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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Not So Bad After All - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
By Lonnie - October 11 - 10:00 amI had my heart set on a 2010 Kia Forte EX, but due to financing issues I got the Hyundai Sonata, and I must admit Im completely BLOWN AWAY! The Sonata I got was a former rental so it was well taken care of and the price was amazing! I did really good going up Interstate 5, it handles very well, but can be a little shaky on tight turns. The interior is nice and has plenty of room for my daughters infant seat in the back seat, and it has a HUGE trunk. I love that it comes standard with all the bells and whistles that are optional on other brands (ie. XM radio, CD/MP3, air conditioning, power locks and windows). Overall not a bad buy. I really like my Sonata! Great car for HWY driving.
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Glad I upgraded! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
By KWilli024 - October 11 - 10:00 amI just traded my 2010 Sonata for the 2011, and the difference is unbelievable. The car has cleaner lines, ECO mode, and I love the power lumbar feature. ItÂ’s amazing how much acceleration from a normally aspirated engine. My dealership experience was pleasant as well. I was also impressed with the fact that I can play music from my cell phone using the Bluetooth and MP-3 mode on the radio. Nice job Hyundai!
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Get the leather, its worth it - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
By Moonraker - October 9 - 2:00 amThis is the first car Ive bought w/o influence of (ex)wife, parents, friends, etc. Car looks fantastic, inside and out. Drives smooth, quiet, good stereo. I test drove w/ and w/o leather. Get the leather. This car has a much better feel w/ leather. The thermostat and the sunroof will now be necessities rather than luxuries on future cars for me. If its over 60 degrees and not raining, the sunroof is open, day or night. By the way: The headlights are EXACTLY like my friends mercedes, and yes, the back end looks like a jag. People mistake it for $40,000-type car all the time.
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EVERYONE LOVES IT - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
By LAMON88 - October 9 - 2:00 amIve had my Hyundai Sonata for over a year and I love it. Whenever my friends take a ride they always say how nice it is and how quite the moter runs.
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I love my Hyndai - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
By thehrs - October 9 - 2:00 amThis is the second Hyndai I have onwed. I have found both cars to be extremely reliable, plus at the price, it cant be beat. The car feels like a luxury car, at a compact car price. If you test drive it, I think you will love it!
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Excellent Vehicle for the $ - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
By Debxpub - October 9 - 2:00 amI am a researcher and it took me 2 months to finally decide to buy the Sonata and Im glad I did. For the $ it is an excellent valued sedan! Maybe it doesnt keep the same retail value as a Honda or Toyota but I dont think they compare with the interior and function at the price I paid. So it works out in the end.
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Hyundai - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
By donnavb - October 9 - 2:00 amLove this car. Fun to drive and dependable.
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Watch out for Hyundai Customer Service. - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
By mpayne2112 - October 7 - 6:33 amI had some with the passenger seat and it failed VA inspection. I took that car to Pohanka in Fredericksburg VA. They were nice but they ended up keeping the car for 2 weeks to get parts from Hyundai.OH Yeah, Hyundai does not provide a loaner. The car is nice, but the service and support for their products are awful. They did fix the seat but there were some cosmetic things they forgot to fix and I have to take it back again. When I bought this car, It was between this and the Saturn Aura. If I could do it over again, I would have purchased the Saturn but wanted to save some money. You get what you pay for. The car is nice, but if you want the company to back the product, go somewhere else.
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Not so hot - 1993 Hyundai Sonata
By Ryan Usher - October 7 - 2:00 amThis was my first car, and the two yeas I owned it were an exercise in frustration. When the thing was working, it drove pretty well. Handling and brakes were decent. The interior was uncomfortable, and at least half of the controls stopped working within six months. Fuel economy was so-so. My main problem with this car was the terrible reliability, I had it in the shop eight times in two years, and for some big problems: Transmission, alternator, starter, and finally the engine failed, costing me a total of twice the price I paid for the car, before I called it quits and donated it to charity.
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Luxury Car; Affordable Price! - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
By slw - October 7 - 2:00 amTest Drove LX: loved it! Got the ABS & sunroof package. Paid a little over invoice (1%). Great customer service... no haggling! Inside, the LX is luxurious! The added features like the climate control, leather seats, auto rear mirror, and power drive seats are great bonuses for the buck! Dont get the Accord or Camry! Get the Sonata and youll get more!