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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  Absolutely worth it - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By River - April 25 - 5:36 am

  Had car for 6 months, never had problem, one recall for dirver seatbelt adjustment. Overall, 2006 Sonata V6 is a solid buy for me. Interior is spacious, design is fine. has really nice feeling inside. Engine is powerful, ride is quiet, acceleration is great. Gas mileage is 22-23 mixed local and high way. I saw some review saying gas mileage is bad, but, it is exactly as stated 20 local and 30 highway. Its related to driving habit. Build is not as fine tuned as Camry and Honda, but, its $4000-5000 less than Camry and Honda plus 10 year warranty. Long term reliability is unknown, but, if it meets the expectation, we can say bye bye to Japanese cars.

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  2 months in - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By RV4 - April 24 - 8:06 pm

  Had the new sonata for 2 months now. Bought it with 50 miles on it and im just about to roll into 3k. Even with the stick version that I have, the car lacks any Punch when you hit the gas, but it more than makes up for it by its good handling around corners and smooth ride. Its Nice inside, the seats are supportive and comfortable (so unusual for some reason), and the base model features are just exellent. My only complaints so far is the lack of Punch (but who needs it in morning traffic) and even when riding the speed limit and 99% highway driving, I can never hit 30 mpg. I average about 27-28 real world highway. Its not bad, but its not the 32 advertised.

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  great car good price - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By go - April 23 - 4:33 am

  I have had this car 2 years its fast and rides good not crampted have room to strech on long run. The back seat is comfortable and easy to get in and out. gas milage good if i could keep my foot out of it 24 to 27 mpg city

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  I love it for the most part! - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By Karla - April 22 - 5:34 pm

  I heard a lot of bad things about this vehicle recall wise. I like my vehicle so far! I hope its worth it.

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  Good value, excellent warranty - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By jeh1n - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Just drove it from the dealer and gave me a great ride.

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  Hollow Claims! Best Warranty? - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By Stephen Mathew - April 20 - 6:50 pm

  If you are a new car buyer and plan to own car for 10 yrs maybe but beware if you but pre-owned the warranty isnt worth the paper its writtem on, trust me I have a 3 yr old pre owned Sonata! Warranty aside, I have never owned a car that has had as many problems as my Sonata! Hardly 3 years on the list of failures are a yard long! Worst car Ive owned! There is a reason they market their cars on their so called warranty, its because so much IS going to go wrong with the car! The list: air bag! (seriously this component is never used and yet it fails? How does a component that is never used become defective?), a/c: every part you could think of!, actuator, power seats. Ive had at least 6 problems that were covered under warranty, yet the hazzle, its not as if Hyundai will give you a loner!

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  Ive driven better - 2001 Hyundai Sonata
  By JJ Leonidas - April 20 - 5:03 pm

  I have a 6 cylinder Sonata and for the first 30,000 mile was great. After a tune up, it was down hill. The disc brakes keep making noise, it has a bad sensor that I spend too much money on, the transmission keep slipping, and when the power windows need repairs, only Hyundai can replace it, with a cheap plastic piece to draw it up and down. I may have drive the crap out of the car, but the reliability is bad. It also revs up to 4000 rpms after I start it up. Ill stick with my Ford Tempo which out last the Sonata so far out of the two cars I have.

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  Solid car for the money. - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By gorpot - April 18 - 8:27 pm

  Bought the car 3 weeks ago, and have about 1,000 miles so far. Last car was a 2012 Sonata. This 2015 sonata drives very nice but is no sports car. I like the exterior design of the 2011-2014 Sonata a lot better, but the 2015 bring more conventional. The outside noise is almost none existent. This car is very quiet. Nice interior, and is bigger inside then my 2012 Sonata. Gas mileage has been good with 39 MPG on a trip mostly at 70 MPH. only complaint so far has been two trips back to the dealer to get a faulty rear window defogger switch fixed. One complaint is there is less storage room in middle counsel area above the transmission handle. A lot of dead area there.

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  Impressed with my 2011 SE - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By mikey86 - April 17 - 2:59 pm

  Just picked up my SE and put 200 miles on so far. The car is exceptional , performance, comfort and style are unmatched for a car at this price range. I will update when I put more miles on the car.

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  Great car! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Kris - April 17 - 11:23 am

  I researched cars for MONTHS before I purchased this car, and read everything I could about this car for a few weeks. Other than "minor" issues, I could find no REAL negative comments about this redesigned car. Ive had it for 2 months and LOVE it!!! It looks, drives, and feels GREAT. Im proud to own it.