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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  Hyundai Sonata - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By B. Pratt - May 27 - 8:06 am

  Ive had to return the vehicle to the dealer one time for a minor hood adjustment. Other than that the car has been flawless, fun to drive and its frequently confused with some of the high-end Japanese imports. What a bargain!!!

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  A sweet ride - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By skylark - May 27 - 4:16 am

  I drove the the Camry and Accord when shopping--the Sonata has a much more comfortable ride. When pulling up to red lights next to Sonatas competitors, I find myself feeling sorry for them that they settled for less. The Sonata is really well thought out in terms of design. I couldnt be happier. Thank you Hyundai engineers and designers. My daughter bought one just six days after I bought mine--different color of course. She loves hers too.

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  Awesome Sedan - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By James - May 24 - 9:13 pm

  This is an outstanding car for the money. I love the styling and performance let alone the build quality of this vehicle. Hyundai has really stepped up to the plate with offering that rival Toyota and Hyundai. As a matter of fact, the Hyundai Initial Quality ranking by JD Powers came in third to porsche and Lexus. Toyota and Honda lagged behind Hyundai. With the V-6 you will really get a kick out of driving and for all of those sport sedan enthusiast, this Sonata comes with the triptronic shifter, so that you can drive it like it was a manual. This vehicle also beat out the Camy and Accord in the family sedan shootout a few months ago.

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  A winner! - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Gregg Glassey - May 23 - 10:00 am

  The Sonata may not get all the press of an Accord or a Camry, but at the price you get a lot of car. It is quite comfortable to sit in and is a lot of fun to drive. The interior is nicely appointed and with everything power including the moon roof the car offers as much as those other brands. The seats are very comfortable and the driving position is excellent. The sound system is first rate. The trunk is spacious and with the 60/40 split more than adequate. The finish both inside and out is excellent. The warranty is also something to consider with this car, too! We liked it so much that we bought two!!

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  Unbelievable value - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By GWC - May 23 - 6:03 am

  I bought this car this weekend using the referrals Edmunds makes available. This automobile came completely loaded except for NAV and Sunroof. I bought the car for $17321, net. The glove box cover needs some adjustments and I didnt get a valet key but I believe that these problems settled.

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  Fantastic Value - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Piano Man - May 22 - 9:30 pm

  Im a 3 time Accord owner who switched because I saved $4,500 with the Sonata. What a value! Only sacrifice is in a bit of road feel handling - the Sonata is equal or better than the Accord in every other way. Ride is definitely smoother/quieter - a great highway car! Trip computer makes me a more efficient driver - 26 mpg city, 34-35 highway. Great safety features, including stability control, which was a requirement. Fit/finish, seating and interior space is wonderful, and all the standard equipment makes me feel like Ive bought a luxury car. XM radio is fantastic, nav system is terrific. Styling is generic but classy. I drove about 5 other cars, but after 3000 miles, no regrets!

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  Great car for the price - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By JJJZ - May 20 - 9:13 pm

  For all this in one car you cant beat the price. I drove an Accord and Mazda 6 and each of those cars with these options would have costs $5K - $6K more! Very impressed so far with my new car!

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  should have waited on 2006 - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By John - May 20 - 8:09 pm

  I had a 99 Elantra with 160,000 miles and it was a great car. I saw an ad for the 2006 Sonata and went to a local dealership. He told me that it would be several months before the 2006 Sonata would be available and wouldnt have any discounts for 6 months after release. I gave in and purchased the 2005 GL with the power moonroof as the only luxury. They gave me nothing for my tradein. The salesman kept me so busy using the shifter that I didnt notice the 4cyl engine vibration. I did the first day I took it to work and brought it in to be checked out, they told me all the 4 cyl vibrate that badly and there was nothing that could be done. I have had people stop carpooling because of it.

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  Great car at a good price - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mario Augusto - May 20 - 1:00 pm

  I highly recomend this car. The design turns heads, the interior is spacious and comfortable, the ride is smooth and responsive. The sunroof and mproved radio option is worth the money. I traded a 2003 Snata, which was a very good car but underpowered. Miles per gallon are short of advertised. I live in Florida and the airconditioner is very important, this car has cold air even in 95 degree weather.

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  I Just Bought Another One - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ambassador - May 19 - 7:51 am

  I have driven this car the last 3 years and I just love it. It is quiet, has good handling and is comfortable. I make 500 mi trips regularly and this is the only car I can remember that allows me to drive 500 miles without giving me back problems.