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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  Great for the Price - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By nighthawk - May 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car because of the price and my wifes Elantra. I commute everyday and in 43000 miles, all that I have done is change the oil. Great car for the price!!

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  Warranty Issues - 2000 Hyundai Sonata
  By Honest J - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Please who ever may read this. Be extreamly Cautious to the Warranty in which Hyundai offeres. Beware that THEY chose whether to honnor the Warranty!!! I have less than 80,000 miles on my car and the engine blew. Ive have had to Hire a Attorney due to Hyundai refusing to Honoring the Power Train Warranty. I maintained my car and have all the reciepts. But that did not matter in regards to Corp. Hyundai when it came to honorring the Waranty I have read other complaints online. You might want to check out Hyundai before you even purchase one!!!

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  Great Car - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By M Bartels - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Battery replaced under warrenty in the first year, no other problems. everything has been trouble free. I shopped Toyota Camery, Nissan Altima, Mitsu Gallant. I believe this represents the best value for the money. I get many compliments and questions about my satisfaction. I am waiting for the new body style before committing to another new car. I bought because of the warrenty and styling. Very happy with the car as a Real Estate Salesman that often carries rear seat passengers.

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  Im leasing this car - 2016 Hyundai Sonata
  By David Cutich - May 13 - 3:52 pm

  I love it. I upgraded from an 09 Ford Focus so honestly this is a huge upgrade. I got the Limited package with the tech package. Its amazing. It rides well, the entertainment package is awesome, the infinity speakers are great, I love the ventilated seat and the heated seats. The heated steering wheel is a cool feature. The sport mode tightens the steering up and it handles like a dream and it nicely adds a little get up and go. The ECO mode adds gas mileage while going down the highway. The normal driving mode is a nice drive too. I love this car and it was between this and the kia optima with the tech package. I loved both cars and they are both on the same body but I got a better deal on the Sonata for a lease. They honestly handle the same and amenities are the same, however I did like the Harmon and Kardon speakers a little better than the infiinities. But, Im confident in the Sonata and the features are great. I would definitely lease another one after this lease is up. If youre on the fence between this and anything else, pull the trigger you wont regret it. Especially if you are coming from a car like the ford focus or some other compact car. The space is literally uncomparable. I could fit 2 Ford "Foci" in this car. (Obvious hyperbole, kinda)

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  Driving is believing - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By nata - May 13 - 1:53 am

  compared camry, accord, and altima, and there is no comparison!!! great get up and go. nicely appointed. thought a car with this quality would be $3000 more, but was greatly surprised. and the warranty!!!!!

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  Driving is believing - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By nata - May 12 - 2:30 pm

  compared camry, accord, and altima, and there is no comparison!!! great get up and go. nicely appointed. thought a car with this quality would be $3000 more, but was greatly surprised. and the warranty!!!!!

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  Im so glad i did not get the Camry - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By fc - May 12 - 11:56 am

  Im so glad i got this car instead of the basic camry which was about the same price and it had a 4 cylinder, hyundai offers 2 more cylinders for the same price so i decided with the hyundai because of the comprehensive standard safety equipment like Electronic Stability Control with traction control, active head restraints, Plus the other goodies like the 17 inch alloy wheels and power sunroof i did not need a second opinion .

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  Impressed - 1995 Hyundai Sonata
  By Brudzio - May 12 - 2:00 am

  Bought new and still driving 9 yrs later. Fun to drive, especially at 190km/h. Had front crash at 80 km/h miraculously nothing happened to us, car took all the impact and was severed. Mechanically excellent and snappy. Body mouldings rust inside and swell - had to replace 2 times. Door locks rust & freeze, takes time to get in - can turn the key, however cant open. Hardware falls apart (sunshades, door knobs). Upgraded stereo to Hyundai CD combo - far much better sound. A/C still works well. Fuel tank rusted - had to rebuild. Manual tranny rebuilt in 5th year, wheel bearings noisy. Overall quite positive experience

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  great - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By fred - May 11 - 8:26 pm

  i love driving our new sonata. it has a smooth ride and plenty of powerv when you need it . i also like the new stle change

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  Sonata Rocks - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Sonata ROCKS - May 11 - 4:13 pm

  I traded a 2002 Elentra for the Sonata. I had 160,000 miles on the Elentra and never had any issues with the car. So my natural choice was Hyundai and I wanted to upgrade. I commute 125 miles a day and after a month I am averaging 32 MPG in mixed city/hiway driving. With a commute of so much distance comfort is important and the Sonata is very comfortable and I am 62". I was worried about the cost of my insurance going up but with all of the standard safety features my cost actually dropped by almost $150 a year from the Elantra. The bottom line is buy a Hyundai Sonata, you wont be sorry. Great gas mileage, comfortable and it turns heads. I may buy Hyundais forever!!