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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  The ugly ducklings now a beautiful swan - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By DavidBG - December 20 - 7:06 pm

  Terrific car. How do they do it at these prices? Are they actually making any money?

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  Transmission fails after one month - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By NO GO - December 19 - 9:10 pm

  I purchased a new 2011 Sonata for a cash price. One month, 2,500 miles later, the transmission failed -- DOWNSHIFTED at highway speed during rush hour -- very dangerous! Sounds like the opposite problem of a Toyota! Dealership very unfriendly, will replace transmission, but tried to talk me into buying a higher priced car! Nonsense. Corporate office nice, and is looking at buying vehicle back, no promises. Dealership not useful at all.

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  Passenger Side Air Bag - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By George Reitwiesner - December 19 - 7:26 pm

  My 2007 model has a problem with the passenger side air bag system. My wife who is 57" and 125 lbs does not always activate the system. The car has been back to the dealer who reports that there was not any problems with the syste. I called Hyundai directly and they said that I should bring the car back to dealer. The instruction manual states that the system will activate when the passenger has the seat back in the full upright position, the seat all the back, no leaning on the center consol or arm rest. On one trip she got in the system went on but when she dozed off and her body moved the system was deactivated. I tested out the system with one of the 5ft 2 girls in my office, no luck.

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  best car ever - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By great car - December 18 - 9:16 pm

  i did the research and Hyundai has improved in quality and reliabilty every year . Move over Toyota

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  Great car overall. - 1997 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ryan - December 17 - 4:52 am

  I really like this car alot. I drove this car for about a week some time ago and when I heard that the car was for sale I immediatly offered to buy it. What really left an impression on me about this car was the power of the engine. It really seems to make the most of its 3.0 V6. Ive driven cars with comparable engines and this one outperforms them by far. The interior is very comfortable and of good quality. Power windows, locks, moon roof, all nice features to have. Overall, its a pretty nice car.

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  Great Car~Looks and Drives Well - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jansel Pujols - December 17 - 2:00 am

  After test driving this car I had to ditch my Honda Accord. This car is great for the bucks I got everything i wanted plus more the design is great, car drives well, good warranty, interior feels of good quality. This car is 100% more appealing then the new accord. I never though a Hyundai would feel this fun to drive.

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  Disappointed with 2011 Sonata GLS - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By VIV 55 - December 17 - 2:00 am

  Car is attractive, spacious and standard bluetooth is appealing. However there is little else to celebrate. Steering is poor: It vibrates on uneven road surface, makes odd sounds on deep turns. Steering feels unstable and unsafe. Engine rattle/vibration when in slow traffic. Low power on inclines; car slides back before going forward.

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  feels like a prius with turbo lag - 2017 Hyundai Sonata
  By pery - December 15 - 10:17 am

  adding to title, do not know if suspension is different than sport but sport was more planted. sport has better wheels and tires and 300 more lbs which perhaps adds to more refined ride. acceleration not much different in time but eco shifts can be rough at lower speeds.

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  Too good to be true? No! Got my cake and ate it too! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By keydet88 - December 15 - 1:49 am

  Ive had my Sonata SE 2.0L Turbo for 3 weeks now and still cant understand how Hyundai can offer a 274HP Turbo sedan with BMW like build quality and safety, for less than $25K off the lot. Even on the 2.0L Turbo, you can still negotiate with Hyundai and get it for at least $1K under invoice. I did. The turbo is quiet and makes for a quick car. If you dont kick the turbo constantly, you will realize the posted fuel mileage. Voice recognition system is a little clumsy and the XM radio sound quality is subpar compared to MP3s through an iPod. Be aware that Hyundai hides the warranty on the NAV system; its only 36K or 3yrs. Handling is not an Audi, but awesome for $25K sedan.

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  Best Car ever owned for the money - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By John & Debby - December 14 - 3:46 am

  Bought this lx for my wife 3 years ago been the best car we have ever owned for the money great power & Handling gas milage could be better (20+)at the rate shes been putting miles on it we will have it a very long time (15,000)