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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  Love this car - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mark - June 15 - 6:55 pm

  I also have a 2001 Grand Prix GTP and the ride quality in the sonata is 150% better than my GP. There is hardly any road noise to this car. Im gonna tweak the Air induction box to improve gas mileage a little bit. Thats my only complaint with the car.

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  Still great after 1 1/2 years... - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Pianoman - June 15 - 3:50 am

  I read the posts of others who are unhappy, and I just want to say, thats not my experience at all. After 25,000+ miles, I am still delighted with my 2009 Sonata Limited 4 cyl. Absolutely no money spent other than normal maintenance, and the car continues to run like a champ. Have gotten up to 37 miles per gallon on non-hilly interstate traveling at 70 mph - it is a great highway cruiser with a quiet, smooth ride. Lots of room inside, and build quality is great. It is definitely not a sports car, but I didnt buy it with that expectation - I drive my wifes Legacy GT if I want kicks. Still like it better than my 3 previous Accords. Overall, Im very happy - no buyers remorse at all.

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  Great Car, except... - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Helen - June 14 - 2:30 pm

  I am quite pleased with my 06 Sonata. I bought it used and it has had a few squeaks and rattles. The main problem Ive had is the rear shelf squeak/rattle sounds like the car is going to split apart. Dealer finally replaced the shelf this morning and well see if that worked or not. Mileage is okay, but not great. I love the car, its performance and its look, both inside and out. Id buy another for sure!

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  2005 Hyundai Sonata - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By Vinny - June 14 - 12:32 pm

  Not having much experience in car buying & owning at only 19 years old this car caught my eye. It has the performace needed for being a teenager. Has the confort, safety, room, & reliability as being a single parent. Out of my three cars Ive owned (1994 Ford Probe, 2003 Ford Taurus, & this 2005 Hyundai Sonata) this is definitely the best. It is the most refined & the price is reasonable.

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  **Piece Of Crap** - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Marc - June 11 - 2:56 pm

  **If you have the V6 Engine take note** Hyundai knows about a problam with the timeing chain auto tensioner which will cause your timing chain to fall off on the V6 engiine. I have 3,500 miles on my "06 LX" and it had to be towed in to the dealer and have the engine removed, taken apart and put back together again. It was in the shop for one week out of service. How was Hyundai service ? the dealer did a great job fixing it but Hyundai offered no compensation. Hyundai and the dealer also told me they know about the problam with the V6 and are trying to pull cars off the lot to put in the new piece. This is my second Hyundai and my last.. Look at the Honda or Toyota not Hyundai

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  Styling and bang for the buck cant be beat. - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By peter95949 - June 11 - 7:02 am

  This is a lot of car for the $$! The styling is a head-turner. Not only have people stopped to ask me about the car, but when I see one on the road ahead of me, I mistake it for a Jag. At 11,000 miles, mileage has improved and returns a consistent 38mpg on the open road at 70+ mph. Slow down to 55, and the reading jumps to 40+ mpg! City driving returns about 24mpg if there is a little freeway driving mixed in.

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  No regrets, this is a keeper - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By Al - June 10 - 9:25 am

  This is not a luxury car, but it is a great highway cruiser and very easy on gas. Power drivers seat is very comfortable for long distance driving.

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  Fantastic Car! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Rachel - June 6 - 9:40 pm

  It is so fun to drive, I love this car. I cant believe I got so many great features (ipod jack, XM, bluetooth, leather, etc.) for such a comparatively low price. My previous car was a 2002 Camry XLE and 8 years ago I paid $7000 more for that car than I just did for my new Sonata. The gas mileage is outstanding. In mixed highway and city driving Im averaging between 30 and 32.5 mpg. Plus this is a slick looking car. My friends all love it. I have seen people stop and stare at it; it must be those fabulous 18 inch wheels!

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  A Great Car - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Steve Dobbins - June 5 - 3:07 pm

  103,000 mi as of 6/05. Has been extremely reliable. Looks great inside and outside. Recently had failure in power steering hose. $400.00 incl. labor for a hose? Air bag warning lite on, $1600.00 for an air bag sensor? They have to rip and send out seat because sensor is under upholstery...needs to be sent out to upholsterer. Engineering is said to be brilliant I have a hunch from now on is where the money will really go out because of the "brilliant" engineering of a 10 foot long power steering hose, etc. P.S. When my 11 year old daughter moved the front seat forward the warning light went off. I wonder???

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  Limited 4cyl with Navigation - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By howard.mergler@theme - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Narrowed down my purchase to a Jetta or the Sonata and the Sonata just blew the Jetta away with features and lower cost. I also found the Sonata to be extremely comfortable with a very smooth ride. The iPod connectivity is great although there are some quirks with the software that could be improved. They also need to make the center console just a tad bigger to be able to hold a normal iPod well. The one area I have not been impressed with is gas mileage. I have routinely gotten about 22 MPG even with a good bit of highway driving. Not as good as I hoped, but still much better than what I had before.