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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  A work of art - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Chachee - October 30 - 3:43 am

  You can easily see the difference between the 2009 and 2010 models...the exterior looks really sharp.

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  What a Bargain! - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By AZ Bill - October 30 - 2:00 am

  So much car for so little money. Purchased used, it has more warranty remaining than most new cars. Compares very favorably with our 1999 Toyota Camry which cost thousands more. Highly recomend this car. Resale values are a little low now, but should get better as people find out more about this quality automobile.

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  Sleek, Fun & Hot - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By loves2speed - October 28 - 10:33 pm

  I love driving this car around. Sometimes I get distracted and miss my turn, but Im happy to just cruise. I used to drive a car with a V-6 engine, but this car is by no means poky. It has a noticeable delay when you "floor it," but makes up for it when it takes off.

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  Amazed At This Car! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By lovehyundai - October 27 - 9:16 am

  I bought the 2006 Sonata GLS 4cyl. about 2 days ago and all I have to say is WOW!!! I have everything from Chevy to Dodge and this car is impressive to say the least. I drove a Camry before and have to say that this car is definately at that level of performace, quality and style. If Hyundai keeps this up, I will by all my cars from them! Great Job!

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  Hyundai makes great improvements on 2018 Sonata - 2018 Hyundai Sonata
  By Dave Jahnke - October 26 - 10:29 am

  Feature rich at a very affordable price. Technology package only 1000.00 extra, and adds many additional features beyond the already standard blind spot detection and cross traffic alert. New 7" display screen and Apple CarPlay standard. Subtle styling tweaks improve the staid appearance of the 2015 which I traded in for a 2018. Too early to comment on reliability, but my 2015 had no problems in the 3 years and 66000 miles I drove it.

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  BEST IN CLASS... and two classes above it. - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By dbardell1 - October 26 - 10:21 am

  As a "Car Guy" my congratulations on over achieving with the 2015 Sonata Limited. With the Luxury and Ultimate Packages this car can complete with $50K cars like the ES 350 and the Hyundai Genesis with $20K less out of your pocket. That savings equals free gas for the next 300,000 miles. The ride quality, cabin quietness and room, tech features and MPG make the other cars in its class seem like Model Ts. My wife is far from a car person but she fell in love with our new car!!! GREAT JOB.

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  great ride - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By great choice - October 25 - 8:53 pm

  I bought my sonata about a couple weeks ago and I am very happy. I shopped around at the accord and the Saturn and for the money the sonata won hands down. Great at the pump. Great feel for the road, and very spacious which was a must for me. Love the look of the front end, cool head lights and design. I highly give a good thumbs up. Get back with you in a couple months.

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  Awesome Car! - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By cswank2000 - October 25 - 7:45 am

  The 2012 Sonata is amazing! I have had 3 Toyota Camrys in the past and intended to buy another. However, I decided to compare vehicles, so I test drove the Camry and the Honda Accord as well. The Sonata was definitely the best pick! I love the styling (inside & out), the ride is quiet and comfortable (and its just plain fun to drive), interior room is incredible, the warranty is great and the gas mileage is awesome (averaging 34.9 MPG). I also like the Bluetooth and the new Blue Link feature. Its not only a great safety feature, but it gives you alot of other perks. Highly recommend this vehicle!!

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  Poor Quality - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By howellmom - October 23 - 3:10 pm

  Needs a redesign. Bumber can not clear sidewalk when parking head on. Exterior falls apart easily.

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  Economical Choice With Style! - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Kee - October 23 - 2:00 am

  The engine is quiet and the ride is smooth. We have taken this car on a long distance trip with for adults. One adult is 5"10 and was better off in the front than in the back. The ride was comfortable. I have given up my minivan for this Sonata! My minivan has been put in the garage because the Sonata is perfect for around town driving as well.