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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  2012 Sonata Limited w/ Navigation - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By maureen680 - February 6 - 2:01 pm

  Just bought my new 2012 Sonata Limited and its the greatest car I have ever purchased. I am particularly thrilled with the interior and luxury items like electric seat positions with lumbar support, reverse image on screen to help with backing up, and overall look. While not a Turbo, I still feel the acceleration and handling is excellent.

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  Review - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By stvogi - February 6 - 4:03 am

  I purchased the SE about a month ago. So far i love the car. I got the Venetian Red with the Nav and Sunroof option. Every one asks me this is a Hyundai?? I looked at Ford, Chevy, Toyota and Nissan and for the options i got with it i would be paying close to 30k for them. I paided a little over 24. The 4 cyl has plenty of pep and getting around 29 mpg in mixed driving. you need to get the ipod cable for the ipod. they say that a regular USB cable works but it doesnt. i got the cable on eBay for 20 bucks cheaper that at the dealer.

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  Over one year of use and it is still enjoyable. - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ted - February 4 - 10:27 pm

  The car never stops my amazement in how little gas it uses. There are two week points that I have addressed. The factory tires are JUNK.... replaced with Pirelli P7. The car wanted to wonder (left & right) on all roads with any crown or grove. This was fixed with a bolt on strut tower brace that cost about $200 and is a simple 5 min installation. With those two changes the car went from OK to VERY GOOD. When you take a test drive make sure it is long enough with various road surface and speeds, as these items may not be a bother to you. One other item is road noise, it is much louder then a Chevy Malibu and many other new cars today.

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  Sonata, Great Car and Value - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By DTS - February 4 - 6:50 pm

  We bought a 2009 GLS 4 cyl. about two weeks ago. We have already driven over 1500 miles. Everything has worked great. Our last trip of over 600 miles averaged 35 mpg. Had over 560 miles on one tank of gas. Drives very nice, quiet and smooth. Could not get a comparable car for the money.

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  AWESOME - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Bob - February 3 - 7:23 am

  Absolutely love this car. Traded in a 2005 GX350L that I really liked but fell in love with the styling on this car. I am averaging 32-33 mpg combined city/highway. Have gotten up to 37 on all highway. One month in and loving it ! Love the bluetooth and push button start. Getting jealous looks from neighbors and friends. Bought the black on black metallic finish.

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  Worst Car I have Ever Owned - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By dchoat - February 3 - 4:37 am

  Up until today, I would have told you I was pretty pleased with my Sonata. However, with 85K miles my engine is dead. Driving to work today, the engine started knocking, the check engine light came on, and about 5 seconds later the car just died (while I was driving.) I was fortunate not to be on the interstate, and was able to coast to a safe side road. I am the second owner, so the 100K warranty doesnt transfer to me. I contacted Hyundai Customer Care, and they said sorry, but what do you want me to do about it. The cost to replace the engine is $5700. I will now have a loan for my car, and a loan for my engine. I have read on other sites that the 2011 won Beware of the Clunker Award.

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  Great car for a reasonable price - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By S Y - February 2 - 1:36 pm

  I really like this car and feel it was a great investment. It gets great mileage and has a comfortable ride.

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  My first Hyundai-whats not to like? - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Alan - February 2 - 3:20 am

  My sister has owned two Hyundais, a Sonata and now an Azerra, which she loves. After reading so many glowing reviews on the new 2011 Sonata, I went to the dealer for a test drive, and really liked it. I am 64" and was surprised at all the leg and head room. I couldnt drive my 6 speed manual tranny 2007 Corvette due to medical reasons, and traded it in on this car. Going from an almost super car, I was very surprised I liked this car so much. I bought the automatic due to my physical restraints, and like its seamless shifting.

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  Invisible Car - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By LisaLuke - January 31 - 1:59 pm

  I love my car, but it seems to be "Invisible" to other drivers. Have been HIT BY OTHER cars 4 times and at least 12 "very near misses" all in broad daylight with lights (including fog) ON! ALL claimed "Never saw my car"! Original cost of car: $19500. Total repairs: $24800. Very expensive to repair!!! My car is black with chrome. I love driving my Sonata and I had planned on keepting it for a long time, but I now plan to get rid of it. Its too dangerous! I would like a new Sonota (white this time), but I HATE the new body style! Ill be looking at other brands... Toyota, maybe.

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  Never would have gotten one before now. - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By New owner - January 31 - 12:46 pm

  The new sytle is what got me into the dealer to begin with. Great car lots of power behind the 3.3 litre. Inside qual not as good as a Toyota but you are not spending as much and yet still get a bunch more. Drives very nice and I see a good future for Hyundai with this new car.