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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  Best kept automotive secret! - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By bigshoe - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I have owned Nissans and Toyotas but the 2002 Sonata is by far the best car for the dollar I have ever owned. My initial enthusiasm has not worn off. I only wonder why Hyundai doesnt spend more bucks on national advertising..they sure have the car that more people need to know about. I rate it a 9.8!

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  First - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By ncb - August 7 - 8:02 am

  Bought car used in june. took 8000 mi trip to western states in July. Car performed excellently, especially in mountainous ares using manual shift. I believe the car is well worth the money for the performance & warranty, but concerned about trade-in value or resell value.

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  Great Value - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Gabriel - August 6 - 3:50 am

  I purchased this vehicle to replace my 2003 Mini Cooper (too small). A+ to the team at Hyundai. I am very pleased with my purchase. This is our second Hyundai and this company keeps improving every year. Interior quality and design are of a very high standard. Powerful, quiet, and fuel efficient v-6. It rides smoothly on the highway and it handles well in small curvy roads. The standard safety features, stability control and curtain air bags, were a big factor in our purchase of this vehicle over the established Camry and Accord. I also prefer the styling of the Sonata over the Japanese competition. In my opinion, this is simply the best value in the mid-size market segment.

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  Very good, Excellent value - 2018 Hyundai Sonata
  By Joe the delivery man - August 5 - 4:39 am

  I got this car to replace my 2015 Sonata. Not sure the new style is better, I kind of liked the 2015 better, especially the rear with the plates on the trunk. But overall this is a terrific car for your money, save for a few drawbacks. The car drives well, nice quite ride and respectable handling, but ride is not as smooth as a Camry and handling not as good as an Accord, Mazda6, or as precise as a Fusion. Pros include: Slightly better ride/steering over my 2015. Better interior, smart controls (w/ non-auto climate), tuning knob, custom button. Overall is exemplary, very intuitive designed with nice big clearly labeled buttons and knobs. Touch screen is responsive, although some corners dont respond like its supposed to. The interface is also quite easy to use. LCD Shows date (wish it would also show exterior temperature). Car doors make a satisfying thud when they close. Still a fully printed owners manual! Cons include: Brakes still too touchy, it makes too abrupt stops. Steering is still too feather-light. Heated mirrors are no longer included in the base model - something Hyundai used to offer all these years. No CD player. I know many cars today omit them, but I really miss it. Home screen should be more customization. Would like to get rid of the AV Off message. Some settings are confusing. Ugly gauges (miss the 2015 Elantra). Only 1 USB for music & Android Auto. Bluetooth makes problems (I have a basic phone). No gap-less music player. Headlight delay is 5 min or none! Overall interior is not too pretty (2018 Accent is nicer). Cant turn off the LCD between the gauges.

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  Good Value-for-Money - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By chickaboom - August 4 - 10:56 pm

  Leased my Sonata GLS 07 (with extra trim) in Feb 2007. Debated between this and a Jetta but cost-wise I chose Sonata. It is good overall, except comparing to the Jetta, the quality of the sound system of the Sonata is inferior. Also, the seat of the Sonata does not feel as tailored to the passenger as the Jetta seat is. But it is definitely much BIGGER inside. I enjoy the space. I owned a Jetta and enjoyed it and really like the sporty style and feel of it. But now when I look at a Jetta, it seems to look too small! Its a nice change, but I think that being single, I would still go back to a Jetta next time. Get a Sonata though if you have a family. I dont think you could go wrong.

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  Surprisingly fun - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By sonatame - August 3 - 9:30 pm

  Hyundai Sonata fun? You bet! I would have never thought that I could get 80% of an A6 for less than half the price. This car has people staring trying to figure out who makes it. I thoroughly enjoy the comfort, quietness and overall performance of this vehicle and would recommend it to anyone looking for a sporty midsized car with a modest, but stunning look.

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  Hyundai is junk - 1999 Hyundai Sonata
  By Hyundai hater - August 2 - 5:05 pm

  I got this with 39K and I now think it was traded in initially for poor quality. Had a $500-$700 engine repair every 6 months or so. My trusteed mechanic said that parts were very expensive compared to more common makes. This was a very poor quality car and I will never go near Hyundai or KIA again. It was a little cheaper than Hondas and Toyotas but nowhere near the quality. Lesson learned. I simply couldnt stand owning this thing any longer.

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  First thousand miles - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Pghstarz - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Purchased 2004 GLS Sonata on Feb. 2. Now have 1000 miles. I am more impressed with the car the longer I drive it. Besides getting a great deal the car is super fun to drive. It rides smooth with the 16" Michlin tires and the V6 has enough power for hills. All in all, well satisfied.

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  Excellent choice for my money - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By bdnebhut - August 2 - 1:47 am

  I truly love this car! Even though it doesnt have all the horsepower Id like it too, it still has more than enough to get you from point A to B and everywhere in between. This vehicle is designed and styled to be luxury but without the overpricing that other dealers have. Great car! Excellent value!

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  Lots of convenience features - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By Satisfied owner - July 31 - 2:11 pm

  Hyundai has more features as standard in the Limited model than you would find in the higher priced competition with their standard equipment package. Why would anyone want to buy one of the high priced spread cars when this one has everything you would want. Have only owned it for 4 weeks and love it. Previous vehicle was also a Hyundai.