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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  AWESOME!!! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By ValueWatch - June 30 - 3:43 pm

  I recently traded-in my Accord EX for 06 Hyundai Sonata LX. WOW!!! This car is amazing. Its sleek, fast, and comfortable. Good job Hyundai!

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  Great little car - 2001 Hyundai Sonata
  By budboy - June 28 - 2:00 am

  For a high mileage driver you cant beat this deal. The car came with everything in it, no options (I think that has changed) it is comfortable, gets 30 miles to the gallon (on the road) and is one of the peppiest cars we have driven. We hope to keep it for five years and will amortize the price out at under 3500 per year including maintenance costs.

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  Best car for the $$$ on the market now - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Greg - June 27 - 1:00 pm

  I recently traded my sports car in which I miss because my commute now is 80 miles round trip 4 days a week. This car seemed perfect. I was considering the Jetta TDI until someone on the VW forums tipped me off on the new Sonata so I took one for a test drive. I am glad I did! It is more plush than my old BMW that was a lot more expensive. Cars just keep getting better and better and Hyuandi knocked one out of the park with this one. I also love the cruising range with the Sonata. On my first two tanks of gas I have averaged 33mpg in mixed driving. Not bad for an engine not yet broken in. I also love the fact that I got 500+ miles on my last tank of gas compared to 300 in my old car

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  Engine Shake and Misses - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By hyundainomore - June 27 - 11:11 am

  Worst choice in vehicle i could have made. The car has a shake and engine miss at idle that feels like it will fall out of the car. At idle when stopped at a light the engine has a lope and as you takeoff it shakes and vibrates until you take off. Dealer has blown off all my complaints but acknowledged they test it at idle it park, and they felt what i felt but it doesnt set a code in computer so they cant tell whats wrong. I guess im supposed to just live with it. Hyundai suggested i take it to another dealer which i can guess will go over real well.

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  great car - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By moviecash - June 27 - 10:00 am

  this is the best car I have ever owned and my first import. I was afraid of the brand at first but find the customer service great. The car is real fun to drive,

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  Great Car, Great Value - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Clark - June 26 - 12:53 am

  I never thought that I would buy a Hyundai. I spent six weeks looking for a 5-door econobox to get better mileage on my long commute. I looked at the Honda Fit, Pontiac Vibe, Toyota Matrix, Mazda 3, etc. I wanted a small car that would carry cargo. So why would I end up with a sedan. I bought the Sonata because it was a great car and a great value. It also gets great mileage (38 mpg on the Interstate at 60 mph). I wanted the four-cylinder to get better mileage. What I didn’t expect was great performance. I also didn’t expect to have a luxury car with almost all the options I could think of for such a low price. If you buy a Sonata, youll be happy – guaranteed (10 years/100000 miles happy).

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  BEAUTIFUL, FUN TO DRIVE , I LOVE IT! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Kathleen Gayda - June 25 - 2:56 am

  My last two cars were Cadillac CTSs, I spent countless hours researching online and took many test drives, searching for a more fuel efficent and less costly alternative to the CTS. The 2011 Sonata fits the bill. My Black exterior with gray/black interior Sonata is fun to drive, gets great gas mileage (averaging 32mpg) and the Bluetooth is so cool! Im attracting lots of attention and comments. Im very happy I decided on this car, be sure to test drive one.

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  Be prepared for issues if you buy the 2.0T - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By Oilsoaked - June 23 - 5:05 pm

  3 times in 3 years the turbo has caused issues. The first 2 times, the engine lost power due to the turbo failing. The 3rd time, the oil line from the engine to the turbo is leaking oil all over the place. We only have a little over 64,000 miles on this car and Hyundai will not cover the repair under their extended power train warranty.

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  Bad roof creaking - 2014 Hyundai Sonata
  By falonhawk - June 22 - 5:23 am

  with only 46,xxx miles on it. the roof make a horrible creaking noise when going over speed bumps and even worse on gravel roads. should of gotten a Civic EX-L. engine is running fine and everything else is well... it just doesnt feel like it did less then 9 short months ago.

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  44000 miles and no problems - 1999 Hyundai Sonata
  By EDISON - June 19 - 2:00 am

  This has been a wonderful car... I have owned more than 18 cars in my lifetime,and I have really enjoyed this one. Not one problem with this car (2000 GLS V-6) I enjoy the sunroof and the feel of the leather seats ... the quiet and smooth ride have been a real pleasure on road trips... just a few months ago we drove more than 3000 miles on a road trip and my car achieved 27-28 mpg - with the Air on and driving between 60- 80 mph. I receive positive comments on the looks of the car quite often (silver w/gray leather). I have placed 16 inch chrome wheels in place of the stock wheels.