted $5k to replace it...i wish he was joking. He wasnt. I took it to another dealer and they charged me $400 to update the maps. It worked for about 3 months. Now I am swimming again. You can go to mapnsoft.com and do it yourself for $169.....its cheaper to buy a hand held portable GPS system.

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  Great car - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By pat - January 18 - 10:00 am

  The ride on a long trip is great! Ive made 2 long trips (over 2000 miles each) My first trip I averaged 34 mpg and the second trip only 32.5. On good pavement the car is very quiet at 70 mile per hour. On some pavement at that speed there is an annoying sound. In town the mileage is only 22-24. The ride is soft and comfortable both on a long trip and in the city. In the city at slower speed the car is very quiet.

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  Excellent Car! Sonata SE - Pacific Blue - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Oscar S - January 17 - 7:26 pm

  Okay so I drive a total of 84 miles to work 5 days a week. Before I got this Sonata I had to fill up ever 3rd day. "Believe it or not!" TODAY I can drive all 5days to work and still have about 40+ miles till empty, AMAZING. Oh and just so you all know the speed limit is 70 and I drive 76 mph on ECO gauge. I PROMISE you wont be disappointed in those highway miles. Take it for a spin and try it out, go with the SE 200hp its by far a winner in my book. Acceleration is ridiculous for this type of car, pass and go without a hitch.

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  2006 LX - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Pedro - January 12 - 6:30 am

  Was looking to trade in a a 2000 Accord with manual transmission for a 2006 model. Have always driven a manual but wife (Elantra driver) suggested 2006 Sonata. Well done wife. We got the LX with the extras and Ive been very impressed so far. No major flaws. Very comfortable (Im 62" and 230lb) and plenty of space for 4 adults (the inlaws). We drove the 2006 Accord V6 and the Camry V6 and simply thought the Sonata was better. Enough said.

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  So far, so good...great vehicle - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By D B F - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Have had car for 6 months, driven 17 k so far. I purchased the Limited model in Navy Blue with Tan Leather. I am routinely asked what kind of car is it and told it looks like a Mercedes. For what you get on this car, with leather, Navigation, the Infiniti stereo and the fuel efficiency..there is NOTHING close on the market. I was driving an Acura TSX before, a much smaller car that I paid more for, and was having to put 93 Octane in. This car blows away the Acura, and has SO much more for 15 k less. I am routinely getting 35 mpg on the Highway on 87 octane.

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  Review - 2016 Hyundai Sonata
  By Amy Thibaudeau - January 8 - 5:23 am

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  Great car except for suspension noise - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Steve - January 6 - 4:53 pm

  We realy like our new 06 Sonata LX except for one thing. The suspension on these cars make a really loud sound when going over bumps. It makes the car sound like a bucket of bolts. This has been a major topic of discusion on the Hyundai forums with a lot of owners looking for Hyundai to provide a solution. Its to bad because other than that its an outstanding car. You listing Hyundai? Wheres our fix!!

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  No complaints - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By pokey - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Just chugging along. Not real quick but a great commuter car. Handles very well. Shiftronic a must for getting on the freeway going uphill. Automatic shifts too soon. Transmission is the only part of the car that is a little primitive. Not real smooth or "smart". Otherwise very well built, quiet and rides very well.

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  Best Buy for a 4passenger V6 - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By BluesDriver - January 6 - 10:00 am

  The styling had quite a few total strangers stop by and ask ne what brand is it. Front view does allude to the classy "Jaguar" styling ... Problem with transmission in the first week (apparently common with Hyudai) Good stereo (sadly popular amongst car burglars). Fun to floor it and very comfortable 3-6 hr drives ... After 8000 miles: Aptly compares to most import I rode in... The V6 + Shiftronic help for "tightly timed traffic light" + winters... Max speed of 122 MPH easily attainable. 4 discs brakes need getting used to. V6 purrs (the 4 cyl has an high pitch whine on accelaration). VERY VERY HAPPY DRIVER !!! *3* Thumbs up!!!