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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After 40k and 3 years, shes still beautiful, but... - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
By dandedor - February 23 - 7:21 pmDesign: The car is beautiful inside and out, and the paint is still shiny. The ergonomics are great. The materials are decent, but the seat is uncomfortable. MPG: In mixed driving, I average 24 MPG. On the highway, I get 35 MPG. Engine: For a four-cyl, it moves nicely, but man it is LOUD! Transmission: Smooth as silk. Handling: The worst part of the car. Its like theres a marshmallow holding the steering wheel to the wheels. So numb. The ride is jittery as well. Brakes are a-ok. Aging: The car feels much cheaper now compared to three years ago. The engine is loud after 1.5k RPMs. Several rattles have developed in the cabin.
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Move over Toyota and Honda - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
By Ray - February 22 - 5:10 pmI love my new Sonata!! I just wish I would have known when I bought my 2009 Sonata a all new one was coming out!!! I got over 500 miles on my first tank of gas!!!
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Great Sonata - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
By popeguy - February 19 - 10:00 amI own a new 2004 Hyundai Sonata GLS V6. I have put 4,000 miles on the car and I love it more everyday. Great ride and great warranty.The styling is so cool and the interior is top notch.
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New owner - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
By GiGi - February 19 - 7:30 amFor 10 years I drove a Honda/Acura. In this economy I wanted to purchase the most for my money. The 2011 Sonatas interior has everything a person could ever want with a style that is comparable to any of the higher priced names. It handles well and is very comfortable.
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I like it alot - 1996 Hyundai Sonata
By noodle_head - February 17 - 2:00 amWhen i got on this website i looked through the cars i didnt find one my style or in my price range.Im sixteen years old and my parents are on a tight budget and i need a cheap car and this one looks real cheap and very nice.But i know i could not and cant really afford it so i guess im just gonna rate it.
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Brake, Brakes, Brakes and more Brakes - 2000 Hyundai Sonata
By "D" - February 17 - 2:00 amProblems I have encountered 1. 16,500 miles some type of sensor caused the car not to idle when I put gas into the tank 2. 19,803 Front brake rotors resurfaced 3. 25,598 Front brake rotors resurfaced 4. 33,204 Front brake rotors replaced, pads replaced 5. 44,688 Front brake rotors resurfaced 6. 44,688 Rear shoes replaced 7. 45,000 door speaker stopped working 8. 48,000 Driver widow cable came of track and stopped working 9. 53,000 Passenger widow stopped going up all the way 10. 55,00 Driver window now making popping noise when I role it up 11. 55,000 The hood has rusted from the inside out
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Solid car - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
By thehub - February 16 - 2:00 amI brought this car brand new (my first new car purchase since 1982) last April 22nd. The hook was the 0% financing offer. I really like this car. No, its not a Honda or Toyota (Ive owned both), but as the ad says, its thousands less! I have not been sorry I made this purchase. I added XM radio, and with the standard 6 speakers it is better than my home stereo!
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Long Live the Sonata - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
By Remoris - February 14 - 1:43 amI bought the Hyundai Sonata because I am fed up with North American car that keeps on braking after 100 000 km. I will say this in my 23 years of driving the only car I have ever driven that compared as far as quality and comfort was a 1984 Buick Century. The Hyundai Sonata is an outstanding car that easily compare to its Japanese competitors. I honestly find the comfort surpasses what of the Accord and this while being $4000 Canadian cheaper then the Accord, for the same equipment fit. I own a GLS 3.3 6Cyl 5A. In short it has great fuel economy and outstanding comfort. And Exceptionel comfort. The only negative is the road noise being louder due to leather seating.
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Hyundai Navigation System - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
By Kenneth Bildstein - February 14 - 12:21 amThe navigation system SUCKS. You dont talk to a real person like you do with GM On Star. With Hyundai you talk to a machine and MOST of the time the STUPID machine cant understand what you say or can not find what you are looking for. I have to carry a portable GPS in the car when traveling because the Blue Star Navigation dont work Most of the time. For this reason, I most likely will buy another Hyundai. I will most likely buy a Chevy Malibu instead. With the Malibu On Star you actually talk to a real person when using the Navigation System, and they understand what you are asking for and can ALWAYS HELP you and find what you are looking for.
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The Love of My Life - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
By MelissaAlleva - February 13 - 2:00 amNext to the family of course! I love this car, I went from a Ford Explorer (piece of @$%^^)to this wonderful auto. I have had it for 2 years and I cant say enough good things about it. I pretend its a jaguar but 1/2 the price. The ride is smooth, love the moon roof. Tons of value for this class of cars. Its a keeper for sure.
