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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  Driving experince good. - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By mary nieves - February 9 - 2:06 pm

  my only complaint abut my hyundai is the paint on the door handles all chipped off, I was given a tub of paint for me to apply and it didnt work. I had to pay to have them really do over.

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  Fantastic Drive - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By linda - February 9 - 11:30 am

  I bought this car 2 years ago in December. It is a manual 5 speed and I absolutely love the way it drives. It handles the road, curves and bumps wonderfully. The seats are very comfortable. The mileage is super with getting 32 in city and close to 38 on hw.

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  Suprisingly Great Car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Felt32 - February 7 - 7:03 am

  I enjoyed owning a Hyundai Sonata especially with its excellent warranty and comfort in it. The price was excellent for all that I got in the car. The drive and gas efficiency was very good.

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  Reliable Hyundai - 2001 Hyundai Sonata
  By Love my Sonata - February 6 - 9:35 am

  After doing much research, I found my Hyundai Sonata to be everything claimed. The six cylinder model is a very quiet, smooth ride. It accelerates when applied and the cruise control is amazing. Other than the big turning radius(which was disclosed), I have nothing but good things to say about it. It is a large roomy car so 20 mpg (in town) wasnt a bad statistic. As with all automobiles, regular maintenance is a must.

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  Very pleased with the Sonata - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By Family44 - February 3 - 2:54 pm

  The car has 40,000 miles on it now and its been a great car thus far. Absolutely no problems yet. Granted, the car is not a speed demon, but for commuting to work or driving the family around, the car is fantastic.

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  Will always own a Hyuandai! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Deb - January 31 - 5:18 am

  I purchased my Sonata when it had very low miles on it. I had it for 3 1/2 years...until yesterday. The most dependable car I ever owned. My mpg in the city was 27. I had no cons at all about this car. After owning a Sonata that never gave me a single problem, I decided to stay with Hyundai and just down sized to an Elantra yesterday. I know I will never be left stranded and can count on a high quality, dependable vehicle. I highly recommend Hyundai to anyone looking to buy a car. You will not be disappointed!

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  Great Car for the money - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By A.Quint - January 25 - 11:25 am

  I have had this car for almost 4 years. I have not had any problems with it. I have 98k miles. I have normal maintenance on it and purchased one set of tires only. As for warranties. The power train warranty is great. I just recently took it in for inspections and there is some work that will be covered by the warranty.

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  Best Bang for the Buck! - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By FlyforGod - January 25 - 11:15 am

  I get to drive just about any car and must say this Sonata is great, I rate this from a used car value and can say that itÂ’s the best bank for the buck, great MPG! Have no issues with power, soft ride and solid,my score is from paying used car price and comparing to anything else out there for the price,

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  Value and Dependability - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By msailyork - January 24 - 10:06 am

  I bought this car new for my wife who uses it to commute 80 miles to work every day. Well, after 7 years and 122K miles I can say this car was a bargain. Weve performed all the scheduled maintenance and havent had any problems. Beware the cost to change the plugs, labor was $234, however Ive only had to do it twice. Great little car with all the LX amenities. Liked it so much bought a Hyundai XG-350 for myself.

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  Favorite Car - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Theo - January 23 - 12:01 am

  This car is super smooth at any speed. In my fifth year of driving it and would be glad to drive it another five. If it were totaled tomorrow and I had to buy another car, I would look for another 04 (maybe an 05) Sonata. Most problems were covered by the extended warranty. Im pushing 120k, so Im on own now. Drivers side air bag doesnt work. Service tech at the Hyundai dealer said its caused by all the trash pushed up under the seat, thats my fault. I get a little over 20mpg. Could be better but I admit I have a heavy foot.