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 Car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Vic - April 23 - 4:06 am

  This car has been great! We have had no major problems, and has been the first car that I didnt need to bring back to the dealer for "little warranty items" when we first got it. there was a problem with the car not starting after we parked it, but Hyundai roadside assistance came to the rescue and towed us to a dealer. The fuel pump went bad and was replaced under warranty (no out of pocket cost) and we havent had a problem since. The room in the cabin is terrific, especially in the back seat. The trunk is open and can fit more than I ever imagined. I would recomend this car to anyone.

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  Sonata Limited 2007 - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By RLG51 - April 22 - 11:53 pm

  The Sonata Limited is truly an excellent value for the money. In the 2.5 months Ive owned the car, absolutely nothing has gone wrong. It is a true pleasure to drive. Excellent traction in wet weather, very good cornering, very, very quiet. The engine is smooth as silk. The sound system is excellent. All controls are within easy reach of the driver. The quality of construction is evident in every detail from pain to under-the-hood to interior. Previously, I had a Honda Accord V6; however the Sonata is superior in all ways and for several thousand dollars less.

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  AVOID - 1999 Hyundai Sonata
  By sebski - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I have had GLS V6 for almost two years now. It had 60K, now 80K. I got screwed because dealer does not honor warranty for second onwer. I replaced: timing belt, all brakes including rotors, battery, tires (which all were a part of a normal maintenance) but spark plugs, wires, sensors, more spark plugs and more wires and all this crap brings only one conclusion: Hyundai is still a terrible quality. I will never buy one anymore. Ill stick with Japanese. Take my advise: dont buy Hyundai. The dealer is very nice, especially when it comes to paying. And they are money suckers!

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  I couldnt ask for more! - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By PRD - April 21 - 2:00 am

  We love our Sonata. Weve owned it now for about a year and a half and have had no real problems with it. Its more comfortable on long trips than any of the cars weve rented in the past(Pontiac, Toyota, Oldsmobile...) Great looking exterior, excellent warranty, very affordable when compared to other similar models of other makes.

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  Wow what a car - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By fecports - April 17 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I purchased an LX in October that has been loads of fun to drive and is a real head-turner. So far it has been mistaken for a LEXUS and a JAGUAR. While it wont beat anything in the quarter mile, it will do 80 mph (which is my limit) without breaking a sweat. It is extremely comfortable behind the wheel and visibility all around the vehicle is great. It is loaded with all the features that I ever wanted in a car but didnt want to pay for and the warranty gives me piece of mind should anything go awry. I agree with the rough idle comment and the car is less then appreciative when asked to operate before the engine is warm.

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  When it gets to 100,000.....sell it. - 2000 Hyundai Sonata
  By Sebastian Palacio - April 16 - 2:00 am

  The car runs great..... its very confortable and its worth the money you pay for it. The things that went bad on my GLS V6 were: power window$450, sun roof$500, valve cover gasket$400, wheel bearings$600(both rear wheels). I have spent a lot of money on it....but after 100,000 miles what do you expect.

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  Cheap steering componet/ build quality - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By mookie14 - April 16 - 2:00 am

  I really hate driving this car 1st off the steering its controlled by a electronic steering pump not the traditional pump with fluid and the car just moves all over the road and i do not like it at all.

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  OMG - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By whorah - April 15 - 6:20 am

  Ill try not to get too excited and...well, I give up. This car is simply AMAZING in EVERY ASPECT! Excellent MPG? Check. Great Looks? Check. Good Power? Check. Great Interior? Check. Value? Youve got to be kidding me. I dare anyone to come remotely close with a car that is more pleasing to the eye and features at a price thats say, $10,000 MORE than this GEM of a car. When Hyundai first came to U.S., I made the mistake of owning an Excel. Swore that Ill never buy another car from them. Well, how times have changed! BTW, Ive owned Lexus, Lincoln, Ford, Toyota, Subaru, Suzuki, Jeep and Honda. Nothing, nothing compares at any price. I just love driving or simply staring at my car

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  Affordable Near-Luxury - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By jimpimms - April 15 - 5:20 am

  Since 1997, weve owned two Tiburons, an Elantra GT, and, currently, two Sonatas. This car is greatly improved over the previous generations. My wife has an 02, and theres absolutely no comparison. The ride is firm, yet supple; cornering is flat and agile; power is smooth and ample; the interior is comfortable and spacious; controls are intuitive and well-placed; there are amenities galore, and a plethora of standard safety features. All in all, not only a worthy rival to the Camry, Accord, Altima, Mazda6, G6, LaCrosse, Malibu, and Fusion, but better overall than most of these. When price and warranty are factored in, this Sonata is nearly irresistible.

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  19K and running strong - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By luvmelmuch - April 14 - 8:58 am

  I bought my Hyundai in Jan and have put over 19K miles on it so far. I have changed the oil and rotated tires. This car has preformed wonderfully. The Gas mileage is wonderful and the fit and finish is very good. My engine has not had any issues and makes no strange noises. The seats are comfortable and I have driven long distances and did not arrive tired or beat up. The XM radio and stereo work really well.