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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  Youll like this car! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jeff D - March 21 - 9:03 pm

  Ive logged over 12K miles over the first year and have no substantive complaints at all. The car has satisfied all of my expectations, and I dont consider myself easy to satisfy. Ive had no problems other than a ding on the roof from the dealer which he fixed perfectly while giving me a loaner. Mileage is running only about 22 mpg in mixed driving. You wont do better than this car for the money.

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  Great Choice - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Sassyka63 - March 21 - 5:00 pm

  I purchased this car in August. I have 12,000 miles on it already and have absolutely no problems. The ride is nice and smooth, low outside noise and the gas mileage is not bad either for a V6. The interior is very roomy and the seats are very comfortable. I have a back problem and I have no problem sitting in the seats for 8 hours driving. I would recommend this to anyone.

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  Very satisfied! - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By Beth - March 19 - 8:45 pm

  The 2005 Hyundai Sonata GL has a great warranty, smooth ride, classy body style and great cargo space.

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  Good Car - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By sai - March 19 - 7:16 pm

  The car is good for the money.

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  Great Car - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By widners - March 18 - 5:47 pm

  This is a great car for the money!

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  TOTALLY AWESOME CAR. Best Ive owned. - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By zephski - March 18 - 2:58 pm

  Ive owned everything from a Vette to a Mercedes SL convertible and everything in between. I LOVE my Sonata and would buy another one in a minute. Ive got friends who have purchased Sonatas and one that has an XG350 and they feel the same way. Hyundai has made tremendous strides in quality and reliability. My 2003 Sonata had ZERO problems the whole time I owned it. Quiet and smooth ride and fabulous interior and exterior design.

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  Great Midsize Car for the Price - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By Paradise_City - March 18 - 2:26 pm

  Have this car less than a month. Very nice ride when the road is not too bumpy, the designers should travel on Pennsylvania roads to fine tune the suspension. Superior interior design, & comfortable seating. Gas mileage seems to be 26-27MPG so far. Overall Im pleased. Got a good price with a $2500 rebate and a $1000 rebate with my 07 Toyota Corolla trade in. Interior very roomy.

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  Great Value - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By Joe A - March 18 - 11:01 am

  Love the vehicle.........Great Value for $ spent

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  Great Price, Great Value, Great Car - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By sleb - March 17 - 5:36 am

  I traded in a 2006 Chevy Uplander Minivan as the gas mileage was horrible. I checked out the Camry, Impala, and others and nothing compared to the value of the Sonata. I had to get a car that would allow three Child seats in the rear seat. The seats fit fine as the vehicle is classified as a large car it has plenty of room inside. The vehicle rides smoothly and the 4 cylinder has provided plenty of power. I also have the premium package and the floor mats. I would say that this is the best car in its class for themoney and possibly not even considering the cost. The five year warranty also puts the vehicle at the head of its class. I would recomend this car and the dealership to everyone.

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  good car!! - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By cindi - March 16 - 6:31 pm

  I am happy with my Sonata, I drive daily to and from work as well as casual driving on the weekends and I never experience any problems.