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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  Exxxxxcellent - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By CWright - March 14 - 5:20 pm

  Ive waited 3 months to do this. We have now put 7K miles on her and I am astounded. Averaging 38 MPG and havent got a single negative thing to say. Still get head turns all the time. This is the most comfortable car we have had (17 cars in last 35 years). Incredible comfort. Cornering and braking are smooth as silk. My in-law has the Infiniti 35 and I actually think ours is more comfortable. Lots of room (were average build) in front & back. Huge trunk space. Dealer gave us lots of perks, including nitrogen in tires, which I have had in past and believe adds to fuel economy and tire wear. The only possible negative point: its my wifes primary car. Do yourself a favor, you cant go wrong.

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  Great car, inaccurate fuel rating - 2016 Hyundai Sonata
  By Doug - March 13 - 10:47 pm

  We spent several weeks researching and test driving different cars before deciding on the Sonata, and then at the last minute saw the value in bumping up to the Sport model with sunroof and other goodies at a bargain. Overall were very impressed with the car. It feels luxurious and solid, and a quiet ride was an important thing to note as we test drove cars. This is quieter than most, and I think it will lose more road noise when I change the tires. I also notice a slight dancing of the front wheels when at cruising speed, that may be solved with new tires. (There are many complaints about the cheap tires the car comes with). Android Auto has a lot of cool features--like GPS, but that the phone must be plugged-in to work is really clunky at this stage of bluetooth technology. This is primarily my wifes car, and she simply doesnt bother with it, so those features are lost. After a month, our only complaint is that the high end of the mileage rating seems out of reach. Our average is now at 28, which is a long way from the high "rating" of 38. Her commute is about 15 miles, 4/5 freeway, and shes on the slower end of drivers out there, rarely leaving the first two right lanes. There is the "Eco" mode, which we were told is supposed to improve mileage by 7%, but engine performance is severely hampered when engaged. Ive suggested switching to Eco when at speed on the freeway, but this is again something else she doesnt want to have to think about to simply drive her car. Again though, of everything we looked at, the Sonata really stood out. It looks good, is small enough for a daily commuter, but comfortable and roomy for a long drive, and can very comfortably seat passengers--which was in fact the first thing I looked at, by sitting in the back seat first. At the rate my wife drives, this car will last well beyond the average.

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  This Car is a Keeper - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ken Boyle - March 13 - 10:26 am

  Love the car, I could sell this car, I also purchased one for my 73 year old mother. This car is a long life keeper!

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  Inexpensive yet feels as good as Mercede - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Heather - March 12 - 8:23 pm

  I purchased this car on a whim and I am so glad that I did! I bought the 4 cyl only because I was looking for better gas mileage. This car was an upgrade from my Suzuki Grand Vitara JLS (2000 model). So far, this car is awesome. It looks great, handles beautifully and seems as though it "floats" down the road. I love this car!

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  Steaming in the South... - 2000 Hyundai Sonata
  By Steaming - March 11 - 2:00 am

  I liked this car at first, then at 66,00 miles , just out of warranty, it broke down. I paid for a new crankshaft ($975.00),then after two weeks, it broke down again, new timer belt, timer ($500.00), after three weeks it wasnt running again, this time it was a pulley (449.00, $300 just for the mechanic to tap the bolts back into the engine block!) The cassette player broke after warranty expired, and paint started chipping off the sides, and I live in the South. The sonata still drives funny, I think it might be the trans. I drive this car with kid gloves, I know longer feel confident in these cars. I am going to trade it in asap.

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  Review of a 2003 Sonata 4 Cylinder Sedan - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By JBS - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Overall I think Hyundai builds a very nice automobile. For the first year of ownership there were a few minor things that had to be fixed, but nothing major.The major complaint I have is comfort of the front seats. It is not comfortable. I have a 4 cylinder car and it has ample pep and drive even on the highway.I would recommend thia auto to anyone.This car came well equipped as standard equipment and a great warranty.

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  love it - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By jlong - March 8 - 2:00 am

  overall comfort and solid styling makes this car a pleasure to drive. probably the only real down side to buying a Sonata is the low resale value.

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  1993 Sonata/STD/5-speed trans - 1993 Hyundai Sonata
  By Sonata01 - March 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Sonata brand new in 1994 (it was leftover stock from 1993) for the price of a used Ford Tempo. In other words, I got a real bargain on a brand new car (I knew the risk I was taking on Hyundai in the early 90s). Ten years later, I still own the car, and havent spent a penny on anything but oil, fuel, and windshield wiper fluid. I bought the base version, which came with standard air conditioning (still works), tilt steering wheel, and a good stereo. The interior is quite roomy and the drivers seat has a height adjustment for short drivers.

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  Fun to drive, great mpgs - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Brad - March 1 - 1:40 am

  We had a 2006 Sonata GLS V6, which we loved. It had 83,000 miles without a problem. It was totaled recently in an accident so we were forced to go car shopping. I test drove a Mazda 6 and Ford Fusion, but new 2011 Sonata is a very impressive car. New GDI engine is very efficient. Doesnt necessarily sound pretty, but quiet once going with very adequate power. The new 6 speed shifts great, keeps rpm low when driving easy and downshifts quickly when asked too. MPG 33-37 for us so far. We bought the GLs for the slightly softer seats and slightly better ride than the SE. Our two tone tan/black interior makes car look more expensive than it is. Paid $19,800 with Hyundai loyalty.

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  AWSOME - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By savitels - February 25 - 3:20 pm

  All I can say is this is a great car...I had a nissan sentra before my Sonata and it is like Im gliding on the road instead of feeling every bump.Im very happy with my car its nice and roomy and good on mileage and it runs great!! Thank you Hyundai,you are Awesome!!