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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  Disappointed-do not understand the rave - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By num2thum - November 11 - 5:13 pm

  I certainly do not understand the expert car reviews. The Hyundai Sonata is sluggish: the auto tranny is sluggish and jerks in acceleration, interior is weak and has no personality, and the windshield cleaner devices are like eyes looking back on me. Why did they put these ON TOP of the hood? Bad bad design. The only good thing I can say about it is that it is great on gas. I would really loathe driving it everyday. Thanks to Edmunds for rating something so well and now I am stuck with a car for 4 years that I do not enjoy. Do they build cars cheap so car reviewers can get kick backs?

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  First Hyundai - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By ash - November 11 - 6:36 am

  This is the first Hyundai I have ever owned. I love the torque, the style, the color, the interior controls, the ride and the way it is so quiet and comfortable on a long drive. I do wish my feet contained less lead though, so I could get better mileage! I was hoping for 25+ but I average around 18. Took a four hour trip and hit the 25 mark but sure would like to get that all the time. I guess Ill have to drill some holes in my lead foot!

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  Great Car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By GB - November 10 - 9:33 pm

  Test Drove Camry, Altima, Accord. The Sonata was by far the best of the bunch

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  2011 Pearl White GLS - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By sbbluewater - November 10 - 7:33 pm

  Just traded in my old 1998 Honda Accord EX for the new 2011 Sonata GLS with the Navigation and upgraded stereo package. All I can say is what a great car so far! I have not driven a 4 cylinder in over 30 years and this car has plenty of pep and rides really nice. Pretty quiet compared to my old Accord, but still hear some road noise. For a large family sedan it rides and handles very nice. Still on my first tank of gas but the trip computer is showing my average at right around 30 mpg with mixed city and hi-way driving. Very comfortable car so far. Hope the quality holds up. The car looks nice and is a very, very good value even at retail sticker price.

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  Why I like the Sonata. - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Tiffany T - November 8 - 9:55 pm

  I bought my car at an excellent price. The rebate was good and this car has tons of features that are standard that other cars dont have. Youll have to pay extra for things like the CD player, side airbags, fold down rear seat, etc. The warranty is better than the other cars Ive looked into. There is a lot of trunk space, great for putting strollers in. The owners manual is cute they give you a little pen and notebook with the Hyundai symbol on it. Great for storing papers. I really enjoy my car. I didnt feel like I was taken advantage of after I bought this car and I really feel like I got a good deal on it. The price was well worth it.

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  KING OF THE ROAD - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By KEVIN COSBY - November 6 - 8:56 pm

  I had driven most of the sedans in this class before I was exhausted with inequities in the american car market.The Hyundai is by far the best deal on the road .Bigger than the Altima, Accord,and Camry, all foreign but better than the Malibu or the Ford Fusion.Handles the best of all that I drove.Only Nissan was close to the ride, but for the money you will not beat it! The one I bought is the SE model fully loaded with sunroof,v-6 all electric seats and windows ,cruise tilt,with alarm. All for 21,900.Five star crash rating which is the best on the market,and that is what makes this much improved HYUNDAI a key player and the KING OF THE ROAD

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  Nice Car - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Quite Satisfied - November 4 - 4:55 pm

  Nice car! Good handling, comfortable.

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  Great bang for the buck - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By fbraz19 - November 2 - 1:02 am

  I have had this vehicle for over a month and around 2100 miles. Overall it is an exceptional vehicle for the money. I feel sorry for those that have the "pulling left" issue but I, fortunately, do not. I opted for a vehicle with the "standard package" which had some nice perks like the electric driver seat with lumbar support and the auto dimming mirror. The acceleration is very nice for a car of its size with a 4 cylinder engine. Would I buy it again? Yes no question, but I would probably opt for the 2.0L Turbo with Navigation because of the extra convenience of the nav and extra power on that engine. I think the reliability rating should be optional as I havent had the car very long.

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  Didnt want to consider Hyundai... - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Larry - October 31 - 7:13 pm

  at first, but I wanted the lux features without the cost and the research convinced me to buy the Sonata. I got the 4 cyl limited with Navi and BT and it really has blown me away. All of the positive things people have written about the velvety ride (but not too soft), power for a 4 cyl, and great gas mileage are dead on. Interior is very sharp and placement of controls is generally very good. The interior is spacious and seats are comfortable for a big person (61" - 220 lbs). More than anything, its the little things that have impressed me; the air cylinders that open the trunk and hood, the dual layer SW controls and door lock prevention when keys are in the ignition.

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  Yes, still happy.. - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By LS - October 30 - 8:59 am

  54000 miles and still happy. Cruise control button sometimes sticks.. Brakes are a bit catchy when cold but have good feel within minutes of driving. Great acceleration, lovely 6 speed gearbox, love the paddle shifts, nav, heater, a/c etc.. all work great. Overall I am happy with the car. Recalls are a bummer especially the last one but I am hoping that Hyundai come through as they have up to now.. Update from my last report: 65000 miles and all is well. My Sonata is performing as expected.., no problems to report. Update: 69000 miles, cold weather is here and I am reminded how well the heater/climate control works. Heats quickly, windows defrost quickly too.. still enjoying the car, no surprises, good car!