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:

• 

  Finally some competition for Toyota/Hond - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By AdamL - October 1 - 9:00 pm

  Bought the new sonata on 01/02/2006 after much research. Got an awesome deal and after the rebates I got the car down to under 20K. Traded a sports car with large V8 for the Hyundai, and I must say the sonata rides better, is much quieter, and is still fun to drive with alot of power. Honda and Toyota cant touch under 20K unless car is stripped. Only complaint is not radio controls on steering wheel to change station. I got the deepwater blue and with tint its a bad looking car!!!! VERY SATISFIED.

• 

  Amazing Car! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Bud - October 1 - 12:13 am

  I am in my early 70s and this is an amazing car. For the first time, I have found a car in which the drivers seat travel backwards exceeds the length of my legs. The telescoping and tilt wheel puts things just where it is comfortable for me seats are comfortable..ride is firm, yet compliant on bumps. Six speed tranny is very smooth..power is great. Feels like a V6 rather than a 4. Interior layout is easy to get comfortable with. Exterior is a great look. I see now why the NAV package is what I considered pricey. it does a lot more than just the "Garmin GPS" stuff. It is worth the extra price, and then some..the car has a near-luxury feel, at a much lower cost.

• 

  Sonata Limited 2.0 Turbo Review - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By blueboy48 - September 28 - 7:13 am

  Before purchasing the Sonata I completed much research and drives on cars to include: MB C300, BMW 328i, Ford Fusion Titanium, Volvo S60, & Toyota Avalon. Having driven mostly European cars for the past 30 years I wanted to try something different. Areas considered; reliability, technology, warranty & fun to drive. After 8000 miles; 0 problems, no squeaks or rattles. MPG so far: City/22.5, Highway/32.5, combined/28. The Lotus engineers working on the Genesis suspension must have helped with the Sonata, doesnt drive like a FWD. The difference between this near luxury car and the luxury (premium brands) is the extra $10K to $15K U would have to pay. Makes absolutely no economic sense.

• 

  Bang for the Buck - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Steve C. - September 27 - 9:00 pm

  I have had it only a short time, but so far its what i expected. Smooth ride except a bit hard over rough road surfaces. Exceptional looking exterior..especially the alloy wheels and chrome accent molding/door handles. Roomy cabin interior, comfortable seats, smooth-shifting Auto transmission.

• 

  Great Car at a Great Price - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mark - September 27 - 5:16 pm

  Purchased one in Slate Blue in Nov 2008 after driving the Altima, Accord, and Camry. Recommend the Popular Equipment Package, as it is worth the extra money. 4-cyl power is more than adequate; achieved 38 MPG at 60 MPH on a freeway road trip. Received many compliments on the exterior color. Interior is quiet and stereo is great w/ USB feature and XM Radio. Highly recommend this car so far, as you get a lot of features for the price.

• 

  I love my Sonata - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By lucynethl - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought my first Hyundai in 94 it was an Excel and I still have it, no problems and it has 117,000. We needed something bigger and I bought the sonata. The warrenty is awesome. I love the car and people are always looking at it saying it looks like a Jag.

• 

  Absolutely great car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By JohnM. - September 25 - 12:20 am

  I have owned a lot of cars from a 99 Mustange Cobra to a 01 Lincoln LS V-8 and the 2006 Sonata V-6 is an awesome car! Handles great, good ride with 17" wheels/sport package, decent fuel mileage and a great looking car. When I brought the car home everybody asked what kind of a car is it. Grey interior is sharp with durable looking fabric. Instrument panel very informative and easy to read. Several of my neighbors are planning on purchasing one after driving mine. The only aftermarket item I put on the car was a rear spoiler that really set the bodystyle off. Overall the best vehicle I have owned ever.

• 

  Cant get into my car - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By E F - September 24 - 6:36 pm

  Two of my door handles just fell off in a one month period, rear driver side and front passenger doors, pretty soon I wont be able to enter my car. Hyundai told me get it fixed and they will decide if or what they will pay after I submit the receipt. This is a quality of material and workmanship issue. I have a 2010 sonata, until this I was extremely satisfied with my vehicle. Not very happy with their customer service.

• 

  Sweet car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Barb - September 24 - 10:00 am

  Owned car for 4 months now love it everyday,travel 80 miles a day to work love the gas mi ledge,have 11,000 miles on it and no troubles. One bad downfall paint seems to be real soft, chips real easy, maybe dealer will address this. Otherwise great car for your money, happy motoring.

• 

  wow cool car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By joeys car - September 22 - 10:06 pm

  a great car if you buy it now you get $2500 rebate,i only got $500 rebate so what are you waiting for good luck