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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  outstanding car - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jackie - September 21 - 12:00 am

  I never really liked Hyundais but took one out for a test drive and fell in love..It is fun to drive and the dealorship bent over backwards to make the deal work. Exceptional Quality and very good price

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  I love my Hyundai! - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Misty - September 20 - 11:11 pm

  My husband and I have owned many cars from compact cars to SUVs, thus far my Hyundai Sonata has been my absolute favorite! It rides so smoothly and it has excellent safety features. It has maintained mechanical stability since day one. I recently had to purchase a new SUV in order to have more room for additional children, but I still love to take my Hyundai anytime the children are not with me! I highly reccommend this car!

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  Great job but needs better packaging - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By RAS - September 19 - 12:46 pm

  This car is a head above its competition and has now set the bench mark. I am disappointed that the 6 speed manual is designated to the low bucks crowd. No reason for not being able to get a power sunroof and alloy wheels as a factory option on the GLS or make the 6 speed available on the SE. Other than this packaging issue Hyundai has done a great job with this car.

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  Very Impressed - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Adam Rahman - September 18 - 4:43 pm

  This vehicle is a perfect all around car. I think now Hyundai is on the right course to be one of the best car makers in the world.

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  My 2009 Limited Sonata V6 - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By QuanG - September 17 - 2:40 pm

  Well, I have only had my Sonata 3 weeks. After trading in my 2002 Altima. I am very please with the design of the car in and out. I love the amenities. For the price I got my car for I could not pass it down. The car has a very soft ride which I had read about. But not too bad. Car engine seems much better in Shiftronic mode than in normal drive mode. Cant write much at the moment since the car is still pretty much brand new.

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  Great ride! - 2017 Hyundai Sonata
  By Vicky - September 16 - 12:55 am

  I just bought a 2017 Hyundai Sonata, and I love it! It has the back up camera, and the entertainment features I love. Very happy and satisfied with my purchase.

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  Solid smooth performer - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Zaf - September 15 - 2:40 am

  The Sonata is great value for money. Quality is acceptable even for an entry level luxury car. Will not set the car lanes on fire but is a consistently solid performer on the road. Well thought out interior, fairly good quality of accoutrements. Excellent interior room and comfort. Smart looking exterior. Needs a better radio. Got my LX with sunroof and audio package for 19,700 after $2000 in rebates and $1000 loyalty bonus!! This is a sensational price for a car of this quality. Lumbar support seems to be a bit minimal.

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  Hyundai doing better than LEXUS - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Maximus - September 9 - 6:10 am

  I never expected excellent quality from Hyundai until today. Well this one runs like a Lexus ES330. Well actually better than the Lexus. The top two Japanese brands - Honda and Toyota won their high reputation over the past couple decades. I think Hyundai will achieve the same high reputation within the next two years. This 06 Sonata OUTPERFORMS Toyota Camry and Honda Accord not only by the price advantage but also by its built quality and superior performance! Also check out the new AZERA (Premium package including 2 memory seats and a navigation). This model will be built to compete over the Lexus ES330, Acura TL, BMW 3 series and Infinity M35 etc.

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  Would never Buy again - 2001 Hyundai Sonata
  By hyundaihater - September 7 - 1:48 pm

  Mom gave me this car and what a lemon.though it lasted me through college,cost me tons of money for repairing. Timing belt broke at 53000 miles out of nowhere, had to get a new engine at this time, luckily under warranty after showing massive proof of oil change records.had to get new breaks every year and a couple months later would squeal like a pig the minute i stepped on breaks. Terrible rotors or terrible work by mechanics ill never know. Check engine light comes on intermittently. Luckily, i will never deal with this again as im now a college grad wholl be able to avoid a hyundai now and forever. Am very grateful to have had a car that got me from point a to b. So thanks.

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  Another great Hyundai - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By D Fuller - September 6 - 10:00 am

  This is my 4th Hyundai, all great cars. The 09 has 45,000 miles now with absolutely no problems. The 4 cylinder engine has all the performance any normal driver could want. Gas mileage is excellent 44 mpg (imperial gallon) on highway trips. Very well equipped for such an inexpensive car. Move over Toyota!