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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  HYUNDAI 2000 SONATA SEDAN GLS - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By TYRANSKI - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE FOUND THE HYUNDAI SONATA TO BE A SOLID AUTOMOBILE. IT HAS APPEARANCE, IT HAS VALUED EQUIPMENT FOR THE DOLLAR, AND IT HAS PERFORMED VERY WELL BOTH LOCALLY AND ON LONG DISTANCE DRIVES. I USUALLY AVERAGE APPX 27-29 M.P.G. WHILE HIGHWAY DRIVING ATSPEEDS FROM 55 TO 75 MPH. I HAVE USED THEIR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM TWO OR THREE TIMES AND FOUND THE RESPONSE TIME AND SERVICE TO BE EXCELLENT. I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS AUTO TO ANY FAMILY SEEKING A SOLID, WELL BUILT CAR LOADED WITH EXTRAS FOR THE PRICE.

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  Nice car - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By victor77 - January 17 - 2:00 am

  The Sonata is an overall stable vehicle. It makes for fun driving, especially with select sport shifting, and looks exceptional. The handling is very responsive, which adds to the exciting driving experience. The car has a great price, looks sharp, and makes for an excellent driving experience.

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  Good car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Just me - January 16 - 2:10 am

  Good car, sharp appearance, good legroom in back seat. Good head room and shoulder room in car

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  Excellent Value, Strong Competitor - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By Chris - January 14 - 2:40 pm

  Excellent driving characteristics, hard to find a 5 speed 4 door sedan that is fun to drive. Considering everything else I drove (Altima, Accord, Fusion), this was definitely the best value. Quality seems very good, and much better than my previous Dodge Ram (07). Need better gas mileage, and the sonata fit the bill.

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  Overall Evaluation - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Lilly Calpey - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Sonata now for nearly a year. I get many many comments how nice it looks and many comments about the paint job. Most people really like the style and design of the Sonata. In the year that I have had it. I have had no problems with it mechanically. I just need to change the oil regularly and rotate my tires for I have not only a ten year warranty but also tires for life. To me these features are very important. The dealership where I purchased it is people friendly and go out of their way to get you in and out without delay.

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  HYUNDAI SUCKS - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By SSannuto - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a 2003 Hyundai Sonata. 7 months later, with only 9300 miles on it, while driving on a very busy highway in Clearwater, Florida, my transmission blew. I had to get it towed back to the selling dealer. First I was told that they had to order a part, and see if the new part would take care of the transmission. After 4 days, I was then told the part they ordered would not solve the transmission problem, so they needed to put another transmission. I questioned several times, "a new transmission or a rebuilt/remanufactured. I was told a new transmission, when in fact it was a rebuilt one.

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  great ride - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By devildude - January 13 - 10:00 am

  A great car to look at and a great car to drive. The v-6 has good power when accelerating and passing. The engine runs smooth at all speeds. the ride is great. You cant beat the warranty on this vehicle. So far at 30000 everthing is A OK.

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  Best car purchase Ive made in 30 years - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Bryan Price - January 10 - 1:43 am

  My 90 Gran Marquis needed replacing after 200K and another round of shorting somewhere in the firewall. With the good reviews from my wifes coworkers, we looked at Sonatas, liked them, and bought one. 100K/10 year warranty was a plus, since we both drive cars to their graves.

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  Heres hoping - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By federale46 - January 9 - 5:08 am

  I have had this car since March of 2010, and most of the time, it is trouble free, but there are quirks that make me think of turning it in. I commute 82 miles a day, and have 61K on the car. Everything was fine for the first 30k miles. Then, it developed a problem with the fuel tank where it wouldnt take gas, and this took the dealer a month to resolve. Then, the transmission started thumping. The dealer did a reset twice and replaced the fluid, but the thumping started again at 59K. The dealer says they will replace the transmission if they find the condition again, but the problem is that the thumping comes and goes, and when its time to take it to the dealer, the thumping stops.

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  This isnt your Hyundai of Yesteryear! - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Chris12 - January 9 - 2:00 am

  From the first time I saw the new design of the Sonata at the Philadelphia Auto Show In 2002, I could not believe it was a Hyundai. I was currently shopping for a new car and this one definately caught my eye...It is wonderful to drive. Feels, looks and handles like a much more expensive sedan. CHECK IT OUT!..Its worth a try.