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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  Korean Made Sonata 2007 V6 - Premium - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Bijan - July 13 - 3:50 pm

  My choices were not too many; Camry I4, and Sonata V6, about same price, but feature-wise Hyundai was far ahead. The car is not my ideal of course, as I am more tuned to European styles, and this one is mde for Americans! If with replacing shock ansorbers, I could acheive a stiffer suspension, I would have done so, but I am not sure where to find this! Maybe in Hyundai Germany!? Otherwise, everything else is just about Perfect. Maybe too early to say, as I am drivingthis only for 2 weeks, and sill in break in period (till 2,000km). Seats are comfortable, Audio system excellent, very silent indeed (in idling you need to look at RPM to see if engine is running!) Ill update this in 2-3 months

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  Last Sonata for me - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By leahcim - July 12 - 6:26 pm

  The car is decent on smooth roads but is no fun to drive on city streets that are not smooth as a table top. Too much suspension noise. When going over road patches and other road irregularities, the rear wheels/suspension make a noise that sounds like something is loose and the body is bouncing off the struts. Very embarrassing to have friends in the car with all this noise. All the dealer will say is that the stiff suspension is the cause. I say Nonsense. Also the radio on the AM dial has much static. Also the speakers are very poor sounding.

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  Review of 03 Sonata GLS V6 - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Hyundailover - July 12 - 2:00 am

  We have had our 2003 Hyundai Sonata GLS V6 for just over a year now and we could not be happier with it.This car is great and so reliable.Before this we had a Ford Focus which was declared a lemon.We then went back to Hyundais (this being our 5th) and test drove the sonata.We couldnt be more happier with our purchase.Everyone asks us if its a Jaguar.A relative in my family was so impressed with ours they went out and bought one.Hyundais are great cars and we are very happy with the purchase we made.If your looking for a midsize car go for the Sonata.You wont be dissapointed.

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  A Bargain At This Price - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By shabadoo25 - July 11 - 11:33 pm

  I special ordered a black Limited with nav and black interior on Super Bowl Sunday, and just got it on Tuesday. Good luck getting all these features on any other car for $25,750, which is what I paid before tax, tag and title. The car hugs the road like a Mercedes coupe and looks a little like one, too. Gas mileage and smooth acceleration are top notch. I spend a lot of time in my car for work, so it is like a second office. Now that my car is this nice, I no longer enjoy going into my ACTUAL office. Note 1: pay the extra $ for the upgraded stereo and nav. The car looks much classier with the full color touchscreen. Note 2: you can make calls with the voice command.

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  LOUD - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By fudge - July 11 - 9:50 pm

  I purchased my Sonata 3 months ago. About a month ago I noticed that it was running really load - almost like an exhaust leak. I brought it into the dealer to find nothing wrong with it. It didnt make this noise when I purchased it. Four other people at the dealership listened to it and compared to other Sonatas/ I am told this is how it is, new fuel injected systems.I hate the noise and dont want the car for the money I paid. Should run as smooth as the day I bought it.

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  2010 Preowned Former Rental - GREAT DEAL - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By Atomx71 - July 11 - 11:30 am

  It isnt often that I buy a car new off the lot. I saw this 2010 in the preowned area and inquired. It was a former rental which at first most people balk at when seen. I will say that I will never buy a used car that WASNT a rental first. It was immaculate, like new and had 30,000 miles on it. The dealer had all the maintenance records and CARFAX report on-site. The rental company changed the oil every 3,000 miles and did all manufacturer recommended maintenance religiously. I have had the Sonata a week now and it drives wonderfully. The handling is fine for a car of its size. Also, Hyundai allows the transfer of the 10/100,000 to another owner; so I still have 30,000 miles left to go.BRAVO

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  Great Car - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By nell - July 8 - 10:23 am

  This is a great car, but i may not be able to keep it, the lumber support is killing my lower back.... I definitely would purchase this car if the seat could be fixed. I am completely surprised by this car, it is definitely worth every penny.

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  Its a car thats good at being a car. - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By Adam - July 5 - 5:10 pm

  The 2010 Hyundai Sonata (5th gen) is the car you want to get if youre shopping in the midsize/family car segment. It has what you want for the right price - about $5000 lower than its competitors. The powertrain is responsive, steering is slow but acceptable, the interior and trunk are very roomy, and nothing seems out of place. The exterior isnt too radical and the interior is nicely designed.

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  My 2nd Sonata - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By david - July 5 - 5:03 am

  Ive only had this car 13 months and already put 31,000 miles on it. Except for oil changes the car has never been in for service. Had a 2002 Sonata that I put 97,000 miles on. No troubles with it either. This time I got the 4 cylinder and I have no problems breaking the speed limit. Gas mileage is better then my V-6 2002 too! Lots of room and a comfortable ride. Huge trunk.

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  Hyundai Wonder - 2001 Hyundai Sonata
  By dougndo - July 5 - 2:00 am

  This ebony black GLS Leather sedan has been a very good vehicle. In 40k+ miles, Ive had a total of two days lost to service for four nonessential in warranty repairs, and Ive spent $30 on one prorated repair. Otherwise, the cars been flawless. Its great to have a car paid off with two years left on the bumper to bumper warranty and seven years on the powertrain. Ill likely sell it before either runs out, but what a deal in the meantime! I saved thousands by choosing this over its competition, and I continue to save money every month. In this case, I will agree with Hyundai: I bought their car and I win.