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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  Better than the 2010 Model - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Dave - August 25 - 11:20 pm

  I was shopping for a new Elantra or Sonata to replace my 2002 Elantra, which had nearly 140,000 miles on it, without any problems. Depending on the rebate and the deal you get, you can probably get a comparably equipped 2011 Sonata GLS for only about $1200 more than a 2010 Sonata, and it is a much better car, better handling, Bluetooth, Ipod/USB included, folding side mirrors, etc. Ive had the car for about a month, and I love the handling, the electronics (especially the bluetooth, XM, and Ipod/USB connectivity), the gas mileage, and the styling, there isnt much I dont like. Ive had numerous people ask me if its some new German car design.

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  Skids Review - 2016 Hyundai Sonata
  By Kent Skidmore - August 25 - 10:39 am

  My wife and I loved this car and would have purchased the 2016 model but the exterior/interior color selections did not meet our requirement. We wanted a red or white exterior with a black leather interior. These combinations are not available. The only color interior available is light beige or light grey. Both show dirt too easily. The same held true for the KIA Optima. We ended up buying a Subaru Outback; Pearl white with black leather. We love it.

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  Best of the Pick - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jose Rodriguez - August 22 - 2:46 pm

  Test drove Honda Accord EX-L, Ford Fusion SE, Toyota Camry SE, and the Nissan Altima. To be honest I doubted the Sonata, as my mom had purchased an Elentra back when Hyundai had just started selling vehicles over here in the States. All I remember of that car was inferior design and quality material compared to other cars of that time (1999 to be exsact)...I was on the verge of finalizing a deal on the Ford Fusion; but, I listend to the wife and took this out for a test drive. Needless to say, it blew the competition in my opinion out of the water. BEAUTIFUL car, awesome power, just more than what I was expect, a true game changer. Way to go Hyundai //cheers !!!!

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  BELIEVE IT or NOT. Cant beat this sedan - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jimmy K - August 21 - 5:43 am

  Ok guys here is the real deal got the car on 03/27 1. Saw the car during superbowl ads thought it was a VW cc or the lexus ES 300 but could not believe it its was hyundai sonata, which led into my research and comparisons with other sedan brands. 2. Test drove the camry , accord ex-l,VW TDI and the Ford Fusion and of course this car. 3. Now, what made me get the car? power,trunk,engine,features and unbelievable warrant etc etc. 4. Do your research as I have you will have people wondering what you driving!! 5. Price for limited edition is worth it when compared to other luxury brands 6. Just go test drive for the heck of it.

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  I love my car!!! - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By Lori - August 19 - 9:23 pm

  The Sonata is a very comfortable and roomy car. My husband is 64" tall with very long legs and he is very comfortable driving it. I am averaging 32 miles a gallon. It is loaded with all the features I wanted at a reasonable price.

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  Happy - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Dirk - August 18 - 11:56 am

  It is a beautiful car. I liked the very responsive mannual shift yet smooth. One of the best vehicle out there for your money.

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  2006 Sonata LX 3.3I - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By richard tompkins - August 16 - 2:06 am

  I have owned in the past two Hyundai vehicles.The last was a 2004 350XG which was purchased new and was traded with 82000 original miles of which I put on this vehicle due to my being retired and traveling cross country a lot.I traded the XG for a 2006 Sonata LX 3.3 in Jan 2006 and 15000 miles later the engine light after three shop visits has come on again for the forth time and again Ill be on my way to the shop.Ive made all of my maint.visits and have been very satisfied with the service dept.where I purchased the vehicle.Hopefully I can get this problem cleared up.For the record ..Im a Hyundai fan. R.Tompkins

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  Rain - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Steve - August 10 - 10:33 pm

  Absolutely amazed with the quality of this beast. 4000 miles no rattles no problems. Couple of complaints minor - dont crack the windows in the rain --you will get wet -- the elbow padding could be better -- and the electric steering - I seem to be chasing it alot to keep it straight. 32.7 ave mpg 80 miles a day highway 5 city. Pretty good not as good as my civic but much more comfortable.

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  unless youre looking for trouble stay clear - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ben - August 9 - 11:52 am

  I purchased a new 2015 fully loaded Sonata 2.0 T. I was pretty happy with it until fuel injectors went bad when the car had less than 9000 miles on it. that caused spark plugs and coils go bad and finally catalytic converter! There are three things that bothers me about this car: ***1- Hyundai itself: they do not have ANY PARTs in stock, so the car had to sit in the dealership for almost a month only because parts werent available or they had to order it and have it shipped or parts were on back order. ***2- after I showed my frustration and even mentioned word "Lemon Law" to the dealership after my car was sitting in the dealership for over 2 weeks, Hyundai North East general manager "Pauletta" called me and assured me that they were working on it and they would ship the parts as soon as theyre available. she gave me her phone# and told me after my car was fixed she would call me and offer me gift cards or free service coupons. guess what?! I got my car back but there hasnt been any sign of Pauletta! I called her multiple times and left messages, she never answered her phone and never returned my call. and when I complained about it to the dealership they told me they have had the same complaint about "Pauletta and her promises" from other customers! WAY TO GO Hyundai!!! ***3- Sonata 2.0 T: stay away from Hyundai Turbo cars, I talked to three mechanics and even the dealership guy himself told me that Hyundai Turbo cars are high maintenance cars....

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  Good car, bad dealership - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By trkdrvr330c - August 8 - 2:13 pm

  I love the fuel mileage, I average 34 on rides to, and from work, and around 26 in town, unbelievable power for a 4 cylinder in a car this large. I wish I had bought the upscale, as the s/e is a little rough riding, and would like the extras on the limited. My only disappointment is the dealership the lied to me, telling me it had an upscale radio, me thinking the premium, my bad for not doing my homework. I do enjoy the bluetooth feature. Kent Dobbs failed to send money for referral to my friend, and numerous other lies. Love the car would recommend buying from another dealer.