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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  Best in its class and then some... - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mazzy Star - May 4 - 10:40 pm

  I have owned BMW, Mercedes, Acura, Toyota, Lexus. This car is in that class of fit and finish I assure you. Went to the car show before it hit the showrooms.I was really impressed with exterior looks and the interior. I knew if the car drove as good as it looked I would buy one. I take a long time to make a decision, research everything, test drive all possibilities . This car replaced my 25K 2007 Camry. I paid 24,700 for Sonata, used Costco buying program worked great! This car is twice the car as the Camry, and feels as good as my BMW 528 did. You will be very happy with this car... Buy it!

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  A great car! - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Rich - May 4 - 8:49 pm

  This is a great little car! Has plenty of muscle for a four cylinder! Got it up to 80 mph with little effort. A true pocket rocket! I have the 5 speed transmission which adds to the performance. Handles well around sharp turns. Excellent craftmanship and looks. My next new car will be a Hyundai.

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  Hyundai Mansei - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Chrisbo - May 4 - 5:30 pm

  In Korean, "Mansei" translates to live/thrive for 10,000 generations. Hyundai has arrived and there is no denying it. The 2011 Sonata is solid, fun to drive and just plain impressive. You might be able to do a little bit better than this car. Just go ahead and pay twice as much and hope for the best.

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  Best Ive owned - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By J Milano - May 3 - 4:26 am

  My father owns a Mercedes and owned Lincolns before that; but hes been so impressed by my Hyundai that hes going to get the Sonata. Hes tired of his Mercedes being in the shop and the standard luxury features in the Sonata Ltd can hold its own with any luxury car and it has been just as reliable as my brothers Hondas and Acura. Im sold on the brand.

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  Its Cheap and It Runs... - 1999 Hyundai Sonata
  By House - May 2 - 12:10 am

  I bought this car in August 2005 with only 40K miles. Ive had it for 6 months now with no problems whatsoever. So far, its been good, cheap, reliable transportation. Not sporty, not luxurious, and I wouldnt enjoy it on a long trip, but for my 10 mile daily commute -- it fits the bill.

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  Former 2009 Camry Owner - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Robert Morgan - May 1 - 10:00 am

  Owned Camrys since 92. Traded in my 2009 Camry to take a chance on Sonata. Glad I did, Love the car. Love the interior features and the exterior look need I say more. Had for only 872 miles so far. Two tanks one at 21.5 mpg and then 28 mpg, so improving. The ability to manually shift is fantastic when you need it! Not as cushy a ride as a Camry, but the standard options such as bluetooth, XM, 6 Cd changer, Homelink (garage). Leather. My prediction is it will be the 2011 Car of the Year.

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  Feeling safer - 2016 Hyundai Sonata
  By Brad Sorensen - April 30 - 2:57 pm

  Everything is great so far. The only knock would be the low ground clearance on the front end.

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  This car rocks! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By the family guy - April 30 - 6:33 am

  Once I test-drove this car, I knew that I had to buy one. This car is far superior to its main competitors such as the Camry, the Accord, and the Altima. I have driven all these models before, but there is really no comparison. This car handles like a BMW, looks better than a Lexus, and it has plenty of power. Even the base audio is great. I love all the whistles and bells that come standard on this vehicle. All this at a decent price.

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  Danger Alert for 2011 Hyundai Sonata! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By mommyt - April 27 - 3:33 pm

  I loved this car. I drove it for a week before it almost killed myself my son and my husband. The steering wheel whipped out of my hands and the next thing I knew, we were in the oncoming lane! I had to fight with all of my strength to bring it back and keep it over for the distance of around 6 car lengths while the wheel shook and jerked to the left. Thank God there was no oncoming traffic or there would have been a head on collision! In the end...after being handed a lot of bull crap, I made them take the car back. They Hyundai Corporation never contacted us to even apologize. They are not going to warn any customers either. So I am. Ill never drive a Hyundai of any kind again!

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  hyundia - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By lane - April 25 - 10:00 am

  well i felt it was a nice vehicle