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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  Great look, and MPG - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By jemini48 - August 5 - 11:53 pm

  This car has the looks, performance and ride of others that are priced 2- 3K higher. Whats not to like about that ? Smooth ride, big interior cabin, handsfree BT on steering wheel. MPG for me is 39 Hwy, and 30 around town. Pretty amazing for a car with 200 HP.

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  Stay away. - 2000 Hyundai Sonata
  By jheoaustin - August 3 - 1:21 pm

  I bought this piece of junk in 2002 from the original owner at 11K miles. It started troubling a week after the purchase, from the minor power window break. Then I had to visit dealership about 10 times to fix the symptoms from check engine light to stall on the road. 4 months after new car warranty expired, it now refuses to accelerate, which was fixed 2 years ago. Dont believe Hyundais good rating. I believe you would regret if you did.

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  A Real Nice Car - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By ZRM - August 3 - 9:33 am

  Traded my 06 Sonato with a V6 in on this one with the 4cyl.Had not one problem with it. The V6 has more power but the 4cyl may surprise you with the pickup it has,plus the gas mileage is a plus. Majority of my driving is freeway and I abide by the speed limits so I get better than advertised mileage.My model has everything but navigation, excellent ride, infinity sound system is excellent,large trunk,wife loves the heated seats,I enjoy the dual climate control.Car is a pleasure to drive.Compare it to other cars with the same equipment you will be saving money and have a great warranty to go along with it. Our dealership has also made ownership a pleasure.

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  Check this car out! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By lcm - August 2 - 2:30 am

  The warranty speaks for itself. More room than Accord, killer V6, great gas mileage and good looks. The Sonata is one the the best affordable sedans I have driven. Take a look at this car!

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  Awesome Ride - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Sonata Boy - July 30 - 6:20 pm

  I look at several brands (you name it) over the last 3 months, the one car I keep coming back to was the Sonata. I did not purchase because of the great price only; it has a lot of standard equipment and quality. Many talk about trade in value, I say remember Honda and Toyota not many wanted one of them in the beginning. You have to give up the ghost and admit this car is awesome to own, drive and be seen in. I have black with black leather and when I am driving I believe it feels like it cost me over 30 grand. Now the good news; averaging 33.8 mpg on the highway and loving it. If this car is not on your list rethink what you are doing before you buy anything.

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  Great family car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By jml - July 30 - 1:43 pm

  We bought this car for the family. I was an Accord owner before and I was looking for something comparable. The wife and I do love to drive this car. We have a couple of teenagers who will soon start driving so I know they will enjoy it as much as we do.

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  Reliable, Stylish and Affordable - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Norm Rendon - July 30 - 7:13 am

  I have really enjoyed everything about my Sonata. I searched for cars for 3 years before I found one that I could fit 3 car seats across the back seat, but didnt look like a mom mobile. It has not needed to be in the shop at all other than regular maintenance. The engine is strong and it stops quickly. The wood grain interior really makes for an adult classy business look. It handles really well also. Bottom line it is a great car for the price. I prefer it to the Ford 500 and the Honda Accord.

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  You get what you buy - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By ajnsh - July 30 - 4:55 am

  This car is beautiful on the outside. It will definitely get you noticed on the road.I got it a few weeks ago and was very excited about it. But not even a few days later my car developed turbo waste gate actuator rattle. This was a known problem in previous generation 2.0t and it wasnt redesigned or fixed. Hyundai just said that this is a normal characteristic of this car. If it rattles like a trash can, would it be normal? It sounds like a lose heat shield and you can hear it at acceleration and even at higher rpms. Deal wasnt able to do anything about it, so I am waiting until my next maintenance and see if it goes away. If not I will have them replace the whole waste gate/turbo.

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  Bought used, not disappointed - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By Peter vadopalas - July 29 - 7:37 am

  Has some issues with the sales team at the local dealership (but thats not the cars fault). I struggled with the idea of buying a Hyundai but after lots of researching and test drives, it was hard to deny the value. You get a lot of car for the price. Im 62" so the Elantra was a bit tight for me, but the Sonata is a really comfortable ride. Its not built for drag racing, could be peppier off the line but beyond that it can move and the steering is really responsive. The finishes, exterior and interior, are really nice. Ive had it for 2 months now and am very happy with the car!

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  Thanks, Edmunds! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Dr. Jeff - July 28 - 8:30 am

  This website, as well as others, had a lot to do with me eschewing the domestics or more established foreign nameplates in favor of a Hyundai. Im glad I trusted the reviews of professionals and owners alike, because this car has the potential to be my favorite of all time. Im 51 and am rather fussy about my possessions. For $19K with every imaginable option, this LX delivers. Ive had it for a month and love to get behind the wheel. The ride is VERY controlled and predictable, if somewhat firm, and the cabin is remarkably quiet and refined. For a guy whos hard to please, Im satisfied!