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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  Money well spent - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Kimcheez - January 13 - 8:46 pm

  I purchased my Sonata 2007 SE v6 about 2~3 months ago. Its deep blue. So far, Im HAPPY with my money =). It looks great, performance is great. I love everything about this car except gas mileage. Im getting around 20 mpg over all. Besides that, no problem.

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  Hyundai surprises - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By atoice - January 13 - 2:46 am

  Years ago, you may have thought this is a junk car. Back then, it was. My how time has changed everything. From the motor to the design, everything has been revamped. Reliability and build quality have far exceeded my expectations. Go get yourself a Sonata: popularity has gone up with its quality.

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  New Navigation System - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Bob - January 9 - 6:26 pm

  Although the newly released 2009 Sonata offers a new navigational system with nice features, it may have been released prematurely. Typically I drive approximately 42,000 miles annually along the east coast. I rely heavily on construction and accident location information. The navigation system offers a detour selection allowing you to plan a detour at various distances. After several days with no answers from the dealership or Hyundai Corporation, and many hours on the phone doing refreshes to the XM NAVTraffic downloads, the answer that finally arrived was that Hyundai did not release the NAVTraffic capability in the 2009 model. Release is expected sometime next year. What a bummer!

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  Hyundai Sonata - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ferguson - January 9 - 10:00 am

  This is a great care for the money. Good features and one of the best warranties. Made an outstanding second car.

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  Classy inexpensive quality car - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Don Vogel - January 8 - 6:00 pm

  Ive driven the car for about a month and a half now and am very happy with its performance. The cloth bucket seats are roomy and comfortable. I normally do a lot of short stop and go driving back and forth to work and Im averaging around 23 mpg. Ive got nothing but good things to say so far, so Ill leave it at that.

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  Best kept Secret - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jim - January 7 - 4:01 pm

  This midsize sedan is highly underrated due to the earlier history of Hyundai automobiles. Ive owned 2 Chevrolets, 2 Plymouths, 1 Rambler, 1 Dodge, 1 Mustang, 2 Pontiacs, 3 Buicks, 1 VW, and 3 Oldsmobiles. My company cars have included 4 Chevrolets, 2 Fords, and an Oldsmobile. My Hyundai Sonata LX V6 is as good or better than any of the new cars mentioned above, and at a fraction of the price. Sonata has been a well kept secret, but the cat is out of the bag. Like the ad says, "Drive it and youll buy it!"

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  Dennis Toy - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Dennis B. - January 5 - 7:16 am

  I never thought I would own a foreign car. But gas prices drove me from a luxury van to a more practical sedan. I chose the Sonata over all the other foreign brands. And I couldnt be happier. It runs good with a surplus of pep. The interior fits me. I cant remember taking so much plastic off of a new car! Kudos to Hyundai!

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  Very pleased so far! - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Arbiter - January 4 - 8:33 am

  Very pleased so far. Family and I just finished 1800 mile road trip and averaged 31.1 mpg on the way there (A/C on low and cruise set at 73). Averaged 28.0 mpg on way back (A/C on low and averaging 82mph...I wanted to get home!) Traded in 2002 Infiniti I35 so I was accustomed to all the amenities; glad to see that Hyundai didnt disappoint. Got full KBB excellent private party value for trade, $2500 rebate (standard and military), $1000 off after haggling and a free spoiler thrown in. Gas mileage in town is lower than Id like but thats to be expected with constant stop and go.

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  Wow - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By eball - January 2 - 8:10 pm

  Who ever would have thought I would ever own a Hyundai! Even my neighbor thought I was a crazy, until he took me to pick up my new 2011 SE Sonata! This car is amazing! Do yourself a favor and do pass up a test drive if you are buying a car in this class. i saw the sonata first. Then went to Honda, Toyota, Mazda, Ford and test drove comparable cars TRYING NOT TO LET MYSELF BUY A HYUNDAI! ha ha ha, couldnt do it! I found myself comparing everything the other cars didnt have! LOVE my car. averaging 32 MPG!

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  Happy Sonata Owmer - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By James Bouvier - December 31 - 12:26 pm

  This car has been great. The ride is very good, the comfort is very good and it handles great. I like to looks and the overall design. The price was very good and you cant beat the warrantee or the company commitment to make you happy with the purchase.