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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  so far a fantastic car - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By cl1 - October 19 - 2:08 am

  It;s a very comfortable car, great seats, nice leather, and for a car thats as quick as this is, it gets very good mileage. I got black on black and so far could not be happier. If you live in Orange County CA, and you are considering this car, you might want to try Tustin Hyundai, my salesman Elliot Rouff could not have been more helpful and the sales mgr Frank Joubran gave me a lease that was considerably less than what other dealerships were offering without any haggling. All together they made it an easy transaction.

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  Excellent car-Keep the good work Hyundai - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Hector - October 18 - 11:06 pm

  The car rides very quietly, accelerates well merging into traffic. Flawless, unnoticeable speed shifts in automatic and incredibly smooth shifting from auto to manual. Car can be downshifted to 3rd gear in a mile+ small grade downhill and will keep 2000 rpm and 40 miles per hour without using the brakes. All the cars around me were riding the brakes. At the end of the hill, one forward push and the car goes back to 4rd gear without hesitation and a medial push of the transmission lever and is back to Auto mode. The trunk is deceiving when looked from ouside but open the trunk and 16 cubic feet of space are ready for any trip planned. The back seats are foldable and very comfortable.

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  My Hyundai Sonata - 2001 Hyundai Sonata
  By Roberta Richards - October 18 - 9:54 pm

  I have found this to be a very fine vehicle. I purchased it with 26,000 miles on it and now have over 108,000 and with the exception of new tires and a recent brake job I have done nothing other that routine oil changes and maintenance. I also get about 33 mpg so it is economical to run. The back seat folds down so I have been able to cargo almost everything Ive had need to.

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  Excellent car best in class - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By R Dorbeck - October 18 - 11:38 am

  The Sonata has been dream to own and drive. Excellent highway milage and great ride and handling in fowl weather!

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  worst car Ive ever driven - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By vincent grolli - October 17 - 3:23 pm

  The 2009 Hyundai Sonata I own makes noise like something is loose and the body is bouncing off the frame. Its steering and front end need to be redone. The car pulls to the left while driving on highways and when hitting even small road cracks has a jarring effect. Also while driving on smooth roads you can feel a pulsating in the steering wheel. All this still occurring after the front shocks were replaced last month.

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  2008 Hyundai Sonata SE - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By Gary - October 17 - 7:10 am

  This is the 4th Hyundai I have owned (we bought the Entourage last year which is great). I have to say after owning Fords and Hondas, this Hyundai Sonata has exceeded my expectations over the other manufacturers. You just cant consider Hyundai as a stereotypical cheap quality vehicle. The ride is smooth and the V6 engine provides ample power (234 HP). The interior design shows quality and there are safety features galore. In addition, the gas mileage is reasonable. From past experience, I have had virtually no problems with defects, etc. compared to other makes I have owned. The Hyundai warranty is the proof in the pudding. I will not buy from another car manufacturer.

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  Great while it lasted - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Lyn - October 16 - 4:26 pm

  Bought my 2007 sonata new. It was a phenomenal car. great gas mileage no issues for years. but when they start they dont stop. Last week spent 200 for a/c maint. now it has trouble starting. Diagnostic tests say nothing wrong. Sometimes get in it turns right over. other times it wont. Door handle on the drivers side fell off in my hand. Rear window motor died.

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  stay away! - 1999 Hyundai Sonata
  By jb - October 15 - 8:15 pm

  Acquired in 2000 with <13000 miles. Fuel & crankshaft sensors shot in 6 mos. Then, out of the blue, it wouldnt start! A loaner was never available. Stalled at a city intersection - $400 to fix. Was told a new timing belt would be necessary soon with only 38000 mi on it! $1000 later, I had paid off the loan but couldnt afford a newer car payment. The decision was made for me 3 wks ago, when I was in a car accident. Front drivers side crushed like a soda can when impacted by a vehicle at only 30 mi/hr. I now know why the car needs side airbags! Got a check, since repairing cost more than resale value. For a car driven approx 5000 mi/yr, there is no excuse! Ill never buy another Hyundai!

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  Trashed my Camry and discovered a Gem - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By Cameron - October 14 - 10:46 am

  I had previously owned a 2000 Toyota Camry, what a piece of junk. It was falling apart. Needless to say I was looking for a new car for around 16,000. I am 64 and 320lbs, so I needed something roomy. I was not looking for a hyundai but the 4,000 rebate offered on the 2010 sonata, warranted a test drive. I first drove an automatic, but my love of 5 speeds and with a savings of about a grand, I went with a fully loaded GLS manual. I am very pleased with the acceleration and smooth ride. This car has extremely good build quality. My moms 30,000 dollar Chevy truck has a cheaply made interior compared to my sonata. I find it hard to find any flaws in this car. You just simply cannot beat the price and the options you get for that price. I have put about 1800 miles on my baby, so far. I only spend 30 bucks a week on gas! My only complaint is the creaking noise in the dash on cold days and I think the front leg room could be improved, but I am 64, so any car is a tight squeeze for me. I hope to drive this car for 100,000 miles or more. Trust me if you are looking to spend 22,000 on a new camry or accord, go look a a sonata, I bet youll be sold after the first test drive.

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  a lot of bang for your buck! - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By lindy42 - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Super value. get the 6 cylinder, 4 cylinder works too hard to propel a mid- size sedan. Shiftronic feature is great. You can shift up (or downshift) through the gears, or let it go automatic. On the downside, resale value is terrible. If you get one, plan to hold on to it for a while.