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 Car - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By doubledown1180 - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Sonata after long and hard work both at dealerships and on the internet. This car fits my needs to a T. Great ride, smooth and quiet, good power. I just bought a few weeks ago and am looking forward to driving it in the winter months to see how it holds up. Love the looks of it. The gas milage could be a little better. Getting about the same amount of miles per tank as my old Honda Civic, but with a tank that is about 8 gallons bigger.

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  Good price, but design could be better - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ken - April 15 - 11:23 pm

  My 1st time buying Hyundai & got ~7.5k miles on it so far. Need to put on more mileage before I can rate its reliability. As for quality, the workmanship could be better, as I already noticed a (very minor) leak on the trans bell housing seal the next day after I got the car. I 1st noticed from the fluid drops on my garage floor. Also, some of the body panels dont line up perfectly with the bumper (also very minor). Considering what I paid, I can live with such minor defects. The gas mileage seems nowhere near whats claimed--I drive 1/2 hwy & 1/2 hi-spd suburban roads, but my trip computer tells me ~21.5mpg (on the 3.3L V6). Other than that, a pretty nice car w/ good features for the $$!

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  Great Car - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mike - April 15 - 7:08 pm

  I use this car for business and have found it to be reliable and comfortable. I drive approx. 30K a year and have had no mechanical problems. I had a problem with the std. radio/CD player but that was taken care of under warranty. The drivers side inside door handle chrome peeled and also was replaced under warranty. I would not hesitate to buy another Hyundai.

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  GLS- 6 cyl - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By gls - April 14 - 12:23 pm

  I have owned this car for only 10 days so far. It has great power and decent mpg for a V6, around 25mpg all around driving. Have received lots great compliments on how nice the car is. Deepwater Blue-very sharp when cleaned up. UK licence plate on the front is all it lacks. GO CATS!

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  Great Car - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By Bill - April 14 - 6:14 am

  Its a great car, loaded with room, style, solid, and just fun to drive. Handles better, runs smoother, and lots more ease of driving than our Mazda 626.

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  Great Car, Great Value - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By dudpete - April 10 - 3:26 pm

  Have had my new Sonata for 1 month and put 2,500 miles on it. Am very satisfied with this car. This is my third Sonata, so was already sold on Hyundais reliability and excellent warranty. My experiences have been exceptional as has many others relayed here. My only complaint was with the tires. I felt that they sacrificed a little smoothness and ride quality in order to get superior gas mileage. I ended up trading my tires in on a set of General Altimax HP 225/60-16s. These tires were very highly rated on Tire Rack and I feel were well worth the extra $350 I paid out the door. Also, my speedometer is now correct, it was about 1 mph too fast before.

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  Great Car - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Wild Bill 47 - April 10 - 10:00 am

  Just bought this car, and love it. This is the second Hyundai I bought, first was a 95 Accent which has been phenomenally reliable. Incredibly comfortable and very smooth ride. Must get the sunroof. No better value for the money you will spend.

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  new to hyundai - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By cisco123 - April 10 - 10:00 am

  a great buy for its price. No problems so far except for front and back brakes. Warranty covered pads replacement due to noise at braking.

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  Worth every Penny spent on this Car. - 2016 Hyundai Sonata
  By Satya - April 9 - 8:23 pm

  I bought a 2016 Sonata SE base model which comes with Fabric seats and 7" screen and 16" alloy wheels default. Car is So Good. Seat feels little elevated compared to other sedans on roads and can feel that thrill. Fuel economy is Fantastic. I drive local and freeway and get a combined economy of 30 MPG which is great for car of this size and for long freeway drive it would actually go up to 36 MPG. Steering feels so good and comfortable, Controls mounted on steering are easy to play around. Shifter operating is so smooth. Apple carplay helps my phone displayed virtually on the screen and it is easy to operate around. Getting In & Out of car is easy, If you would like to go for a bigger sedan I would recommend Sonata. They have best in the Industry warranty. I personally enjoy the vehicle in each drive.

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  A follow up to an earlier review - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Matt 8265 - April 8 - 7:53 am

  A stunning car. Period. Engineers take note of potential improvements. 1. Power seat should be std. 2. Tan interior stains VERY easily. 3. Bluetooth takes 5-7 minutes to download phone book EACH time. No cool. 4. Cant play MP4 format. 5. Oil filter cover broke first time. A swing away would work better than a clip out. 6. Some (typical) noise coming from rear suspension. Consider better shocks or more sound proofing.