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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  first time hyundai owner - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By san antonio ramos - September 5 - 12:56 pm

  We are a retired couple and researched for 6 months looking for a reasonably priced (under 20k), fuel economy, midsized car (were not compact sized people). Test drove altima, accord, mazda 6, fusion, malibu, and camry. Got this car with electric driver seat, moonroof, floor mats and ipod outlet for 17k. Were averaging 27 mpg city, havent driven more than 40 miles on hwy, but looking forward to long trips during retirement. Large trunk for our luggage, comfortable seating and cheap gas mileage makes it feasible for us to travel crosscountry and enjoy our retirement in a highly rated safety featured auto. No disappointments here. Also, long power train warranty, 100k from manufacturer

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  Best car for the money - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By kim leonard - September 4 - 11:10 am

  We are very happy with our Sonata having put 25,000 miles on it in the last 7 months. Its very comfortable to drive,the engine has plenty of power & the fuel economy is great. We have had 3 problems with it (2 have been self induced) that have been handled quickly by our dealers service department.

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  loves it - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By happyasalark - September 3 - 11:10 am

  well we just got our new car about 3 weeks ago and i could not have asked for a better vehicle. i have had two other vehicles in the past and this car rocks compared to the other ones. it has a huge trunk, roomy inside...

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  Good value - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By AM - September 2 - 1:23 pm

  Many features for the money. Good gas mileage and more than adequate power. 6 speed automatic shifts smoothly in all ranges. Sound system is very good and the bluetooth is user friendly and transmits and receives quite clearly. A design defect prevents the side mirrors from traversing high enough to see the road completely. The dash lights dim for no apparent reason at random frequencies when the headlights are on. 4 cyl is a bit loud and the suspension is rough over bumps at low speed on city streets.

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  My Sweet New Ride! - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By n_g_ - August 31 - 8:44 pm

  I purchased my SE CPO w/ 9400 miles, Nav/Sunroof package, wind deflector, spoiler & full leather. It has the silver /blue pearl paint w/ black interior. The car looks amazing! Rides great, love how it handles. Ive had it one month and have driven nearly 2000 miles already and havent had any issues at all. The car came with this Blue Link thing that lets me remotely control the car(start/doors/lights/horn), gives monthly diagnostic reports and can even slow the car down to a complete stop if I reported stolen and then the GPS will tell me where it is. Cool or what. Since its CPO I get the 5yr/60k full warranty, the 10yr/100k power-train warranty and 10yr/unlimited roadside assistance :)

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  Happy Camper - 2016 Hyundai Sonata
  By AG - August 31 - 8:32 am

  This has been an excellent experience so far with the Hyundai Sonata Limited and look forward to the next one in 3 years.

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  Update, Have you experienced this? - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By TomP - August 30 - 10:00 am

  This is an update to my previous post. While driving on the highway (65-70) I put the rear window(s) down (front windows were up). The wind noise created was a loud, deep rumble like something vibrating in the frame. I thought I had a serious problem but then I opened the front and it went away. I wouldnt normally drive with either rear windows opened with the front ones closed and this happened by accident. I cant believe it is only my car and assume this affects all 2011 Sonatas. Try it and see if you get the same. Front windows closed and either 1 or both rear windows opened at highway speeds. No big deal for me and the car has been great so far but Hyundai should fix the cause.

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  Like it a lot - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By DAW - August 29 - 3:43 pm

  We were looking for something to buzz around town in for our family of 5. We are very happy with the car, no compliants. My wife also likes the car a lot. The car is very quiet. I have no regrets with our purchase.

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  Hyundai needs new badge. - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Sean - August 27 - 11:06 am

  When I first saw this car through commercial, I thought "well thats a good looking car from hyundai". I didnt really care, until I saw a silver one on the road. I was in the market for a relatively reliable, all-around characteristic, and bang-for-the-buck sedan, so I visited Hyundai dealership right away. I was blown away when I first saw it, and I was in love with it when I got inside of it. I bought it after I test drove it. Do I need to say more? H is no long solely standing for Honda anymore. There is something called Hyundai coming very fast. I was never fan of hyundai. I heard few people saying its a nice car. Now, I believe it.

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  You get lots more than what you pay for - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Eddy Burke - August 26 - 5:10 pm

  I paid a bit more than 15,000 USD for this large sedan. No luxury car, granted, but it has all that you need: nine airbags, four automatic windows, AC, et cetera. The greatest two things are : (i) size: even with he front seat entirely back the people in the back have ample space; (ii) the engine: the "little" 2.4 is a real joy: because of the manual upshift, you can really beat most of the other traffic. In town, the car gets 20 mpg. But highway, I easily get better than 35 mpg. The fifth gear picks up very well and moves smoothly from low rpm to high rpm. I just did 1500 miles in three days and the seats give ample support as well. What a car. Why cant GM make such gems? Ed