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:
Showing 2081 through 2090 of 3,413.00-
Beware of 2000 Hyundai Sonata - 2000 Hyundai Sonata
By rpchuang - May 25 - 2:00 amI had transmission replaced the first year I purchased the car when it would skip by the second gear. The transmission again was replaced in year 3 and again in year 4. The 10 year warranty was the main selling point when I purchased the Sonata, but I dont think it wouldve lasted that long. Thank God I got rid of it before the five year comprehensive expired.
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I cant believe I got all this... - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
By dadscar - May 24 - 10:00 am1100 miles. Ive got the "I cant believe I got all this for such a small price" feeling. GLS is sporty. V6 has plenty of power, makes a beautiful sporty sound when it revs a little higher. 16-inch wheels and Michelins give control and confidence, even in rain. Shiftronic is great fun. 4 wheel disc brakes. CD/tape/AM/FM has great controls, big buttons, and nice sound. Power antenna, heated mirrors, keyless entry, leather wrapped steering wheeel, theater lighting, fog lights. Firm comfortable seats, nice fabric. Powerful A/C. Faux wood is well done. Front doors close with nice thunk.
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Great value for the money! - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
By Dinerokid - May 24 - 2:00 amI have driven this car since September and there are just a couple things that I am not happy with: Miles per gallon- The sticker idicated 19 City/27 Hwy and I have barely averaged 20 MPG on mostly highway trips the car now has 7,500 miles I took it to the dealer after 1,000 miles was averaging 12.8 MPG. The automatic transmission lags on emergency acceleration - I will have the dealer check it at the next service. The 4 speed transmission is adequate in city traffic, but should have overdrive for higher speeds.
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Couldnt be happier with my decision - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
By hyundaiowner5 - May 22 - 5:00 amI have about 40,000 miles on my sonata and have not had one problem. Aside from replacing the brake pads, thats the only work its had to have. It will be a sad day when I have to sell this car. I absolutely love how it drives. It is quiet, and everyone who drives it always remarks how great it handles and how fun it is to drive.
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Great deal on a great car - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
By LAZ - May 21 - 7:30 pmWe bought the Sonata as a second car. We checked it out because of its outstanding standard safety features and ratings, great warranty, good reviews in the auto press and outstanding value. Originally was shooting for a 4-cylinder but the prices were so good we ended up with the 6. The fuel economy is somewhat worse but you sure feel the additional power. Its a very quick car. Compared to the Kia Optima - I actually preferred the V6 Optima (dynamically, its looks and the dash design) except for very uncomfortable seats in the Optima. The Sonata is comfortable in town, easy to drive, quiet, roomy, and initial quality is very impressive.
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Hyundai Bests Honda and Toyota - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
By Mike - May 21 - 4:40 pmMy 2007 Sonata Limited is best combination of price and features in its class. Offer more features than either Honda LX V6 or Camry SE V6 yet beats them in price by over $4,000 dollars and has much better waranty coverage. Car is quick, comfortable and materials are excellent. Anyone looking for a mid-priced sedan should see the merits of the Hyundai over Honda and Toyota.
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best car for the money - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
By jh - May 21 - 10:30 amI changed my car from Honda Accord to Hyunai Sonata because of car accdident. I am satisfied with the car so far. It gives me a lot of power and space for the money. This car also gives me good riding and low level of noise. The most sarisfied feature is the power. You can only get 4 cylinder one from Japanese bench marks such as Accord or Camry at this price. I like the quiet interior, too. However, sometimes I miss the engine sound of my previous Honda when I was accelerating.
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Loved it! - 1997 Hyundai Sonata
By gr8scotto - May 21 - 2:00 amI just "retired" my 1997 Sonata due to a major mechanical problem and was very upset to have to do so because up until this incident this vehicle performed FLAWLESSLY for me. I had absolutely no mechanical problems whatsoever with this car and it was by far the best vehicle I have ever owned up to this point (I am 35 years old)
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Back to Hyundai - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
By back to Hyundai - May 21 - 12:36 amI was one of the the late 80s Hyundai owners and we gave up on the cars because of quality issues. So when my wifes Buick was going down, I decided to try Hyundai again because of rising quality ratings. So we test drove a 2008 Sonata SE and she fell in love with it. Not one problem with it! I now own the 2011 Sonata SE and am very pleased with the design and built quality of this car! I have over 1200 miles now and the Hwy mileage is around 35-38 MPG and the city around 25 MPG. Try one youll buy one. People do look twice!
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A Sonata Weekend - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
By Rusty Pinto - May 18 - 12:46 pmRented 2011 Sonata on recent extended weekend trip to SC. My basis for comparisons - Currently drive 2006 Sonata LX (V6). First impressions - Looks even better than in pictures. On the road - Impressive. While difference in power compared to V6 is noticed, adjusted driving style to adapt to four cylinder and a bit of time to settle in found me pleased. Quiet. Handles quite well. Tranny is very smooth. Ride is a nice compromise between hardness of sport and comfort of luxury. This is the entry level model and it was full of great features including BlueTooth and XM. Fit & Finish - Sleek and well built. Hyundai has taken a good car and made it great. Must resist the urge to trade!