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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  Solid choice - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By fnt4grc - February 22 - 10:00 am

  From the very first test drive, I was sold. Im just really happy I drove all the competitors first to realize what a good choice I made. The car looks great inside and out. Smooth,quite and comfortable. Everythings standard equipment and the price, WOW! Up to $8000 less than the other name brands that are showing their age(dull and stodgy) no matter what trim level you get.

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  Hyundai you hit a Homer with the Sonata - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Barney - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive---has more power then you might think for a four cylinder. Good acceleration and rides smooth on well paved highways. A little rough on bumpy roads. Power front drivers seat is great-- -could use one for the passenger side. My wife wishes she could raise her seat.

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  Hyundai better than Toyota - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jake Seim - February 22 - 3:56 am

  The Hyundai Sonata is a great car to buy. The ride is smooth, the miles per gallon are great, and the space/room on the inside are uncomparable. Im a tall guy, and after sitting in both the Camry and the Sonata, the Sonata is considerably larger on the inside. The trunk is bigger as well. The Sonata comes with 6 standard airbags, while the Camry comes with only 4. The safety rating from the government rates the Sonata higher as well. Korea has really come up in the car world since 1986. My wife and I love the car and feel the safety features are uncomparable for our 3 month old son.

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  Great Value - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mike - February 22 - 2:06 am

  After 2200 miles, I am very satisfied with this car. The 4 cylinder has plenty of power for my needs. Fuel economy is impressive for a car its size, 27-29 MPG, mixed driving, in an area with a lot of hills. Very comfortable, great legoom in the back seat for the kids. I will typically keep a car over 100k miles, so low lifetime cost of ownership is a big factor. The 2.4 liter engine has a timing chain, so there are no expensive TB canges to worry about. Auto transmission service interval up to 100k mi.

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  My wife loves this car! - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Scott P - February 21 - 5:46 pm

  My wife loves this car! I like it myself. It is sound, comfortable and even the 4cyl. engine has a decent amount of get up and go. Everything inside is at the drivers fingertips.

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  Beware of 2013 Sonata remote starter kit defect - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By mdh2 - February 21 - 6:10 am

  Bought my car in May. Everything is excellent with the car EXCEPT OEM remote starter kit had major defect if installed in the 2013 Sonata. Purchased kit during sale. Needed to wait 4-6 weeks before 2013 kits were available. When it was available, Hyundai dealership installed it but it failed (i.e., would actually turn engine off). Dealership informed me wiring instructions were wrong from Hyundai. Dealership kept car for 2 weeks and couldnt figure out problem. Regional technician came in and also couldnt figure it out either. Dealership removed unit and returned car back to factory default. Finally got my money back.

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  Big value for minimal money - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By Seth-in-Chicago - February 19 - 4:56 pm

  I purchased a 2005 GLS SV on 2/19/05. Same car as the LX sans leather seats and power driving seat. Everything else upgraded. Wow!....what a value...I financed $16K for a new vehicle. Give Camry and Accord a run for their money on all aspects and certainly beats them in value for the money. Resale is not as important to me as I will drive this for several years. I will be selling my 95 Accent @ 81k miles....too bad...its been flawless and gives me 35 MPG. Hyundai, you have a life-long new customer. Job well done.

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  Great alternative to camry - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By carguy150 - February 19 - 10:40 am

  Traded my 2003 Camry SE, this car is great the fuel economy is great Im getting mid to low 30s. The interior layout is great everything you need is at the tip of your fingers on the steering wheel. Power is good for a four banger. I have owned this car for 3 months and have a little over 4000 miles. Im hoping I have the same luck I had out of my 03 camry not a problem one. I keep my cars 8+ years. The one complaint I would have is the drivers seat is a little uncomfortable at first but the lumbar support helped greatly. At this point Id recommend this car to anyone looking for a family sedan. If youd asked me years ago Id never thought about buying a Hyundai, build quality is great.

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  Looks like a lincoln LS from the back. - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By cancerman - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Traded in a Ford Taurus, the Hyundai is a bit smaller and a little more cramped, but a whole lot peppier and quiter. I wish at least the GLS and LX came with power seats, I miss this feature as my wife and I use the car and always adjusting mirors, seats ETC. Waa Waa no big deal We really love our Hyundai. Have 12000 miles on it and am taking it in for the first minor problem.

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  Problems with 2005 Hyundai Sonota - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By James Page - February 16 - 1:12 pm

  Weather strip along top of right top of door came loose also the wiper blade fillers came out on both wipers.