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 Little Big Car! - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
By Collette - March 29 - 9:45 amI have owned my Hyundai since August 2004. My husband and I were looking for a car with enough room for our 3 boys to be able to sit comfortably in the back seat as well as great gas mileage as much as I drive. The Sonata is GREAT! I love my car! It has all the little extras that a higher-end car would have without the big price tag. It handles great, I have PLENTY of room in the trunk for groceries, sports equipment or luggage. The gas mileage is great. We take my car everywhere, especially with the price of gas. I love the CD player and console area where I can put my cell phone and charger. This is a great car!
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Beats my Astro van - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
By chacago - March 29 - 8:50 amGreat car fun to drive. Price was right wished I would of drove the V6, but was looking at fuel economy. Wife loves the car, now Im driving her van!!!!! MPG on recent trip 33mpg at 59 MPH.
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Hyundai Sonata is one to check out! - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
By Kevin - March 28 - 11:05 pmJust purchased a 2005 powder white pearl Sonata GL, 4 cyc, auto with a power sunroof (acc Gp 3), wind deflector,& mats for $15,500 including rebates. I have 500 miles on the car and its a pleasure to drive. If you are looking for a good quality car with an outstanding warranty, and wish to spend 4-5K less than Honda or Toyota, check it out first before you test drive them. The tout is they will have a higher resale but not 4-5K more. The car could use a little more power (22 hps less than Honda), but lacks the "pop can" exterior Honda feel with more features than the basic Honda or Toyota. Ive owned all three Honda Accord, Toyota Camry,& now Hyundai Sonata. Drive it & weigh the difference
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3 Days on the road. - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
By KurtM - March 28 - 1:55 pmI am looking for a new vehicle and rented a Sonata for a 3 day business trip to Florida. I drove close to 800 miles in the car and came to the conclusion I would not entertain buying one. The ride quality is an odd mix of harsh on bumps, yet floaty and vague. Handling is slow and heavy. The interior is nice looking, but not enough legroom or headroom. Dash and switch gear has high quality feel, but then you find corners cut on a plastic fuel filler door. For ride and space I would choose an Impala or Buick Regal over this car. OR for a sportier ride, the Mazda6 or Honda Accord.
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Much underated - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
By D Lee - March 28 - 3:09 amI test drove every car in this class, and none of them drove as smooth and quiet as the Sonata. One of the pitfalls of front wheel drive is road noise. In this area, the Sonata excells with a very quiet ride. Its time for Consumer Reports to get over its love affair with the Toyota Camry (a much overated,overpriced car.)The Sonata is an excellent vehicle, and a real bargain!
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Stylish comfortable ride at a great pric - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
By Coloradoskier - March 25 - 10:00 amI bought my 2002 Sonata after doing quite a bit of research and so far I love it. Very smooth and quite ride and very classy design with many features standard. I got a Silver GLS with moonroof. Couldnt find one with abs. Payed $17,200 plus tax. I wanted a six cylinder for accelleration on the mountain passes and Im not disappointed. Was able to easily do 80 going over the passes with power to spare. Others have commented that it looks like a jag, a lexus and a mercedes. Im still in the first thousand miles so time will tell how reliable it will be, but they back it with a great warranty. So far, I love it!
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Good value - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
By Keith - March 25 - 2:53 amThe car has been pretty reliable.Only one small problem. I have owned it only four months. It has a pretty nice ride.
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Great Car - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
By orcas828 - March 24 - 12:15 pmCant beat the Sonata for the price. Great ride, beautiful exterior.
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You should test drive this car! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
By Pete Roddy - March 23 - 6:50 amMy wife and I love this car. We have only had it for a short time but so far its been great. For a mid size car it is very smooth and quiet. The V6 engine is very strong and is a delight to drive around town and on the open highway. We drove the new car to San Antonio,Texas from Corpus Christi about 160 miles on our first road trip. I didnt drive fast... about 65 and we got 32 miles per gal. The next day on the way back home we drove against a very strong head wind and the mpg fell to 28. I would like to have more but you cant always have your cake and eat it too. If you want more miles per gal. go for the 4 cyl. But dont expect the same power as the V6.
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Surprised - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
By td - March 22 - 12:55 amI would never had dreamed I would be driving an Hyundai, but I am pleasantly surprised by this car. Drives well, handles great and very comfortable.
