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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  Hyundai Changed My Whole Opinion On Their Cars - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jay C - October 13 - 10:41 pm

  Very surprised with this vehicle. I was sketchy before I got this car because of Hyundais previous reputation, but after driving it and owning it for a few months, I am very impressed. I want to start off with my absolute favorite thing about this car - it rides so incredibly smooth, and the road noise is minimal inside of the cabin. Seriously, the smoothness of the ride is right up there with GMs more luxurious brands (Buick, Cadillac). The acceleration is impressive (I have the 3.3L V6), and the breaking is great. Another thing Id like to note is how great the overall visibility this vehicle provides. As for the interior, the layout of the radio, AC controls, and the car controls (turn signals, wipers, etc.) is pretty simple and easy to learn relatively quick. However, while I do enjoy the simplicity of the layout, I have to say I dont care for how basic this car is. I know it isnt the LX, but still, this car seriously lacks some features that other cars in its class (Accord and Camry) have. The backseat provides decent leg room and is somewhat roomy for the passengers. This car is 10 years old now, and Im still impressed with the driving characteristics of this vehicle, and my opinion of Hyundai has absolutely changed.

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  Happy, happy, happy - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jim Nagourney - October 12 - 9:25 pm

  I previously owned a Lexus 400, and thought I was spoiled. In a move to economize, I bought the Sonata. Of course, it does not perform like a Lexus, but I have been nothing but happy. I have 50,000 miles on it and it ahs not cost me an extra penny beyond regular maintenance and replacement of consumables. The dealers treat me like a Lexus customer. I will never buy any other brand.

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  Excellent choice - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Margaret Bergwall - October 11 - 2:59 pm

  I got this car in January 2004 and on one trip I took from Florida to California I averaged 34.9 gallons per mile. I set it on cruise control at the speed limit (which varied) and kept going. Didnt check the mpg until I got there and needless to say I was pleasantly surprised. I am trading it in for a 2006 Santa Fe only because I need more hauling capacity for things I buy.

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  Good Value - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By David Moss - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Good value. Bit noisy engine. Nice interior.

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  Cheap Parts - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ramses - October 9 - 6:47 am

  The price is good on the vehicle but it has a lot of issues. I have had 4 recalls, including one on the engine. A lever in the starter will probably break because it;s made out of plastic. GET READY TO PAY A FORTUNE ON MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS!

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  Nagging Navigation - 2016 Hyundai Sonata
  By Bob Cason - October 8 - 12:06 pm

  Paid extra to have the navigation package. My phones Google Maps is faster at both looking up an address and recalculating when directions change. Voice recognition has trouble understanding commands in normal road conditions, even worse with a window down or the sun roof open...disappointing for the money spent!

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  3rd Hyundai/Kia product in 8 yrs with no regrets - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By 6Speed8 - October 8 - 8:13 am

  First off, its a Sport 2.0T Limited. No choice for that in the sub categories. Was in the auto repair business for 30 years. Owned German cars. Reliability became questionable as time went on. 2008 Sonata traded with 115,000 miles with nothing other than normal maintenance. Its still on the road with 240K+.Traded for a 2012 Kia Forte SX 5 door. 80,000 miles on it now. No issues. Never seen a check engine light other than at start up with either. Never not started for any reason other than a battery replacement. Never left stranded. Took delivery of a new 2015 Sonata Sport 2.0T Limited March 2016. Love it. Im 6ft 2, 200 lbs and have nerve damage in my legs from cancer/chemo. The most comfortable seats of any car Ive owned. Drove 400 miles in 6 hours last week and could have kept going. 75+ mph, 90+ degree temps with the a/c on the whole time and some construction delays, I still averaged nearly 28mpg on that trip - and the car only has 2500 miles on it so the engine is still tight. Android Auto is great. I can dictate a text with the roof open at 70 mph and it works great. If youre buying a car in this price range for 0-60 times and not how it performs under "normal" driving, then you just need to get a Subaru WRX STi lol. Do you drive with your foot to the floor all day, every day ? SHEESH lol. No matter how fast your car is, theres always one faster. Ride is taught just how I like it. Brakes are great. Steering is ok for electric steering but every time I drive the Forte, I miss that real mechanical connection. Thats my only gripe. Blind spot monitor, smart cruise control are great. I didnt rate reliability or dealer service. I took it in at 900 miles for an oil change. I maintain my cars MY way, which is usually better than the recommended service intervals. I bought it with the reliability of the current Kia and previous Sonata in mind and expect nothing less. THANKFULLY no CVT transmission. UPDATE 11/18/2016 - Going on 9 months and 9,000 miles. Downloaded the nav uodate with Apple CarPlay so can connect either phone now. Still feel the same way about this car and no regrets. My other half got a little new car envy lol, so we traded the 2012 Forte SX 5 door for a 2016 Forte5 EX loaded with Premium/Tech, and factory remote start. So now its 4 Hyundai / Kia products and loving them.

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  V6 sonata - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Pat O - October 7 - 10:00 am

  I have the V6 & PWR moonroof options.The car looks great and rides nice, the V6 gives it excellent speed and makes merging easy. The windshield defroster is a little slow but the AC is great. The fold down rear seats are a great addition. I would recomend the Auto. but I would stick with the 6 cyl.

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  Everything I expected - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By toysax - October 7 - 4:53 am

  I have 2500 miles on the car. No rattles, no squeaks. Smooth, quiet. No flaws. Friend just bought a new infinti. So she says. "my car has push button start" yep." my car has bluetooth" yep." my car has heated leather seats " yep ." my car has top safety ratings " yep. My car cost $45k. Nope!

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  hot stuff - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By billy55 - October 5 - 12:40 am

  I had the Hyundai sonata less then a month and love it!! I got the gls i4 with the popular option package, power seat, trip computer, auto lights, ect: I originally planned on getting an accord or Camry but the Hyundai dealer was right down the road from me and after test ride and pricing I grabbed it. The Camry or accord would of been a few thousand more. My only complaint is the air conditioner. We live in hot Florida and there were a few really hot humid days where the air just didnt seem to be good enough for me, but only around town,highway it is fine. My wife thinks its fine and said that I am just trying to find something wrong. great car! but bad resale value