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:
Showing 1811 through 1820 of 3,413.00-
2011 Sonata SE - A Real Blast! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
By John Mc - Erie, PA - March 15 - 6:03 pmWow! This car not only looks fast, but with 200 HP and a set of paddle shifters, it goes fast! Just picked up this car for me and my teenage son on Memorial Day Weekend, and we cant stop driving it. People that see it cant believe its a Hyundai. We love the looks and styling. The seats are very comfortable, and the Dimension sound system ROCKS! SE model really grips the road. Glad we picked it up.
-
Great all around - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
By nhepker1 - March 13 - 8:06 pmFantastic midsize sedan. Engine/Tran combo has power when you need it but still delivers great fuel economy. In mostly highway driving I can beat the rated 38. Ive routinely hit 40 mpg. With city driving you have to really try to get your trip to fall below the city 28 mpg. Comfortable. Quiet. Cant speak to reliability yet but the power train warranty helps alleviate that concern somewhat.
-
Bang for the Buck - 2017 Hyundai Sonata
By James Wright - March 13 - 12:35 pmThe Hyundai Sonata is a very good car with lots of interior room, large trunk, comfortable seats, great legroom in the front seats, easy to understand and operate controls. Base model comes with most options one would want on a car. Gas mileage averages 30 mph. Best of all, it can be bought new for less than 20K.
-
JUNK!!!!!!! - 1999 Hyundai Sonata
By md - March 12 - 11:13 pmIf you like taking it to the dealer buy one".... If not leave. The first year I owned it I took it to the dealer around 10-15 times. recalls, peeling paint, wheel bearings in rear, crankshaft sensor, burnt wiring in transmission, carpet falling apart, airbag sensors, and a few other things. The sensors went after the warranty. Not cheap to replace. Overall JUNK. I have been letting it sit till I pay it down some because trade-in value sucks. Been driving a Honda with 152,000 miles with no major problems. Oh!, the dealer I got it at 95% of the time didnt have a loaner car. They wanted you to sit for four to five hours. A big waist of time. Got loaner twice and a Accent as that.
-
My Brand New 2005 Sonata - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
By Kim Muller - March 12 - 8:01 pmI had purchased a 2001 Hyundai Sonata and loved it. The opportunity to purchase the new 2005 GLS with spoiler and gold package came up and I am glad I took the opportunity. I hadnt always heard good things about Hyundais...but since I have owned one...I wouldnt want any other car. .
-
Excellent Purchase - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
By Ed - March 12 - 6:39 amI purchased Car in Feb 05.I am extremely impressed with the value I recieved for the price I paid. While the car is relatively new. I cant find any flaws so far.Ride is fantastic for a car at this price level.
-
CHANGE - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
By don - March 12 - 1:15 amI looked around for the best deal and the best looking and running and best warranty. Love the 5yrs 60,000 miles, traded in a one owner 94 Honda Prelude. We had some good times but glad to see it go and much happier not having to crawl in an out of it. The trunk space is unbelievable. The car drives like a dream. Even my boyfriend thinks its the best thing Ive ever done!
-
Great Car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
By messenger06 - March 10 - 8:06 pmIve owned three Hyundais and all have been great cars with the 06 Sonata LX following the same example as the previous Accent and Tiburon. There have been no problems with this vehicle and the dealership as usual has been great addressing any issues.
-
It works for me - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
By tampadave - March 10 - 7:36 amThe price was unbeatable. Ride is smooth. Acceleration for passing is super. I get 24mpg combined city/hwy which is slightly below my expectations. Ride is smooth. Overall, I believe this auto has great value for the dollar without sacrificing ride or quality. A nice ride, nice looking, and it comes loaded with an awful lot of standard equipment.
-
Great choice. - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
By Ron In Springtown - March 10 - 5:13 amTraded in 05 Maxima SE for this car. Am not disappointed in the least little bit. They say its suspension is load, but the Maxima had the noise in the front instead of the year. If you drive the speed limit in Sonota itll get 34 mpg at 4200 miles on the odometer. The Maxima SE might get 29/30 but on premium fuel, and when do you need 290 hourses driving around Springtown. Sonata is smoother than the Maxima but has more road noise, but not unbearable to any extent. XM is wonderful, infinity sould is on par with luxury brands. Well made car free of rattles, and never back but for oil changes, believe at this point I may as well not look further than Hyundai for my second car when ready.
