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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  Former Ford Owner, New Hyundai Convert - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Walt - May 6 - 4:13 am

  This car handles and rides great, I have the V6 so it also is very responsive, while providing great gas mileage.

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  Excellent car!!!! - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By kytim - May 5 - 12:57 pm

  I now have 17, 000 miles on my Sonata. It is a great performer. I have owned Hondas, Nissans, Chevys and Mazdas in the past. The Hyundais quality, ride and performance is equal and better than the competitors(in my opinion). I rent cars to save miles and I always enjoy coming home to my Sonata!!!

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  Hyundai Happiness - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By PKobia - May 4 - 2:23 pm

  I commute 76 miles to work, a total of 152 a day. My Hyundai Sonata has been superb. I have put 58,000 miles on the car in just under 18 months and have not had a single problem. Not one! I have been fanatical about oil changes etc. and tire rotation from day one. My gas mileage is excellent at 30 mpg and the Sonata 6 cyl has more than enough zip to keep me out of trouble on the open road. I am a big man and the Sonata is very comfortable with more than sufficient leg and head room. All in all a pleasure to drive and a pleasure to own.

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  More Bang For Your Buck - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By Steve Elliott - May 3 - 1:23 am

  Car handles well when driving even in the rain. Engine noise is not loud so I dont know why other consumer said it was loud. It looks like a Jag car on the road. Im happy with the driving performance, I have a 4 cylinder and it felt like a V6. I feel Hyundai really wants my business and cares about their customers even long after you buy the car. I feel that Hyundai quality in the GL 2005 Sonata has improved so much that it can compete against Japanese cars. Im beginning to see more people on the road with a quality car that cant afford a big name brand car like Toyota or Honda. This car safety features are great with standard side impact airbags.

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  Sonata Review - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By Beatty - May 2 - 2:20 pm

  Good quality vehicle with an excellent warranty and which is fun to drive.

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  Great Drive - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By Great Car - May 2 - 3:31 am

  When I first saw this car on the road I said, hmmmm that looks like a Jaguar, but as I got close I soon learned it was a Hyundai. Well I found myself needing a car a few days ago and shopped around.I stopped by Darcy Hyundai in Joliet and there it was in the showroom and I immediately fell in love with this car. It had every thing I wanted in a car and it was standard. I also learned that this car came with features that not too long ago were not standard. This was a pleasant surprise. It has the sleek front end look of a Jaguar this is why I purchased it.

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  The Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By manofsteel - April 30 - 8:41 pm

  We bought our Sonata shortly after it came out in fall 01. The car has been great. We now have 62,000 miles on it with almost no problems. Would buy a Hyundai again, and will.

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  American companies cant touch this! - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By tjlee22 - April 30 - 2:47 am

  My first Hyundai...I am really impressed with it. The autostick is very nice to work the rpms. I recently read that Toyota and Honda "big wigs" are taking notice and they should. My Sonota DOES remind me of a Toyota. This car has great quality!

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  Great car - 2017 Hyundai Sonata
  By Dominick Edwards - April 29 - 7:12 pm

  I have always owned/leased high end cars. Traded my loaded 2015 Genesis 3.8 for the Sonata Limited 2.0T. In general, I am very pleased with the car. However, if youre downsizing from a Lexus or Genesis like I did, you might be a little dissappointed with the ride which is a little rough and with some road noise. The Sonata compares well to its competitors in all aspects including price. So, given the price differential between high end cars and the Sonata, one could live with the minor shorcomings. Overall handling is great. Electronics are as good if not better than most any high end cars. Safety features are great. The power seats are widely adjustable and very comfortable. Overall, I am very happy with the car. Yes, I miss my Genesis but Im getting used to a smaller car payment lower insurance premiums and much better gas mileage. In addition to all that, the car looks great.

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  *Best BANG for the BUCK* - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By Wiggy - April 28 - 5:36 am

  I loved my 1999 Sonata GLS with the best backed warranty Ive ever experienced. No song and dance or smoke and mirrors. Id had with U.S. cars over forty years. With Hyundai its covered, no questions asked. And with the incentives on the 2005s I just couldnt say no to the beautiful LX. The new styling and improved engineering are a real delight at about the same price I paid six years ago. Way To Go Hyundai*****