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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  No Regrets - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By MARGY - November 11 - 4:08 pm

  I did a lot of research before I bought this car. I hadnt even thought of looking at a Hyundai until I read about the warranty, roadside assistance & all the favorable reviews & about what a great value it is for the money. Finally I went to a dealership to "rule out" this vehicle & instead wound up falling in love with it & buying it. No regrets!

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  SONATA THE BEST!! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By stockmanjoe - November 9 - 5:33 pm

  The 2006 Hyundai Sonata is truly a great car. It is miles ahead of its Japanese and of course American competition in style, price, performance and warranty. I highly recommend you test drive one.

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  Death Trap - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By jblasiclith - November 5 - 2:37 pm

  I leased 2 weeks ago a brand new 2012 Sonata. It has a swerving problem. The car is all over the road. I am scared to drive it. Of course it has been back into the dealership 2 times and they are telling me nothing is wrong. Hyundai refuses to admit they have another steering problem. They will not take back the car. I am afraid for my life, and they wont do the right thing. DO NOT buy this car or anything by Hyundai as they wont help you even when their cars have know DEFECTS. Rating--0

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  Great car - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By TomBee - November 1 - 5:33 am

  Traded an Accord V6 w/13000 miles to get it. Wife decided to buy a Santa Fe, were closing on it and salesman asks, "Sir, what do you drive?". On laughing and answering that I just got the new Honda, he throws me the keys to a new limited and says, "Drive it and let me worry about the numbers!". The Sonata is fun, quiet, strong, good looking, comfortable, large trunk, fast, better stereo, no rattles, easy to service, sure footed, and fast. I think the hp is underrated.

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  Great Car with Some Flaws - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By bobs66440 - October 31 - 8:27 pm

  With almost 63,000 miles, Im really very happy overall with the car. The only real issues are: 1) A problem with the cloth upholstery. It started to show signs of wear only a few months after purchase. It now looks like a 20 year old car seat. The dealer took photos and sent them on to Hyundai to see what they can do. 2) Since day one, the highway stability has been a little sketchy. Its ok until you are around other vehicles when the wind buffeting can move the car around. Im used to it now but at first it was unsettling. 3) The fuel pump went bad at 62,000 miles which I thought was premature. But the dealer took care of it under warranty, no problem.

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  Uncompromised comfort and refinement - 2014 Hyundai Sonata
  By gemigniani1 - October 31 - 4:02 pm

  I rented a base model with only 300 miles on it. Im a tough reviewer, but this car really impressed me. I loved the dash - Hyundai made the controls very simple and intuitive - so youll never get angry at the car because you cant figure out how to work the climate control, cruise control, etc. At highway speed there is zero wind noise (amazing). The quietness, ride smoothness, comfy seats, cold and powerful AC and the quality look and feel to everything are reminiscent of the 1990s Camrys we all loved. Toyota doesnt make a Camry with uncompromised comfort and refinement anymore so its neat to know the Hyundai does and its called the Sonata

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  Better than comparable competitors - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Peter S. - October 27 - 11:46 pm

  Drove new Accord, Camry. Looked at Altima, Malibu, Mazda, Subaru. None made the cut! Test driving the Sonata, salesperson said to adjust seat to my liking. I liked it! I wanted one! Ordered a GLS but a carrier came in with 3 Sonatas. The white was my choice and the upgrade to the next level was well worth it! So far, gets great mileage, like the radio-hooked on XM, Great looks, quality is a 10, great handling. A cat is a lucky critter as the brakes saved him! If dealer service matches the car, Ill be in high cotton!

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  Pulls Left !!!!! Hyundai Cant Find a Fix - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By l84work - October 26 - 3:19 pm

  I was very excited to purchase my Limited in October, but became extremely frustrated that the car continually pulls to the left. I have had it to the Dealer three times to have it fixed. Not only did they not fix it, Hyundai wont even acknowledge that this is a probem with the new 2011 Models. Google "2011 Hyundai Sonata Pulls Left" BEFORE you buy one.

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  Turbo Hyundai - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By lzabelsky - October 26 - 2:08 pm

  Great car for the money. Dont buy this as a substitute for a BMW, it is a great everday driver and a deal for the money. Great warranty, performance, comfort etc... No regret on the purchase and have had less gas station visits. The extra $1,500 for the SE 2.0T was my best decision, very fast for an inexpensive family sedan and fun drive. The SE ride is a bit rougher with the low profile tires. No complaint other than it appears the paint gets chipped easy on the front of the vehicle from road debris. Very nice family sedan, nice on long trips.

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  Much prettier than a Camry - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Doug G - October 25 - 8:20 pm

  This car is so much better than the entry level price being charged. Fit and finish are impeccable, controls fall naturally to hand, the ride is almost flawless. Economy is okay but my car isnt broke in yet. Should get better. It would be nice if the manufacturer would put upgrade options on the GLS series in greater numbers. In my opinion the V6 is not necessary.