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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  Just the facts - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jack - January 29 - 2:16 pm

  Because of information on TV about Hyundai had grapped my attention. Upon seeing and driving the car I was surprised at how easy it was to drive, the power and a smooth ride. After checking the safety features I was truly a happy camper. It seems that every time I use the car I discover another amenity that I had missed although the Sales Rep. had gone through the car with me a number of times. The car also has small features like an area for a Cell phone or pack of cigarettes. The power the car has is not normally found in a vehicle that gets 26 to 35 miles per gallon of gas. It really is an car that gives you more than the price you pay.

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  I love my Sonata 2011 - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By DOROTHEA - January 29 - 2:00 am

  I feel like a million bucks driving this car. Who would have thought that Hyundai would have come out with such an impressive looking car that drives like a dream, and a great value and warranty?

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  Rough idle - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By Will - January 29 - 1:17 am

  Good value overall for the price range.Very nice design, features. A few problems - front corners of trunk too tight chipping paint, but mostly very very rough idle. Have had it back to dealer many times and cannot find anything wrong. Getting frustrated. As long as RPMs are over 900 runs very nicely.

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  much better than expected - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By silvereagle - January 26 - 6:06 pm

  Just bought my Sonata 5 days ago. traded a 2003 Mazda 6 s. The Sonata has been better than I could have hoped. Nice interior, quiet(except suspension), good stereo and very pleasant road manners. What really has been a surprise is the gas mileage. I used 5.25 gallons for 202 miles. That is better than 38 mpg and it was mixed driving and a new engine. I did have the dealership replace the original oil with synthetic before taking delivery

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  Nothing but problems - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Laurie - January 25 - 9:14 pm

  Love the style, price, etc.But...Ive had nothing but problems- only had car for 6 wks. rotors had to be replaced- warped,$400+, multiple belt problems, vibration in steering wheel, interior handles cheaply made - caused cuts on hands, brakes not covered under warranty- pulley problem was causing belts to be replaced every 2 weeks.Took back to dealership 5 times within less than 5 months for high pitched noises in front end.The pulley was chewing the belts up.Problems with engine cutting out.Carfax check prior to purchase showed car was clean.Im reporting this under lemon law and trying to get another car, but because of amount owed will have negative equity in car. Very disappointed!

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  Great looking car - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Zaid - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I am very impressed with this car. It looks good the warrenty is great and i love the smooth ride. Even when i go 80 to 85 miles per hour its still smooth. I really like this car.

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  Nice Car, but Bad in the Snow - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By mccarthr - January 22 - 3:32 pm

  I love this car, but Hyundai seems to have chosen wheels and tires that were not designed for winter driving. I bought the car in Green Bay late in May 2013. I live in Michigans Upper Peninsula. When I first started driving in the snow, I couldnt believe how poor the tire traction was. I was so bad that I didnt feel safe. After buying new all season tires (rated good on snow & ice) for the fronts, I could tell a big difference. The back original tires still would slide out on turns so I bought the rears too. Also, the wheels are beautiful, but they suck up snow like a magnet on the inside. It quickly will throw off the wheel balance. I constantly having to clean out the snow.

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  Limited Edition V6 - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Sean - January 20 - 3:00 pm

  Its no-more "good for the money Hyundai" I would get this car even without the rebate. The build quality and the design is amazing. It has fast, yet smooth acceleration, unlike other competitors. Very comfortable interior, largest among other similar cars tested. Im very happy that I made the choice to buy this car.

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  I want my Taurus back - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Peter Sawatzky - January 19 - 5:46 pm

  Before driving 2000 km . rear suspension began to rattles ,bang ,etc. Dealer said it was the high performance struts and the cold weather and all 2007s did the same thing.The banging is getting worse even over small bumps.They ordered new strut brackets;havent arrived yet. Annoying squeak between windshield and dash. None of my other cars had this problem in our cold climate.Could never get the XM radio to work.

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  Great car.Look out here comes Hyundai!!! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mahlon Willams - January 19 - 4:43 am

  Great power train packages.The 3.3 is better than Kias 2.7 V6 and delivers a good punch being sister cars in body style. Fuel milage is better than fair even with the heavy foot.They do share the 2.4 4 cyl engine.Hyundai offers alot of standard features other cars call options.For ex. fog lights,electronc stability control for few.In a nut shell Hyundai is getting better fast.Dont fall asleep other asian auto makers Hyundai is paying attention to consumers demands and has come along way.Whos laughing now.