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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  Happy with 2007 Sonata - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Winston SAnders - July 27 - 10:50 pm

  I have been driving a 1988 BMW 735i since 1988. Also, own 1987 Toyota Supra, wife drives Cadillac CTS -- sometimes I get to drive . The last American brand car I owned was a 1986 Mercury Capri with 5 litre V8. I do not buy, or drive ordinary cars. The car is made in my home state of Alabama in the worlds most advanced assembly plant. I was sold on the car immediately after a test drive. I tried out most of its competition -- Hyundai beat them all. If it was a rear wheel drive it would be a world class car. If and when Hyundai assembles a rear wheel drive in the Montgomery, Alabama factory -- I will trade in my front wheel drive Sonata. Best buy on the market. Price was reasonable.

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  Solid Value - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Rebel Engineer - July 26 - 4:46 am

  I was shopping for a replacement for a 98 Accord EX V6 and read Edmunds review of the Sonata shootout with the Accord and Camry, so decided to check this out. I had been aware of Hyundais dismal reviews for earlier models and was very surprised after a drive in the Sonata. The handling of the car is composed and feels secure for family driving (I drive an 03 Infiniti G35 coupe, so I cant call it sporty), power is more than adequate (better than the Honda), and quietness of ride at 75 mph is better than the mentioned Accord or Infiniti. Fit and finish easily match the Accord. MPG thus far (with 3,000 miles): 20 city, 27 highway. Thus far Im very impressed with the Sonata SE.

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  Whoa - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By In love - July 25 - 10:00 am

  Its never thought Id experience love again, after driving a Camry for 2 years, but this Sonata SE is beyond my expectations. Better city gas mileage then the Camry, better looks, and just the over all feel of the drive. If feel comfortable that I can throw this car into a turn if I have to and not worry about losing control. Word of advice, drive the GLS and the SE, they drive way differently.

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  Glad I upgraded! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By KDubb43 - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I traded my 2010 Sonata for a 2011 GLS in Pacific Blue Pearl. From the first time I saw the 2011, I was hooked. I love the styling, ECO feature, and power lumbar. It also looks great in my driveway. What a difference! I would recommend this car to anyone, and I also had a pleasant dealer experience as well.

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  Great decision to get my Sonata!!! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By agamez84 - July 24 - 3:55 am

  I love my car! I wanted to wait to write a review now It recently passed the 100k mile mark, I bought it brand new on 6/11/2010 and it was one of the first on the road. I received lots of compliments and still do. I have many people tell me how well it rides, comfortable and roomy it is. I commute about 60 mile round trip for work and I average 30 mpg. The car still sounds and runs like new. All around everything has worn well, the steering wheel is starting to show cracks but 100k miles worth of driving and the Texas sun/heat I dont blame it. Only issues Ive had is replacing an alternator bracket and a inner fender well. Thats it! Well besides basic maintenance. Absolutely great car!

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  Good looking commuter/formal car. - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By KAL - July 22 - 3:33 am

  Traded in a Mercury Gran Marquis to gain more gas mileage and less of the large car negotiation in tight traffic. Found the GLS Sonata to be just as roomy on the inside if not more so in the rear. Performance is wonderful. Net result, happiness with a good looking sedan at a decent price.

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  Watch out Audi - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By chip59 - July 21 - 10:20 pm

  Up-to-date styling, strong performance, build quality on par with Honda, great ride and handling. The car is amazingly quiet, too. Add in all the creature features like side curtain airbags, stability and traction control, auto climate control, heated seats and so on, and its an unbeatable value. Loaded to the gills, its still under 25K. Equip a Camry, Accord or Audi A4 the same way and youre in for sticker shock. Throw in the 100,000 mile warranty and its a great deal!

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  Hundya Sonata - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By paulweeks - July 21 - 2:00 am

  The Sonata is a luxury car and is the finest vehicle that I personally have owned. The first hyundia that my wife and I owned was a accent. Both of these cars are in a class of there own. If I would have bought a similar car I would have spent thousands more. The next car that I buy will also be a hyundia. They are worth everything.

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  Great Car for the price - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By nuclearian - July 20 - 10:00 am

  I have had this vehicle since October of last year. I get "double takes" because they either think it is a Jaguar or Mercedes, initially. I have a problem with the blower fan that draws on the engine, and makes a vibrating noise when put on 3rd setting (speed). Other than that, this car is awesome!

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  I Love this car! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Puddles027 - July 19 - 10:20 pm

  I puchased my Sonata after hating my Saturn Vue. I made sure I drove every car on the market-Altimas, Galants, Malibus, Impalas etc. I always came back to the Sonata for the interior space and the look of the car. I like how it took turns and it was very comfy.