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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  One nagging problem - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Alan - June 5 - 10:00 am

  Since buying the car Ive had a wind noise at the front doors. Ive been to the dealer 8 times to try to get this fixed. They adjusted my door one time but it didnt help. I drove a different Sonata today with a service writer and even the new one had the same annoying noise. He said he hears it, but never noticed it until I pointed it out. I called Hyundai consumer affairs and am waiting to see what they will do for me. I told them Id like then to buy the car back. Ive never been more unhappy with a car. If not for this one problem, I would be very pleased with it. Be sure to take the actual one you are going to buy for a test drive first and pay attention to wind noise.

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  Nice value for money - 2016 Hyundai Sonata
  By Makarand amondikar - June 1 - 11:08 pm

  SONATA IS good car to buy and use the features.are.great and technology is most latest for the same range of cars . I found more.sporty and powerfully than accord smooth and silent operations. Overall great value for money.

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  Overall, its nice - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By areacode704 - June 1 - 3:53 pm

  But Im concerned. The suspension is too tight--I feel every little bump in the road. And what is obviously something that is going to have to be addressed by Hyundai is the fact the car pulls dramatically to the left at speeds higher than 40 mph. I took it to the dealership shortly after I bought it to get it looked at. I was told that the steering is electronic and that it was due to the crown of the road that the car pulls to the left. Then I got home and did a google search for "Hyundai Sonata pulls to the left" and WOW! Many are having this problem and Hyundai pretends the issue doesnt exist. Im going to give it a chance and go back to the dealership armed with new knowledge.

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  Great Deal for the Price - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By LindaC - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I am very happy with my Sonata, I have owned it for exactly 2 years now. This car is not only stylish on the outside, but the inside is very elegant. My friends and even strangers all comment on the sleek new look. This car is reliable and very hardy, but the 5 year/60,000 mile warrenty really makes me feel at ease I will have no major problems with this car.

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  Why goToyota and Honda? - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Dave Martin - May 30 - 9:23 pm

  The fit and finish of this vehicle is every bit as good as its Japanese competitors. Hyundai makes great vehicles at an affordable price. This car is reliable, fun to drive, and an amazing bargain. The 4-cylinder is a nice engine with good horsepower. Safety and standard features are the best in the business!

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  To replace a totalled 1998 Altima.... - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jazzel - May 30 - 3:36 pm

  I was renting a Sonata GLS that was thru the insurance for 30 days as my car was totaled. I was impressed with the car and since I test drove a 2009 Sonata GLS for a month, I talked myself into buying a Sonata Limited 2009 w/o Nav. I paid $4375 below factory invoice that includes the 3000 rebate. Driving experience- suspension could be better, but no biggie. Everyone talks in the reviews of great MPG (30-34) on highways. I have not seen much written about city MPG. Mine is around 19-20 MPG in City driving which is not that impressive. Hope it improves as the car just finished the break in period. On freeway it is 30- 32 and as soon as I get off the ramp it drops to 20-21 in just 10 miles.

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  Its a bargain - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Cnw - May 30 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a good vehicle, roomy, and under $17,000. The Sonata fit the bill. Every new vehicle I ever owned went back to the dealer during its forst month of ownership. My dealer saw my vehicle for its first oil change. I love this vehicle. My son has an Elantra and will be trading it in for a new 2003 Tiburon. Does that say something about quality

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  reliable, but unexciting Sonata II - 1995 Hyundai Sonata
  By American in Korea - May 27 - 2:00 am

  My father-in-law gave me this car with about 100,000 km. Its not the nicest car Ive ever driven, but it is VERY reliable. It has never broken down on me. It starts up in the snow and cold no matter what. So far, all Ive replaced has been a battery, distributor cap, and plugs. Getting work done on Korean cars in Korea is dirt cheap, so that is a plus. Same problem with power door lock gremlins. They lock and unlock on their own all the time. When I get out without my keys, I make sure to roll down the window first! It has 155,000 km. (nearly 100,000 mi.) on it now and should be strong for much more.

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  Camry Beater - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By big al - May 26 - 10:03 am

  great car fun to drive handles well, lots of room up front large trunk. love the 5 speed automatic great for merging on the highway all the dials are user friendly nice features like steering wheel mounted radio volune and mute buttons

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  Love the look...NOT pleased with the performance and durability - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By amij - May 26 - 7:41 am

  This was my very first new car. I was very pleased with the price. I got the Hyundai employee discount. I only paid about $16,800 for a brand new vehicle! I love the gas mileage and look, however, I do am not pleased with the vehicle. My car is only a year old and I have had SEVERAL issues with it. My door fram has peeled twice, my steerling wheel has peeled, my horn quit working, my light buttons stick and on top of this my engine tries to stall upon excelleration( which they still have not fixed because they said it isnt showing up on the computer) Its annoying to have to contine to drive 100 miles round trip to get it fixed all of the time. Its a new car..shouldnt be happening.:(:(:(