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 Car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By crusader117 - February 16 - 8:23 am

  This car is a great car for the money. Interior and Exterior looks are great.

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  Move Over Honda Accord Look Out Acura TL - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By STjeerdsma - February 15 - 2:33 am

  This car is HOT! Totally redesigned, better engine/gas mileage and performance over previous models....Spend the extra money on the LX, there is not one feature it lacks, and this car is totally turning heads! We are the first purchaser of the LX in Western Washington, people arent sure if they are looking at a new Accord or TL. The back looks like Accord tail lights, but TL bumper/dual exhaust. We bought the dark metallic blue, with beige interior, of course with sunroof and upgraded audio......every option available for $23K, same options on Accord is $30, and $33 for TL. It drives great, is fast, has get up and go, 235 HP! It flies, is comfy, and very stylish and sporty. Get one!

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  Beware of Warranty - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Arthur - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I rarely write review, but I have to write one for Hyundai. The warranty is not as it advertised. I bought it as brand new and after 3 months the AC is not working. So I took the dealer and they said a rock had hit my car and damaged the air condition function. I have been driving other cars for the past 20 years with different brands. I cannot believe the Hyundais product is so fragile. So today, I bring my car to another Hyundai dealership, they still cannot warrant it. I asked why other cars that I had driven for years that I never seen or heard this type of problem. They said, its Hyundais design. I do a lot of researches when I buy car, but I will never buy a Hyundai again!

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  Love my Sonata! - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ryan Conrad - February 13 - 4:02 am

  Although Ive only owned my car since Sept 2004 I feel it was a great choice. I did lots of research & found this to be the absolute best over-all buy! Ive had only minor issues & will defintely purchase one again in the future!

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  Love my Car - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jeff - February 11 - 8:03 pm

  The car has given me all that I asked for. Four adults sit in comfort. The AC and heat work well. The sound system could be better but all in all for the price you cant ask for more. I will buy it again and this is my third Sonata. I am looking forward to the body style change in 2006.

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  Great value! - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By TCB - February 11 - 2:28 pm

  My first experience with a Hyundai. And over all,I have been impressed! I have the Sport model with Premium package. Coming from an Accord,I was a little skeptical. But I liked the styling and interior. Classy looking exterior. The interior,is very well laid out. Functional with easy to use controls. I love the digital odometer. The dual auto temp AC works great. The back up camera works very well,with a surprisingly clear picture. The radio and speakers are adequate.Quality look and feel to the materials. The leather Sport seats have cloth inserts,so you dont get burned in summer heat. I have a sensitive back,and with the side bolsters,and power adjustments,including lumbar,I am very comfortable. The car is very quiet. The engine is very smooth running. Transmission shifts are not felt. I do hear, a slight road coarness,from the performance tires. I have been surprised at how roomy the car is. It is EPA classified as a large car,with 122 cubic feet of interior space. That is the same as a Chrysler 300. Only without the bulky exterior. It has a big 16.3 cubic foot trunk. With a very large pass thru opening. Which comes in handy,when carrying a big item. And it has dual struts for the hood! A rarity in cars today.Only a few minor complaints. I am so far only getting 26 MPG in mixed driving,in the ECO mode. I am hoping that will improve,with a little more mileage.The cup holders,in the console,do not have a gripping device to hold the drink in place. And the cup holder in the doors,is only big enough for a slim bottle or can. They could have made the touch screen bigger than 5". I dont see why they did not include the data system in the radio. Overall for the money and long term warranty,you cant beat the 2015 Sonata.

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  I like it but I dont LOVE it! - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By justcind - February 11 - 1:28 am

  I bought this car because I couldnt believe the features it had and the build quality for the price. Its cute like the Jag I wanted, 16" wheels contribute to a smooth quiet ride. I have 7500 miles in 4 months and no problems.

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  Its a Winner - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By FAKEIDEE - February 8 - 8:02 pm

  Bought this honey with NO options. The LX is LOADED. Best buy at this price...$4-5,000 less than Accord or Camry. The editors rating here is a little off.

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  Irene loves her Sonata Hyundai - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Julia Powell - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I love my Sonata. Its stylish, reliable and is great to drive. It is also very luxurious looking, inside and out. For the money, it is an excellent value. It is roomy for the passengers in the back seat as well as for us in the front. I get compliments all of the time on what a sexy looking car it is. I cant think of another car which would even come near all of the wonderful extras which are automatically a manufactured part of the car. I wish that American auto- makers would come up with just such an automobile for me to buy. I have tried for many years to find American autos which compare to my Sonata Hyundai.

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  Fell apart on 20 mph impact - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Texas - February 2 - 10:13 pm

  This is a very nice car. It moves very well. It sits comfortably. Power when you need it and a nice growl on acceleration. Quiet with great Infinity music setup inside. Major problem: I was hit by a Saturn turning right from a left turn lane in front of me at an intersection. The drivers front headlight area took the hit. The bumper popped loose, the fender was pushed back against the tire and drivers door which wouldnt open and the hood was bent beyond repair. Normal fender bender speed of less than 20mph... normal repair cost $2500... this one $5000. Now the worst part: Depreciation in 8 months and 8500 miles was 54%. Even Without an accident, Hyundai said it would be the same.