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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  Good Buy For The Money - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By gdg - July 31 - 1:56 am

  Good quality for the money. Many standard options that are extra on others of the same class both domestic and foreign. Cannot beat the warranty!

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  Steering problems - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Martin - July 30 - 7:46 am

  After less than 1000 miles the car started pulling to the left on any road or highway which isnt perfectly level. Speed doesnt matter-at low speeds the steering wheel make a 45 degree turn to the left, on highway I can merge into the left lane by just letting go of it. Took it to the dealership 4 times, alignment is ok, rotated the tires but still no difference. Dealership checked with Hyundai if this is a known problem and said it isnt (?). Of course, they say they cant do much more than that. Never had this problem with my 2 chevys and 08 Santa Fe on the exact same roads. Obviously, this car has suspension and steer design flaws. At least mine is a smooth and quiet ride on any kind of street.

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  My Sonata - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ashley Spiriti - July 29 - 1:36 am

  My husband and I bought our Sonata wanting to trade up from our Cavalier since we were expecting a baby. We havent had too many problems but it seems when we do, they are VERY expensive to fix and never covered under the warranty. Weve been steadily replacing rotors since we bought the things (which can only be bought at the dealership, go figure). I love the exterior!! No major failures as of yet but lots of recalls. The interior has had a lot of little probs. The arm rest on the drivers door ripped with just my husbands elbow resting on it. The silver chips off the inner door handles and leaves razor-sharp edges. WATCH OUT!! We had to sand them. Overall, its a good car.

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  Great Car! - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ginny - July 27 - 6:55 pm

  Interior quite nice. Placements of all dashboard knobs ( for radio, heater, etc. )are conveniently located for easy access. Cruise control, fog light switch, and trunk and gas door openers, are conveniently located on steering wheel and on inside door near power window levers. Seats are comfortable. Sliding moon roof is very smooth operation. Good sized trunk. The outside is in a class all its own - looks like a very expensive car. Great pickup, smooth ride and easy handling. Is a pleasure to drive. Only drawback is that in town gas mileage is not higher.

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  A wonderful car - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By Steve D. - July 27 - 5:50 pm

  I just purchased my V6 Limited, Black on Black, and am very impressed by this car. I traded an 06 Accord V6 EX-L, arguably the benchmark for the class. The Sonata has a more sophisticated look inside and out than the Honda, and a more refined ride. The Accord was very athletic in its suspension tuning, but was also harsh at times. The Sonata is lighter on its feet, more like a dancer than an athlete. The interior is outstanding. Refined elegance is how I would describe it. The designers clearly sweated the details inside and out. The Sonata is tuned towards a luxury feel and look, and for me provided a better balance of style, ride and comfort.

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  I love this car! - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Megs82 - July 27 - 5:23 pm

  I bought the car about a month ago and am in love. Its a fantastic value for your money and its a fun car to drive. Great safety features, great sound system, very comfortable ride. Gas mileage isnt quite what I hoped, but its not bad at all. I highly recommend this car to anyone whos safety and budget conscious but also wants a car you feel great in.

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  Electrical problems??? - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Laurie - July 27 - 6:56 am

  This car has had problems from the very beginning. A week after we bought it, my husband and I left the car parked in the garage while went on our annual week-long vacation. When we returned, I got in the car first thing Monday morning to go to work and it wouldnÂ’t start at all. Completely dead. (We had not even made a single payment at this point and the odometer read 400 miles, most of which were accrued when the car was shipped up from South Carolina for us.) I called the dealership and the Sales Manager told me that someone else had called previously about the trunk popping open..

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  Not your average Hyundai - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By SG - July 25 - 6:36 pm

  Many people have a stereotype of Hyundai cars for decades when it comes down to its built quailty or reliabity. Hyundai has been working hard and improved their product quality dramatically since late 90s. They say the new Sonata is a conerstone of their companys new image and the future. I was very impressed by its design when I saw the car in the showroom. It had Japanese sharp looking and European- like elegance at the same time. I was very impressed again by its Toyota and Honda like built quality when I test drove the car. Yet, class leading powerful V6 3.3L engine was more than surprising. Now manufacturing in New State-of-the-Art plant in Alabama, Hyundai is really moving forward.

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  Happy with Hyundai - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Happy with Hyundai - July 25 - 9:56 am

  For business I rented several of the competing mid-sized vheicles that were available from Hertz, Avis and National. I put them all through some rigous perfomance testing with the idea of purchasing the best. The Sonata was the clear winner. A great bonus was that the Sonata was also cheapest car with the best warranty. Money is tight so spend it wisely and buy the Sonata.

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  HAD A JAG - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By WISEGUY - July 24 - 8:38 am

  Didnt want to spend money on gas anymore. Checked the Hyundai and its better than the Jag, less expensive, roomier, more comfort, and practically the same extras. Almost looks like the Jag too. Gls special value pack is a bargain.