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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  First Time Hyundai Buyer! - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By Arnold - March 8 - 9:51 pm

  This is my first Hyundai and I must say that I am impressed!! Owned two Toyota Camrys before this and have had less defects/problems with the Hyundai then the Camrys... In fact, I havent had any problems at all... Im picky with my cars and I havent found anything to complain about.. All in all, Ive been very pleased...

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  Hyundai Sonata GLS Auto - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By don cook - March 8 - 9:26 pm

  This is our second Hyundai Sonata. I purchased a 2004 Sonata. We have been very pleased with the 2004. Over 60,000 trouble free miles.

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  I like it, but... - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By viktor - March 8 - 5:06 pm

  I started leasing Sonata 1.5 month ago. I expected its going to be easy on gas, but as it turned out its not. I had owened Buick Lesabre 1989 and found that both consume gas evenly. Buick with 3.8 engine and 250,000km and Sonata with 2.7 and 3000km. I like stepping on gas but this car doesnt inspire you to put gloves on. The rest is perfect. I cant say anything about reliabilty so far. Well see. The price, the features and the look are great.

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  Wow! Fantastic Car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Brandon C - March 4 - 9:26 pm

  By far the best family car out there. Best fuel: 39 mpg or 6 L/100 km in hwy, 27 mpg or 8.5 L/100 km in city. I am getting about 33-34 mpg combined, with 65/35 hwy/city while always driving in ECO Mode. The car is amazingly smooth/quiet at hwy speeds of 110 km/h or 70 mph, and revs only 1950 rpm. Very sharp new design, large interior space, and huge trunk, very comfy leather seats, nice Bluetooth feature, great stereo, climate control, trip computer, nice smooth feeling of electronic steering in hwy/city driving. Currently have 500 miles or 800 km on Odo, but still havent fill up the tank yet. Will probably go around 850 km or 528 miles. Will also purchase Turbo version if fuel eco is similar.

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  Great car! - 2001 Hyundai Sonata
  By Daniel Yorgov - March 3 - 10:11 pm

  I bought this car used 3 months ago and I took it on a 1300 miles trip on the very next day. GLS Leather is very comfortable and roomy inside. It is also a beauty: I have had quite a few good comments from my friends. It proofed itself as very dependable vehicle in the extreme upper Michigan weather conditions. Definitely will consider buying Sonata again!

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  Like A Best Friend - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Anthony - March 2 - 8:10 pm

  I love Sonatas. This is my second one and it has been great overall! Pros: * This car is a work horse and a good cruiser. * Fuel economy is outstanding! Ive gotten 40 mpg on the highway many times, during non-stop driving and doing between 70-75 mph. * The satellite radio is a great option, you can listen to your favorite station anywhere! Otherwise the CD/flash-drive (USB) is another good option. * Other than routine maintenance performed at the dealership, this car is solid. * Love the stability control! Some cons: * The drivers seat is uncomfortable. It is narrow and lacks support, however, on long trips, you do tend to settle in and forget about it. * The 4 cylinder engine, while effective for, is somewhat under-powered. When the car is loaded for those long, summer trips, or with the a/c running, it can easily lose up to 20hp and youll notice it when attempting to merge onto a highway. I should have opted for the 6 cylinder version instead. * Tires are very important! Do not go cheap on them and always get the original or better. You will be thankful, especially when it rains as the car tends to lose grip upon accelerating from a stop or going around corners. * I wish navigation was available when I bought it.

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  GL, I recommend it to my friends - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mohamed - February 28 - 11:29 pm

  I have had the car for two days only and I like it. For this price it is wonderful. Smooth engine (not noisy like I read in some auto web sites) and enough room for driver and passengers. Its acceleration is great and suspension is good enough. For these features another car will cost you at least 5000 dollars more. I recommended this car to my friends.

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  Why not - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By Sonata GLS 4 cyl Aut - February 28 - 7:56 am

  I purchased the car with mats, mud guards,wood trim, power seat $16,252. I am finally after 11k miles starting to get good mileage. On a recent trip I hit over 34mpg then drove some in the city overall avg 32. Normally 24- 25 around town. I baby it. It is smooth. Wife says it glides down the road. I still have my 02 Elantra with 160k I am a big Hyundai fan now they just need something super economical.

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  03 Sonata Review - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By dukefish33 - February 26 - 6:43 pm

  Great car for the money. I bought this 03 Sonata (6cyl AT) new in 07-03. I now have 30k miles on it. It looks as good as an Accord or Camry but costs about 8k dollars less. My car has had NO Problems. I do regular oil changes and tire rotations and thats all I have needed to do. The car has adequate power and when you need it too it will rev up nicely. The ride is great and whenever I haul passengers around they always ask me (after 5-10 min. in the car) "What kind of car is this?" The back seat will hold two full size adults comfortably. The trunk is huge. Mileage is average for a midsize car with a 6cyl.Overall a great value.

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  An excellent value and excellent car! - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By MikeB - February 23 - 6:00 am

  The car is clearly not under-powered by any means, in fact the V6 is quite fast. The styling and the comfort of the car are amazing! This car stacks up VERY favorably versus the Camry and Accord. Hyundai has truly become a quality auto manufacturer.