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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  Still love it! - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By cwilson - October 13 - 12:11 pm

  I have had this car for almost two years and still love it! So does everyone else. People (several) have actually stopped me to ask about my car. They think it is expensive:)It is the first new car I have ever owned and we are now a Hyundai family. My sister bought a Tiburon yesterday. I thought it was cute but the Sonata has style!

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  Best Value for a Sedan - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Damon - October 12 - 9:43 am

  I traded in my 2006 Infinti G35x- I looked at Camry/Altima/Mazda6/Accord an Acura TSX. I honestly think this is the best looking car on the road- bar none- any class. The inside is very well put together. I got the Navy Blue/Gray leather. I would never consider a Hyundai until now- their reliability will be challenging Lexus/Acura soon- especially with their warranty. The performance is great for a 4 cylinder and I am getting a combo of 33 mpg (75% Highway). It has much more room than the other cars as well and the trunk is unreal. I got it for $23,500. Go drive it!

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  Traded my Camry - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Tammy - October 12 - 4:46 am

  I test drove this car 3 times, once with the GLS and twice with the limited and then test drove the new Camry. This car had the most features and the styling was awesome. Not to mention the price difference. I love the looks from people when they see it with "thumbs up" and people just wanting to check it out. I got the silver limited with chrome accents. Its a great looking car!

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  Seven years and still strong - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By MICHAEL SLEVENS - October 12 - 1:24 am

  Bought this car in 2009 as a dealer demo with 5000 miles on it. Now 2/26/2016 has 55,000 miles and still drives and smells like a new car. Only problems I have had are the rear brakes, which I fixed myself with new calipers and rotors. Got tired of Hyundai denying the design defect and their refusal to fix under bumper to bumper coverage. The car is well designed, tight and as others have written the V-6 and transmission is fast. Pickup is faster than my 2006 Mustang GT. This is one the nicest cars I have ever owned and I have had Lincolns and Cadillacs. It isnt a plush ride but it is soft for a small car. Staying away from the Dealers and doing maintenance and repairs myself. Doing a brake job takes 30 minutes a wheel and changing the oil is just as fast. I just refuse to pay the Dealer $59 to have a $9 Cabin filter (another 15 min.) replaced. AUGUST 2016-UPDATE: Front speakers became intermittant. Always thought there were only two sound systems in the 2009 but found out I have a third..one with an external amplifier in the trunk passenger side wall.It is not an Infinity System. Repair price $275, replacement from Hyundai $550, bought a Rockford Fosgate 4 channel for $200 and cut the old one out . Didnt realize how bad the Hyundai System sounded . Everything working fine now. Car is still performing well although shift patterns sometimes get strange .

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  2003 4 cyl basic sonata - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By AB - October 11 - 6:53 pm

  Very good car. Excellent warranty. excellent appearance. Dealer is quick to stand behind warranty and offers excellent service and reminders

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  Great car - 1999 Hyundai Sonata
  By Scott - October 9 - 1:01 pm

  Ive had this car for 5 years now (>120k miles) and other than a wheel bearing replacement, have had no significant problems. The car is comfortable and most importantly, reliable.

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  Im 74 and wanted an a/t - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By darken - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Very pleased with the dealer. It is an eyestopper that everyone seems to like. Tight until broken in, but releases as it acquires mileage. I have just 5000 on it so far and am well pleased. Mine is grey, a color that appeals to many. I find the suspension a bit hard, four wheel independent, and the webbing on the steering wheel bothersome. I think I will get a pair of Isotoners for driving for comfort and a bit of class.

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  Sonata Magic - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By C.J.Pampalone - October 8 - 10:00 am

  So far I have owned this car for one month and I truly enjoy the feel and excitment of driving this vehicle. I really enjoy the fact and comfort of having the 10 years or 100,000 mile warranty that comes with the Hyundai product.

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  Too early to tell.... - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Draft Owner - October 6 - 9:20 pm

  Honestly, I just bought the car for an UNBELIEVABLE price. My out the door price was almost $2000 UNDER invoice! This included tax, tags, title....everything! I wanted to get an 08 4-cyl. because of the $3000 rebate they were offering, but no one had any left, so I "settled" for an 09 for a few hundred dollars more. Im really glad I did. I love the new interior compared to the 08s, and the extra horsepower and better fuel economy are just added bonuses. Im used to the old days of smaller cars with better fuel mileage, but the Sonata doesnt do bad for a mid-size car. If its anywhere near as reliable as C******** R****** says it is, we should be enjoying this car for many years.

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  GLS 6MT - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By dunmiffsys - October 1 - 9:23 pm

  Overall this is an an amazing car and an excellent value. I drive 400 to 500 miles a week on average and it is very comfortable and gets great gas mileage for the size. I am on my 7th tank of gas and averaging 31-32mpg. Gas mileage goes down quite a bit when speeds exceed 65 and I have gotten 35+ when driving 55-65mph with the cruise control on. Road noise is pretty low most of the time but the low rolling resistance tires can be rather loud on rough road surfaces. For the price this car is an amazing value and is fun to drive and very practical.