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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  Will Never Buy a Hyundai Again :) - 2000 Hyundai Sonata
  By TBCHOP - June 2 - 3:34 am

  I have had problems with this car from the minute I drove it off the lot. Discovered an oil consumption problem when there was no oil in the car after 1000 miles.According to Hyundai specs it is acceptable to burn a quart of oil per 1000 miles in a new car. I tried to get them to fix this problem under the warrrany but they refused. I was very dissappointed in the corp. They finally admitted and fixed the problem at 60,000m when in the shop (for another problem) it was discovered that the piston ring gaps were lined up. Also numerous power window problems, wheel bearings, new catalytic converter,check engine light constantly coming on. Have had enough it is time for this car to go!

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  2005 Sonata GLS - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By ms.python - June 1 - 5:26 pm

  The cars engine runs wonderfully. I feel a little surging with the transmission and may have to bring it in to see whats up with that -it could still just be breaking itself in... I dont know. I had to bring it back about a week after I bought it because one of the front passenger map lights wouldnt go off (they replaced a fuse...the service is quite prompt) Other than that, its a well made vehicle and Id buy this car again if I had to do it over again.

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  Just a great car compared - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By kyle - June 1 - 10:56 am

  Im new to the mid-size sedan segment therefor completely unbiased based on history. I drove EVERY competitor and nothing stacked up close to the sonata! 3 months and 6K miles later I still absolutely love it. I get 30 mpg COMBINED and routinely 40+ mpg on the highway. 200 HP is PLENTY of power for this light car to get up the hills (I live in Colorado) No quality issues so far, actually Im very impressed with the quality. No rattles, no squeaks, very quiet, very comfortable, Im 6ft and can easily fit sitting behind myself. I got 10 yr 100,000 mile BUMPER-2-BUMPER warranty out of the deal. I cannot say enough great things about this car. Bluetooth is fast to connect, XM is great. VALUE

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  Its affordable - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By Butch - May 31 - 2:57 pm

  I dont know if you would consider going from a Buick Century Custom to a Sonata a step down or not. But, the Buick only lasted 97000 miles before the transmission went out. 99% of those miles were freeway miles and the Buick was well maintained. The Sonata doesnt ride quite as nice as the Buick, nor does it have the pep of the Buicks V6 engine. But, for the money the Sonata is a nice car. And, I am especially impressed with the warranty, I wish the Buick had one like it. I expect to get many years of service from the Sonata considering the number of miles I drive per week will be dropping from 540 to about 25. I also expect the $250 monthly gas expenses to drop to pocket change.

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  Great choice - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By sberhow - May 31 - 1:09 pm

  I bought my 2004 Sonata used with about 17,000 miles. Also considered Mazda3, Camry, Accord, but the Sonata comes with so many more features standard, and you cant beat the price or the warranty. Love it so far - the ride is very smooth, car is very easy to handle. Tons of space in the trunk. I love the look of the car, and its so comfortable to drive. The only down side so far is that gas milage is not quite as good as my Mazda Protege was, but that comes with a bigger car with a bigger engine.

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  Initial thoughts... - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By atlantabcs - May 31 - 12:23 pm

  Just purchased the Limited 2.0T model tonight... put 75 miles on it and must say I like it. The car is quiet, smooth, peppy and is averaging about 26 mpg so far in a mix of driving. Love the bluetooth interface and all the luxury items you get with the Limited trim. I think someone said headroom was tight in this car in some review...not true. Im 62" and have plenty of head and leg room. Do wish it had memory seats though. I still think its the best bang for the buck on the market...hands down. Ill update again after Ive driven it for 6 to 12 months and well see if anything changes.

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  its ok - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By mgperez - May 31 - 12:13 pm

  Feel bumps on rough pavement. Gas mileage is around 29 mix driving. Transmision is very good. 5sp. Auto. This was the second car they gave me. First 1 failed to start on the second day. Electrical problem and had to get it towed to the dealer

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  Great car but with rattles - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jerry - May 31 - 4:10 am

  The 2006 car is my fourth Hyundai and undoubtedly the best. It is also the most expensive so I expected a better ride, beter everything and it lived up to all the hype produced by Hyundai, almost. It still rattles over rough roads and lets you know it does not care much about the somewhat harsh ride over such roads by producing the noise. It handles better, is smoother shifting, and has more than enough power to get you into trouble with the law if you can afford such adventures. This car even gets a wee bit more gas milage than the others with a much bigger and more refined engine. There will probably be a fifth Hyundai someday.

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  Ill never have ANYTHING ELSE! - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Casey - May 30 - 7:02 pm

  I bought my 2002 Sonata Lx in Sept. of 2002, we have put almost 70K on the car in less then 2 and a half years, we just go everywhere in it! We drive 100 miles a day to work round trip, and love the ride home at the end of each day. And with the 2006 comming to the dealer, You can bet Ill be the first in line to "move up" to the sleek new body.

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  Love our Sonata - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By dburch16 - May 28 - 7:30 am

  We purchased an Â’08 Sonata GLS w/ popular equipment pkg about 1 month ago. This is an extremely quiet, comfortable car. The amount of equipment you get for the money is amazing, and the mileage is exceptional also. With the first 2 fill ups we are averaging between 28.5 and 29.5 mpg with our 4 cylinder with automatic tranny in mixed driving. I am anxious to see what the mileage will be on a longer trip. Every time I drive it, I marvel at how solid the car is. After this winter, our roads are in the worst condition they have been in the last 30 years and I have yet to hear any kind of a rattle or squeak. Nothing looks, sounds or feels cheap on this car. We are very happy with our Sonata.