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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  Very good car for the money - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By johnny medinilla - February 2 - 9:15 pm

  Very good car for the money

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  Not a bad car - 1999 Hyundai Sonata
  By Shane Crook - January 30 - 3:36 pm

  We bought our Sonata with 24,000 miles on it. The main problems we have had is electrical such as sensors, spark plug wires, etc. The transmission has always shifted strangely, but I have had this checked out several times and have never found anything wrong. For the warranty and price, it is hard to beat. The resale value isnt the best.

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  Good Value - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By James Grabsky - January 29 - 6:27 pm

  The cost, warranty,appointments, and performance was just to compelling to pass up as we shopped for a second car. I was concerned about the engines responsiveness with a small V6, but was very pleasantly surprised.

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  sonata - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By sal - January 29 - 2:47 pm

  Best car on the market for the $

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  Second Hyundai and Last - 2017 Hyundai Sonata
  By David Brownell - January 29 - 2:28 pm

  I love driving and allow drivers the right to drive the speed limit., Im almost 60, have owned many none luxury vehicles. I buy cars to drive and hope I have nothing but minor non performance issues. Nothing is absolutely perfect today or ever. But I would like a few basis, decent acceleration, comfortable highway ride, good braking, and reliable front alignment. My 2016 Tuscon ECO with 1.6L and 7 Speed transmission was absolutely great, except for 1st gear. The dual clutch transmission which did have a recall due to safety issues seldom responded the same way twice in a row, you never knew how it would respond. Some times like a bat out of hell, others like a deer caught in head lights. I didnt trust lending it to anyone a cared about, I owned it for 17 months, I learned how to drive it, I have owned a few vehicles with standard transmissions, its like driving a standard and no control of the clutch. I traded it in for a 2017 Sonata Sport 2.4L drove it 10 miles and discovered a issues talked about on-line for years. When vehicle is in gear stopped at red light, there is a vibration felt in drivers seat. Open the hood of the engine, place your hand on the plastic cowling covering the engine and you will immediately know where its coming from. Its not just your car, try telling your dealers sales manager that. Its seem like denial rules over respect for owners experience and opinions are the acceptable norm for doing business today. Most of us buy cars to enjoy, not to be a critic, since most of us are not paid to criticize or endorse. We just want to think we made a good decision and can share it with friends and family who care. Its a 2017 Sonata Sport not a 2015.

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  GLS - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By jon singleton - January 29 - 11:17 am

  A great car for the $$$$. Interior is high quality. Nice quite ride. Gas milage could be better for the size of V-6. Overall great car and would recommend to anyone.

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  Worth The Money - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By tjandlaura - January 29 - 2:00 am

  So often we consumers dont get our moneys worth. You wont have to worry about that with the Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.7l. This is an excellent car for the money. The car offers many luxury features at a cost of an economy car. Dont forget the warranty!! If you are in the market, I urge you to shop around then look at the Hyundai! You will NOT be disappointed.

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  Quality & Good Price - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Marc T - January 28 - 2:12 pm

  If you are looking for a lot for your buck and for a very well built car, this is it! As a bonus, I find this cars look very classy it does not look cheap at all! Although if you are looking for a performance car, even with a V6, this car will disappoint you. I also find the suspension a bit stiff in town, but the driving comfort on the highway is excellent. This car has a very roomy interior without being a dinosaur. I for one appreciate the fact that it does not horn when the remote is used to unlock. It is more discreet and respectful of the environment and people. I hate noise pollution like car alarms and cell phones ringtones! Make your wallet happy, not your mechanic!

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  NF Sonata Rocks! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By BK - January 28 - 1:40 pm

  After owing Elantra for 12 years I bought NF Sonata (Korean Name) and TOTALLY LOVE IT!!! BUT!!! THERE ARE SOME FEATURE WE DONT GET HERE IN UNITED STATES!! Some features we dont get in United States but in Korea are: adjustable accelarator and brake pedal position, blue or orange speedometer (dash board) light, 5 different interior colors, standard front heated seat for all models, Naviagtion, DVD player, Cable tv system, many more...

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  Who would have thought? - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Vince - January 28 - 9:03 am

  If you had told me even 3 years ago I would own a Hyndai, I would have said youre nuts! After doing all my research for a new car everything kept coming back to the Hyndai. The reviews, the price, the equipment, everything. Well I coundnt be happier! Got the LX with the sunroof & sound for $19.8K...Wow! Nothing on the market comes close at that price.