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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  Great Car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Anonymous - May 12 - 2:00 am

  I was looking for a car to replace my Acura TL. I was looking for something affordable that had alot of options that wouldnt cost a fortune. Stopped by the Hyundai dealership and loved the new style of the Sonata. Drove it to my wifes office and had her drive it back to the dealership. She is a car snob and always made fun of Hyundais so I figured it was a no go. She Loved the car and we bought it that night. We have over 6000 miles on the car with no issues. If I had it to do over again the only thing I would change is purchase the 2.0 turbo (wasnt available at time of purchase). Previous cars owned C230 Mercedes, Infinity G35, Buick Enclave, 2008 Chevy Malibu, 2006 Chevy ImpalaSS.

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  great car. - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Kenny - May 10 - 10:20 pm

  I bought my GLS 4 cylinder with a 5A transmission last July and havent had a mechanical problem with it since. the dash looks beautiful with a nice LED blue lighting. the audio system is great with cool features such as ipod and USB integration. Electronic Stability Control comes standard on all models, and one can turn it on and off. ESB only comes available on higher level Camrys and it is always on. I can go about 450 miles on one tank of gas. Overall, for the money, I couldnt be happier.

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  My Sonata ltd - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By ron garretsen - May 10 - 7:13 pm

  This is a great car, comparable to upscale toyota camry or honda accord but about $10K less. My model is the limited, nicely appointed in leather, etc. Has advanced features, very peppy 3.3 (246 HP) litre engine, and in fact is a large car compared to its class, has great legroom and trunk space. Sound system is Infinity 6 CD changer, premium speakers, etc. Have 2,000 miles on it now, gets a true 25 MPG combined city and highway. It is a great value compared to vehicles in this segment costing thousands more.

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  Affordable, reliable - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By PTamburro - May 10 - 8:38 am

  Bought it new for $14,000 very quiet ride, very comfortable, good acceleration,love the cruise control with the standard tranmission. Interior nicely designed, leg room in the back.

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  awesome car - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By cajuncrew - May 9 - 2:00 am

  this car is alot of fun to drive ...it shifts very smooth, it gets great gas milage, the forth hyundai in the family...2 elantras one xg300 and noe this sonata.....

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  The only thing!!! - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By catastrophe - May 9 - 2:00 am

  This car is very nice. I was very surprised at the comfort of this car. It handles very nicely, even in very windy weather!! Handles well in the snow and rain.

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  2007 Sonata - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Bob - May 8 - 1:13 pm

  Drove many of usual new car suspects in this class and then just for fun drove the Sonata. I drove one 6 years ago but wasnt impressed. So bought a camry instead at that time. Probably the best car Ive ever owned. But this time I liked the look and drive and the warranty of this car better.Also they had a 5 speed manual available on the lot which I believe makes any 4 cyl a better drive.Also saved at least $3500 over another similar camry,altima,ford focus,or malibu in the 08 models. Nice color selection. Dealership was helpful but not pushy which I like. S0 I decided to give Hyundai a try.

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  Amazing for the Bucks! - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By zeb - May 8 - 2:23 am

  Ive had my 2009 Hyundai Sonata for about 2 1/2 months and I still love it! I was looking for a reliable, fuel- efficient, roomy, car with leather and I could not believe they sold me this car for $15,990....with leather seats? Its not the Limited model, but it had everything I realistically needed in a car...did I say leather? Best SURPRISE of all is that its virtually MAINTENANCE-FREE(oil and air filter change only) in normal conditions for 60K miles. My Subaru needs something every 15-24K. Who cares about Honda and Toyotas reputation when I have 100k, 10 year PT warranty. Its one of those few things in life that is too good to be true....but it is!

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  Second Sonata - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By dasnubbers - May 7 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased a new 2002 Sonata GLS V6 and I have to say, its the complete package. Everything we need and nothing we dont. We had traded our 2001 Sonata GLS V6 in for the new one. Just got sick and tired of hearing my wife say "look....theres a new Sonata" The new body style really sets it apart from previous models. We chose pearl white, with the beige interior, its a very pretty car.

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  Door Handles - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By yorkies5 - May 6 - 4:03 pm

  I have a 2010 Hyundai Sonata and it sucks. 3 of the car door handles have broken off in the last month. They will not pay for them. I have read other reviews and this is a on going problem. Hyundai tried to say they havent heard of this before. But I guess they havent read the reviews. I will never buy another on. my son has a 2008 and he has had many other problems. Alternator is only one of the problems he has had with him.