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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  Gearshift - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By karenbel - March 22 - 5:21 pm

  I had my 2012 Sonata GLS for 4 days when I suddenly could not move the gearshift. I was parked at a restaurant, went to leave, and could not put the car into gear. It started up ok, but all the dashboard lights came on and stayed on indicating I had problems that I didnt have, like the emergency brake was on when it wasnt. Long story short, I had to be towed back to the dealer. Its Sunday, so I have to wait for an answer, but I am terribly disappointed. Reliability is the most important feature for me when it comes to owning a car. Hyundai needs to exchange cars and give me another one. The car has 204 miles on it!!!

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  Outstanding! - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By L. Gehr - March 22 - 2:36 pm

  I never thought I would ever consider buying a foreign vehicle but, with the new Cash for Clunkers stimulus package, my wife and I decided to take a look at the 2009 Sonata GLS. All I could say was... Wow! It won us over immediately. With its over-all sleek design, great handling and large interior comfort; we looked at each other and knew it was the car for both of us. The price was right (well within our budget range) and the the total feel was unmatched in other cars I have owned. This car has added new excitement to our lives. Two thumbs-up here. My wife chose the Camel Pearl color (her favorite) and I purchased the Powdered White Pearl.

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  Love this Vehicle - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By WJones - March 19 - 10:33 pm

  Just completed an 800 mile trip. Very comfortable ride. Some tire noise. Would like to see little more suspension. Good fuel economy. Would like to see factory tinted windows be more darken.

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  4 months driving and still happy - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By 4 months still happy - March 19 - 10:00 am

  I have had my 2011 Sonata for 4 months now. Previously I had a 2003 Infiniti G35 which I loved but was totaled in wreck.I never thought I would own a mid level car again but hey times change. Who wants to have a $600 plus car payment anymore? Thought I would miss the performance of my G35 but found the Sonata to be quite adequate. I live in Atlanta and use my tiptonic shifter to race from stop light to stop light. Got to have some fun! Overall still happy.

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  Driving and riding experience - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jean PAyne - March 19 - 10:00 am

  This 2011 Sonata Limited is my husbands car. Exterior is sporty and beautifully designed. Do like the turn signals on the side mirrors. However, very rough ride. It feels like I am in a tin can or a truck. Lot of road noise even after buying new Michelin tires the same day of purchase. Front windshield distortion. Passenger seat way too low. Passenger door sounds hollow and tinny, slight vibration, when pushed shut. Strong chemical smell in the car,gives me a headache."leather" seats low quality. Traded a good 2007 Camry, which was a well built car, for this. My 2008 Toyota Avalon is a far better car than this 2011 Sonata Limited. Would not recommend this car at all.

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  Real impressive for the price - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By John - March 19 - 4:24 am

  This car is all around a great buy so far, the Mpg is excellent I am averaging 34.5. On an all interstate drive I averaged over 38. The ride is pretty descent, road noise is average, radio sounds good, touch screen responds well, phone Bluetooth was easy and works great, instrument cluster has all the features you need then some and looks good. The interior is roomy, I am 63" 230 lbs and have plenty of room anywhere in the car. The trunk has plenty of space, the rear access seats are easy to open and close. Blu link feature works well, I schedule a service that the self monitoring system recommended. The only draw back I have is that I change my own oil and there is a cover blocking access to the oil plug and oil filter and no access door to them so you have to take out all the screws and remove the cover to access the plug and filter.

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  user review - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Sol - March 16 - 5:13 pm

  It feels like a premium car on the inside and the drive is pretty smooth.

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  Amazing refinement in a $20 k car - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By cb1955 - March 16 - 10:39 am

  We just traded in my wifes 2008 Elantra for the 2012 Sonata. We got the base GLS. The inclusion of Hyundais Bluelink system (Hyundais version of On-Star) was an added bonus, along with the Bluetooth, Sirius XM, etc. Added to this, is Hyundais legendary 5/60 and 10/100 warranty, which are the best in the business. This car has it all, with a smooth ride, decent acceleration for a 4 cyl engine, and great gas mileage. I have no doubt that it will attain a 35 mpg rating when we take in on an extended trip. The cloth seats are much nicer than the previous cloth seats in other Sonatas Ive driven in the past. Its no wonder that Hyundai sales are up over 16% from 2010!

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  Leased for two days, couldnt find a single fault. - 2016 Hyundai Sonata
  By Carol P - March 16 - 6:17 am

  Ive been renting cars for a while now and often find myself creating mental lists of the things that annoy me about various vehicles, normally four or five things that would make me not want to own it. I was pleasantly surprised when the Sonata didnt have any. Okay, maybe it had too many features, but that isnt a problem so much as something I just dont need. It was great for a Christmas holiday where the huge trunk was filled with packages. But the drive was pretty amazing. The car likes to go, and it glides at any speed taking turns with ease. The transmission is smooth, the breaks are there when you want and need them. And you have more than enough power without using too much gasoline. And it hugs the road extremely well making highway driving a dream. I was curious to see how much you would have to spend for a vehicle that feels as if youre driving a luxury model and was shocked at how inexpensive it is. Though Im not familiar with its safety ratings or repair costs, if you are looking for a mid-size vehicle, I would check the Sonata out. The only downside may be that you may end up with lots of speeding tickets because this car is extremely easy to accidentally take up to 90-100 mph without even realizing it.

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  My 2011 Hyundai Sonota GLS - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By bud64k - March 16 - 4:53 am

  Ok this is my first new car, Im a 47 year old driver, and I consider myself a prudent consumer. I did alot of research. My issues with the car that made me write this review. The XM satellite. NO SiGNAL, called xm several times, still no signal. I dont want too blame the customer care but obviously they are not technicians. It made me thinking of the other problems I have with my car. Riding over potholes, not a very smooth ride, Not smooth at all, The other issue, the swaying too the left, ooo I cant stand it. I really dislike it at this moment. I wish I had more patience but i dont Im tired of dealing with shady Car people and customer service people who arent trained, Im PSSST