Hyundai Sonata Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.48/5 Average
3,413 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 1421 through 1430 of 3,413.00
  • Excellent daily driver - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    They say not to buy a brand new model style on the first year. I did just that with my Sonata LX. I have over 35k on it now and I"ve been very happy with the car. Handles great thru twisty mountain roads, as well as the freeway. Feels solid and safe at high speeds, too. I would definitely recommend this car,its dependable and actually fun to drive!

  • So far , so good - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    I have had this car for 3 months and so far I am very happy with it. Like many posting here, I was hesitant to purchase a Hyundai having owned Hondas for the last 25 years. The styling, feature / function, quality and price sold me on this car. The only negative thing I can say so far is that once in a while when the car starts in fast idle I hear a slight rattle under the car. It lasts a short time and Ill need to see if maybe something isnt loose around the exhaust. No big deal and I can certainly live with it but its more of a curiosity right now. I also noticed that the MPG shown is reading about 10% higher than what I actually calculate during a fill-up.

  • Great car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    This car has been one of our best purchases....rides and drives well and it is very comfortable. We just recently have taken two trips over 500 miles and it is responsive even at the high elevations when going in the mountains. It is amazing how much cargo volume is available

  • Good Car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    Use: commuter Load: 3 person totaling ~650 lb, avg 6 ft Distance: ~360 Miles per week Road: NY/NJ 80% highway Comfort: Good fit, lots of room, seats could be better but strangely I (driver) feel more comfortable now than when I first bought it. Passengers have not complained. Ergonomics: Excellent. I only do not like trunk/gas release buttons. They should be lit or redesigned. Performance: Must watch your speed, car cruises at 90+. I drive hard and no body roll, under/over steer, break fatigue or other common problems. Manual is great, 3rd gear could be stronger. Entertainment: remember this is stock. I like it if you do not blast it.

  • NO OIL Pressure at Start-up - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    After a careful break-in and driving the V6 Sonata for 26000kms, it takes up to 4 secs for the oil pressure to builb-up, every time it`s been restarted (genuine oil filtet used). Took it to dealership and hooked-up a manual cauge, my complaint was confirmed, but Assured this condition is NORMAL. 10 starts a day @ 4 secs at a time = 4 hrs per Year, running the motor without oil. How long does Hyundai and its Engineers think this motor will run before it needs a major overhaull? Is there a check valve to be installed to prevent oil back flow?

  • A bit of a disappointment - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    With less than 350 miles on my new Sonata GLS, the negative outweighs the positive. I received my car with a defective passenger door latch making it hard to open and close the car. Next the car has interior rattles which is atypical of a new car for any price. The clincher was when I noticed that my cloth driver seat is already showing wear and is fraying around the seams! On a positive note, the car drives and steers well. But, I must wonder if this is typical, or I have received a lemon which Hyundai and my dealer will correct - AS IN REPLACE.

  • great value and great mpg - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    i am getting about 500 miles from a full tank of gas(18gal) and averaging 28-29mpg. i commute in NYC and always caught in heavy traffic. if i am on the highway without traffic i am getting 35 to 40 mpg. i dont understand some ppl here getting 23 at best. i already put 35,000 and so far so good.

  • 2 hot 2 be stoped! - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    I love my Sonota. After trading in my 01 Toyota Echo, I had to get used to having power everything. Powerful 2.7 L V-6. Recived X-Type luxury for thousands less. I love my Sonota, however I have had to get my antenna replaced twice.

  • Surprised! - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    Bought the car for the value, but was surprised at the overall quality of everything. My wife and I both commented the car is very much like our Infiniti I30, handling, ride and all. I30 in 1996 cost us about $10,000 more than what we are paying for the 2007 Sonata. Have only 450 miles on it so far, but hope the reliability is as good as I30. Potential buyer should expect that this car has a firmer and stiffer ride than a boat-like ride of the Camrys. On a rough road, it does give a lot of dull thud sound (not thumps as some people describe in various forums). I hear this types of thuds in almost every car. It is just a matter of degrees, depending on the suspension design.

  • Almost perfect, but... - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    I really like the car - two beefs: it doesnt get the fuel mileage Hyundai advertises and theres a winter problem with the steel wheels. I get about 28 mpg (Canadian - bigger gallons) and Hyundai says I should get 45. It replaces an 02 Accord (4 cyl. 5 spd.) that got 34 mpg. The steel wheels pack with snow (when the car is sitting and the snow drifts in. The snow cant escape and the wheels get horribly out of balance. I carry a special skinny stick with me to unblock the wheels, but its a design issue that Hyundai needs to address.

Great Deals Near You
  • Loading cars...

Selected Edmunds.com visitor vehicle reviews

Edmunds.com Visitor Vehicle Ratings and Reviews are the property of Edmunds.com, and may not be reproduced or distributed without the consent of Edmunds.com. Edmunds© is a trademark of Edmunds.com, Inc. Edmunds.com, Inc. is not affiliated with this website or app.

Powered By Edmunds

× Estimated monthly payments based on 3.9% APR, 60 month financing, and 20% down payment. Tax, tags, title, administration fees, and license fees are not included in price or payment. Subject to approved buyer credit. Actual purchase terms may vary.

Payment calculations are sourced by EveryAuto.com and may not reflect actual dealer financing terms.

Send Us Feedback ×


Locating Vehicles In Your Area