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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  The Best CAR EVER!! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Michael Park - April 27 - 12:16 pm

  This was the best car ever!

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  Like my Sonata - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ron C - April 27 - 8:56 am

  Enjoy driving and the looks of my new Sonata.

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  Sonata - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By Weldon - April 25 - 12:36 pm

  Fun to drive. Handles well around town. Smooth drive on the highway. Has a classy look from outside. Very reliable.

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  Long term review (1year/14000 miles on vehicle) - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By meathead21212121 - April 22 - 1:00 pm

  Weve owned this car and I wrote an initial review after looking at a mazda 3 and 6, ford taurus and a Genesis Sedan. After having this vehicle for over a year and being able to drive it daily and learn its functions I can really say this car is a solid buy. Living in a freezer 7-8 months out of the year this thing has really performed with only very minor gripes about it and they really boil down to the way my kids treat this vehicle. EVERY function of the car still works with no broken knobs or funny noises and the car is still in "one piece". There is the normal wear and tear that any interior has but its dealt with my family very well, with all aspects being able to hold up and stay clean. My 3 girls have a problem with keeping their feet off everything and as a result I have to constantly wipe down the interior and clean scuffs off the outside but these are things that life throws at you. Other than having the car serviced at regular intervals nothing mechanically has broken in the car to to have it repair and the dealer has always been curious to us upon receiving the vehicle and well more than likely go through them when our lease is up to look into another vehicle. Gas mileage is still the same as when we bought it, with 27ish mpgs combined driving and premium fuel every time we fill. I have noticed the tires starting to split on the sidewall and will have this remedied through our dealer as its covered under warranty. Overall if youre looking for a solid vehicle (even used) Id look at one of these. Fully loaded you wont be disappointed as there are only a small number of models that supersede the Sonata within the brand.

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  Outstanding car for price - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Robo - April 22 - 5:40 am

  Traded in my 2005 Elantra GT for the Sonata LX. I have logged over 1000 miles in the past week and it has performed flawlessly. Im sold on Hyundai because of the performance of my Elantra GT. I had driven that car cross country and logged over 19,000 miles, through the heat of Florida to the frozen ski resorts in Idaho. So far I havent found any needed improvements other than the folding mirrors and XM radio. I find the gas milage averaging 28.5 with the V-6, I got 32 with the 4 cylinder Elantra. I dont know where everyone is coming up short on the MPG figures other than the trip computer is off, it will click off MPG while sitting still. Log your miles and divide by your gallons.

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  Excellent car for the money - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By rickb - April 19 - 3:36 pm

  Our 2006 Sonata LTD now has 18,000 miles and we have owned it 18 months. Pleasant to drive in small town traffic. Also performed very well on long trips and didnt miss a beat at 9000 ft altitude in the rockies on vacation. Large capacity trunk. It even ran good on 85 octane. Pleasure to drive at 80 miles an hour, very comfortable and roadworthy. More acceleration than youll ever need. Highway mileage 27-28 at real highway speeds, 30 mpg only if going 60 or less and no headwind. We have not needed any work done on the vehicle except oil/filter/tire rotation etc. Dealership is very accomodating.

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  love my snotata !!!! - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By kim - April 16 - 1:46 pm

  love it!! great features for the $$$ if you dont want to spend the $$ for the jag or caddie

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  Best Value - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Debe - April 16 - 12:50 am

  Ive only had the Sonata SE a few weeks now and I am very impressed with the overall value of my purchase. I just dont think there is a better value on the road today.

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  Top Contender - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By top contender - April 15 - 8:26 am

  After extensive research, I purchased the Sonata Limited 2011 (no nav) because of its style, reputation, ratings and price. The 4 cylinder engine provides more than adequate power and gives excellent fuel economy while still remaining quiet under nearly all driving conditions. I owned/drove toyotas, accords, a 325 bmw and others and this Sonata (so far) is better than those cars with better styling and a better price. The cabin is comfortable,roomy and quiet (Im 64")and the Limited gives you all the bells and whistles anyone could need. Over rough road surfaces, you will feel some of those bumps more like an Accord but generally the ride is surprisely smooth and quiet. Check this car out.

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  Great Car - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ragtime Lady - April 14 - 7:29 pm

  Great Car! Runs great with room to spare. We bought it for the warranty but so far we have not used it. Maybe one of these days Hyundai will retain their resale values like the Hondas. The depreciation of the vehicle is the only set back and it isnt justified.