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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  Wonderful Car - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Paul - August 26 - 4:28 am

  Overall, I love this car. The fuel economy is not quite as good as the competitors, but its not bad. The low end tourque of the V6 is pretty weak, but once it gets going the car performs very well. passing on the highway is not a problem. The ride is extremely smooth, and quiet, and the car handles very well. The inside is confortable, and the standard features/price ratio was unmatched by any other car.

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  Better Than My Benz C280 and 190 - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Chinsky - August 25 - 3:20 am

  Well Built.. Can not go wrong with this price. Its better than my Benz C280 and 190.

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  poor mans jaguar - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By lartross - August 22 - 9:44 pm

  We bought this car for the wife to tool around in. We use it for all family outings and shopping. It is comfortable around town, quite peppy and delivers acceptable economy [around 27 mpg].The interior is beautiful and easy to keep up. The stereo system is very good. The seats are a little too firm on long rides [8 hours or more] It has been an excellent car for the 20,000 miles weve had it with no problems.

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  Sonata SE 2012 - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By chise - August 21 - 4:02 pm

  Sonata model, in general, is really nice. Exterior as well as interior design are probably one of the best out there for the sedans. SE has a bit more aesthetic aspects than the GLS (chrome grills, door handles, dual exhausts, tire, etc). The comfort level of SE is sub par. Noise level during the ride is also quite annoying. These are due to the sporty suspension and less-cushion tires, but they shouldnt be the excuses for these crucial aspects of the car. If you can live up with this, its an amazing car. If you think you and your family rather like a quieter and comfortable car, go with GLS or Limited. I thought the SE wouldnt have much of a difference, but it really does.

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  Love this Sonata - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Genjuro Hibagami - August 19 - 2:40 pm

  I did not expect such excellent quality from Hyundai. Well this one runs like a Lexus LS350. The top two Japanese brands such as Honda and Toyota won their high reputation over the past couple decades. I think Hyundai will achieve the same high reputation within the next two years.

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  Bumps along the road. - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Peter - August 18 - 2:56 am

  After looking at the Sonata, Camary, Accord and Malibu on paper the Sonata appeared to be the best bang for the buck. Little did I realize that the bang would be felt over every bump in the road. There is a bad engineering flaw with the suspension of these cars. I do not know how anyone could be satisfied with the ride of a Sonata. I wish I had taken a longer test drive. I am stuck with a car that sounds like the shocks bottom out over every little bump in the rode.

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  Great Car! - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By CWS - August 18 - 12:32 am

  We have 4 kids, so money is always a consideration. I needed a reliable car for a fair price, and this car is IT. Transferable warranty (6 years) was a big selling feature. Its quiet, fairly quick, and handles well. Hyundai will always be a make to consider for me in the future.

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  8,000 miles on my 2005 Sonata - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By Lizz - August 17 - 10:30 pm

  I just turned 8,000 miles on my new Sonata (bought new) & still the best car available in my book. NO problems even through a tough slippery winter -- ABS & TRC pulled me through with flying colors! I love the sleek design -- everyone thinks its one classy-looking vehicle. One friend summed it up by saying, "Wow... you can go ANYWHERE in a car like that!" Its true. Weve driven across three states & the car is very comfortable. Love the back seat armrest & three seat belts, huge trunk, plush interior & fun driving. A/C cranks up fast, too! Classy black with beige interior, even in 90 degree heat its not unbearably hot inside. Kids fit in the back, even my 16 year old son & his girlfriend.

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  Would buy another Sonata - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By JEFFREY - August 16 - 3:10 am

  Overall I like the car. I have had to put some money repairs that I did not expect. I also dont like the remote control is only available by the dealership at cost of over a hundred and fifty dollars. I also only get 12 MPG while driving in city driving. Expected better but is a V6 I have the LX. I have had my car garaged over night I think three times.

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  Great Car / Great Value - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jen - August 16 - 1:38 am

  My husband is a big guy 6ft 4in and its hard for him to fit comfortably into some cars. As soon as he sat in it he fell in love - plenty of leg room super comfy. Other cars were a little tight for him. It met all our needs - room for our family (4 of us plus our dog), great trunk space, 27mpg on highway, price, style and comfort. We are very happy. I hope this helps like all the reviews helped me. Happy driving!