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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  Excessive Road Noise - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By RCarr - September 6 - 10:00 am

  We test drove the GLS automatic last week. Loved the car with the exception of the excessive Road Noise. Did not know whether its due to the tires, lack of sound insulation, or both? Has no one else noticed how noisy it is? Driving 65 mph down the highway, I could not hear my Wife talking (maybe a good thing after all LOL), due to the Road Noise. Even at 35 mph in town, it was noticeable. Only our Honda Civic is worse, but then it has low-profile, Bridgestone (terrible) tires. My 2003 Toyota Sienna van is very quiet in comparison. Unfortunately, the road noise was a deal-breaker for me unless they come up with a remedy.

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  A great car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By chris - September 6 - 10:00 am

  so far so Good the car has been pleasure all along. As much on the morning when I get to it and I look at the line than When I seat in it and appreciate the comfort as well as the great functionality of the car. You get every thing you need and even more I love that rear view camera.

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  Happy Rams Fan - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Will - September 6 - 10:00 am

  The Sonata was a good fit for me so I purchased one on 29 Oct for $23,336 plus tax and fees. Go to a dealership thats more interested in moving volume. I got the Pacific Blue Pearl which is an awesome color. Im 63" and 238 lbs and Im very comfortable behind the wheel. I dont even have the seat all the way back. Didnt get the Nav package. Didnt want to spend the additional $2100. Sound system is above average. Get the IPOD cable. It has some "get up and go" to it for the 198 horsepower it has. I get up to 80-85 mph quickly on the highway without even realizing it. You cant beat the gas mileage. Plus its a great looking car. This car is the total package.

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  spunkys review - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Spunky - September 5 - 3:31 pm

  I was extremely pleased with the performance of this vehicle. I just traded it in on a 2007 model. This car was quite possibly one of the best cars Ive ever driven.

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  LOVE THE BANG-FOR-BUCK - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By scott0814 - September 2 - 3:44 pm

  I traded-in an 09 Malibu for my first non-GM car. The 4cyl Malibu produced 169hp with an EPA 29 hwy, which was exactly what I got (without a good tailwind). I looked at the V-6 Malibu (base $28k, 252hp, 26 mpg hwy). Then I discovered the Sonata. I was out the door with a 2.0T SE with 274hp/269 lb-ft torque and an EPA 34hwy for under $26k. After 4000 miles with the Sonata, I am extremely satisfied. CONTRARY TO OTHER REVIEWS, the 34 mpg hwy is very realistic if you can control your right foot. The turbo engages just above 2000 rpm and it will drink gas (but its fun!). I have never driven a car with a better combination of performance and economy for less than $26,000.

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  Picky Mechanic - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By sacoon - September 2 - 1:03 am

  Ive been working on cars for 27 years and needed a car to drive because my ride desided to call it quits !!!so i went out and test drove approx. 15 or so 4 door sedans pontiac ford chevy saturn honda toyota. After all of those test drives youd think one could find a car for 20.000 to 25.000 that was a QUALITY car.then I test drove MY 2006 hyundai sonata gls. WOW !! PLENTY OF POWER VERY ROOMY INSIDE GAUGES & CONTROLS WHERE NEEDED !!GO DRIVE ONE OF THESE.

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  This is IT!!!! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Maximus - August 30 - 9:10 pm

  I did not expect such excellent quality from Hyundai. Well this one with 5M runs like a Lexus IS300. Well actually better than the Lexus. The top two Japanese brands such as 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!

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  My 2004 Sonata - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By catlvr1 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  The Sonata is great to drive. It is comfortable and has a great warranty. Its drive is very smooth and has great pickup. After the test drive, I was sold on owning one. After 4 months of owning it, I know I made a great choice.

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  Great car, great warranty. - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Nicholasha - August 27 - 2:00 am

  V-6 engine is more powerful than I expected. Great warrnty. Great price. Good standard features. Good handling on highways (better than Accord). It is very silent like a Camry. Roomy!

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  Love of Sonata - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By John T. - August 26 - 9:00 am

  This is my second hyundai sonata, and I can say that, without a doubt, Sonatas are great vehicles. The power of the 4 cylinder is unlike any other, and the ride is smooth. It handles corners that other cars have to slow down for. I must say it is a good car for a single person, or for a small family. With loads of storage, and extra power ports for coolers, dvd players, or any such travel device, it is worth the money. with 10 year 100,000 first owner warranty, and 5 year 60,000 second owner warranty, it is definitely worth the money.