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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  14,000 miles of smooth, quiet trouble free driving - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By Yomps - October 25 - 5:10 pm

  Love this car. Smooth, quiet, tons of room, great gas mileage, not one problem with anything. Package with back up camera, XM, power drivers seat, automatic headlights and the homelink auto dimming mirror made the base model a great commuter and road trip car. With very little effort I can get 40+ mpg on the highway and for a car this size thats amazing. The only thing I dont like is the buzz of GDI engine when its cold and no spare tire included (I bought one with the jack for $200). $21,500 out the door with 0% financing made it the perfect new car.

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  22,000 miles of smooth, quiet trouble free driving - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By Yomps - October 25 - 5:10 pm

  Love this car. Smooth, quiet, tons of room, great gas mileage, not one problem with anything. Package with back up camera, XM, power drivers seat, automatic headlights and the homelink auto dimming mirror made the base model a great commuter and road trip car. With very little effort I can get 40+ mpg on the highway and for a car this size thats amazing. The only thing I dont like is the buzz of GDI engine when its cold and no spare tire included (I bought one with the jack for $200). $21,500 out the door with 0% financing made it the perfect new car.

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  Love the car. - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Bone head - October 25 - 10:00 am

  All I can say is its a great car and would tell anybody to buy one..Love the car.

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  An excellent car so far - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By parkerjnc - October 24 - 8:19 am

  Purchased this 2011 2.0t several months ago. It now has 50k miles. It is quiet and performs very well, being fun to drive while also getting 30+ mpg. The interior quality of materials are much better than expected for a car at this price point. Will have to see how it holds up over time, but so far very impressed.

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  Enjoying my second Sonata with reservations - 2017 Hyundai Sonata
  By Boomer Driver - October 20 - 6:22 am

  The 2017 Sonata Sport 2.0T replaces my 2014 Sonata Limited 2.0T. The car is mostly unchanged with a few exceptions. The 2017 Sport 2.0T lacks some of the Limited 2.0T features including the automatic rear view mirror, blind spot warning, push button start, moon roof, and ventilated AC seats. I really dont miss most of these options but it is frustrating that the 2017 Sport 2.0T lacking the features of the 2014 Limited 2.0T is actually priced about the same as the 2014! I have also noticed that the 2017 is noisy and the turbo lags more than my 2014. On the other hand, the 2017 Sport Turbo 2.0 handles better and the steering is more resistant that the 2014, probably because the 2017 is sport tuned and the 2017 supports Apple CarPlay which is a big plus for me! (No need for buying the expensive navigation system.) One thing that may be a issue for some drivers is that the steering resistance cannot be altered as it could be in the 2014. Despite the concerns that I have stated I am overall satisfied with my Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.0T but the Sonata is no longer the great value that it has been in the past.

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  Great car for the money - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Craig Brouillette - October 19 - 10:13 am

  I researched and test drove all of the 06 Sonatas competitors vehicles and it was by far the best car for the price. Good power, very comfortable leather seats, and a lot of fun to drive. This car has the look of a $30k car for $8k less.

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  Huyndai is a Big Name now - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Worth every Pennies - October 18 - 8:46 pm

  This v6 sonata is incredible. I tested drive Mazda6, Mits Galan and Lincoln Zypher, they all priced 6-8 K more but cant beat the sonata performance. Its so powerful and quiet and drive smooth. My kids didnt like huyndai but after they drove it, they said dad, it drive like a mercedes, a little exaggerated but they mean it was great. Thats for my wife. Thinking about buying myself an Azera. My relatives still think I am crazy buying huyndai. They can think that way but I just love huyndai.

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  BUY IT NOW - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By OZOGBY - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Sonata not beeng so sure about it, but now, after one year of driving it I can tell you that it is better than other cars in its class. the warranty is exelent and no body at the dealer gives you any problems. in conclusion BUY IT

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  Very Very Pleased - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By lexck - October 16 - 3:39 pm

  Very pleased with my new Sonata!!! I shopped the Toyota and Honda, they were left in the dust as far as quality, price, bang for my buck and nobody can beat my warrenty...

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  Tons of issues - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By John - October 14 - 8:40 pm

  Wow! Where to start. Here is the beginning. Not even a year, air noise on the drivers side back window, oil pressure gauge, oil temperature gauge, inside gauge for the outside air temp, engine ideling issues, brake rotors warped at 8000 miles, multi CD player sticks and wont eject, auto shut off of lights stops working from time to time, a major rattle in the dash, and not to top it off, The TRANSMISSION is having issues. The dealership is waiting for the district rep to come in. What more can I say. I got a lemon.