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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  HAPPY IN INDY - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Kathy - July 8 - 2:20 am

  Love my new car. Have had Hondas and Nissans but this is far my best vehicle. Great on mileage. Drove it to Chicago to break in. Averaged 41 hwy and 27 city which was great. Would recommend it to everyone.

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  My 2nd Hyundai - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By M. Spivey - July 4 - 10:56 pm

  Love this car. I had a 1993 Elantra before this one and kept it 10 years. This car well exceeds what you pay for it. I get compliments all the time on how nice it looks and in the 2 years I have had it the only thing I had to take it back to the dealer for was a defective sun visor. I wouldnt hesitated to recommend the Sonata. Truly a "bang for the buck."

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  love it - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By nick - July 4 - 10:16 pm

  I hope this will be helpful. I absolutely love my Sonanta. Every where I go people are asking about it. It seems everybody is interseted but timid because of Hyundais old reputation. Well its gone. Before I bought my Sonata I owned a 99 Pontiac Grand Prix GT. I thought that was fun to drive but it was nothing compared to my Sonata. The Sonata is comfortable, nice styling, practical, fully loaded, fast, and the engine is very quiet even when stepping on the pedal. My advice, if you are in the sedan hunt, buy the 2006 Sonata. Hyundai is definetely taking a huge step in the auto industry. If you are looking for luxury wait a year or so Hyundai is coming out with high line to compete with Lexus, BMW and such.

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  2005 Hyundai Sonata - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By cross - July 3 - 9:36 pm

  I dont have a lot of miles, but so far I have really enjoyed the car. I traded in a 2004 Honda Accord, and have not regreted it. In fact, my old Honda is still sitting on the car lot. However, there is a faint vibration coming from behind the dash...and I cant find it. It is driving me nuts. Also the radio is probably the most annoying radio every made. Why is there a tape deck with it...can you still buy tapes? The car has been fun, it had good acceleration and makes heads turn. Its my mini- Jag. To my supprise, there are several aftermarket items for it. One last thing, it corners well, but tends to sway a little too much sometimes. I could put some anti-sway bars on or slow down....

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  Stepped Down from a Genesis to a Sonata - 2016 Hyundai Sonata
  By Paul Nord - July 2 - 8:59 pm

  Love it so far! My first new car in 7 years, and I am impressed at all the different safety features, the expanded bluetooth, etc.

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  Out of this World - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jim S - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Since I bought my Sonata, I have grown to love it more each day. I used to have "sexy" sports cars in the past, but never have gotten the looks and comments I have about this car. I have gotten on average 34 MPG since I got it 11,800 miles ago. I actually drove from Bangor ME to Sparta NJ on one tank of gas (480 miles). The interior is thoughtfully designed, feels like a fighter cockpit at night, and the XM, GPS and Bluetooth integration is incredible. I dont think you can get more for your money than with this car.

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  Ownership after 4 months - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Donald - June 30 - 5:46 am

  I was initially impressed with this car, especially the price which was $16,000 cash, automatic, and nothing else. I was in route to the Honda dealer but I passed by Hyundai and asked for a test drive. I should have kept going. The mileage is greatly overrated, at least in my view. I have not achieved better than 18-19 MPG. It dos not shift very well and remains in lower gears too long. The ride quality is equally overstated. I feel every bump and pothole. It is a smooth ride only on well maintained roads. Otherwise the ride is very harsh. The build quality is not the greatest. I have noticed rattles and noises even on minor bumps. As I said, I should have kept going.

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  Six Month Ownership Update - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By David - June 27 - 4:00 pm

  I wrote my first review the night I got my car home. Of course everyone loves a new car the day they buy it. Go read any Edmunds review and if often starts like this "Just got the car today, I LOVE it!!!" Im here to tell you that six months later and its still a joy to drive every day. It has been absolutely flawless in build quality and reliability. And just like another reviewer said, the car handles much better than "professional" reviews would lead you to believe. Powerful brakes that stop the car right now, a smooth, powerful V6 engine, and a suspension system that does a fantastic job of providing a velvety ride while also being sporty enough to have fun around the corners.

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  Sonata - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Paddy - June 25 - 10:00 am

  I only have 1000 miles but I love it. I have the V6 and power moon roof options.The car handles great and I get a lot of compliments on the looks.

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  2011 Hyundai Sonata - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By mary - June 24 - 1:10 am

  I purchased the 2011 Hyundai Sonata a month ago, and love it! I drove it home via the highway and was shocked to see the I was already getting 27 mpg and the car only had 21 miles on it. The ride is smooth, cabin is quiet and visibility is great. The interior is awesome. You must experience it at night to get the full effect of the blue lights on the dash, steering wheel and window switches. The car is so roomy that for the first few days I kept thinking the door wasnt shut because I was so far away from it, lol. After considering price, warranty, safety, mpg and looks, the 2011 Sonata was a no brainer.