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 is great - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Sandtone - January 8 - 2:00 am

  They are comfortable & easy to drive. I just cant find any fault with Hyundai They come standard with stuff other makers charge extra for.

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  Just Got My Birthday Card - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By JWMcLane - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Just got a nice 1 year anniversary card in the mail from Hyundai. To paraphrase what it said, I Win. I have 3 other vehicles so I only put about 1K miles a month on this car, but I have to say Im impressed. Got the obligatory Benz and Jag comments (not bad company for a car under $20k). After break-in symptoms subsided (burning decals on exhaust,lower than expected mileage but has rebounded STRONGLY) I can say this car has not had a single problem or a dealer visit. Give Hyundai a few years and theyll be selling like Hondas. Id say Hyundai already has the quality and design to take Mitsu out of the picture completely.

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  2006 Hyundai Sonata - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By dfocht - January 6 - 4:26 pm

  We have only had her about a week now and so far I can say without a doubt that this is one of the nicest cars that I have ever owned. I have had everything from Lincolns to Jags. For sheer comfort it is the best. Very quiet and handles like a dream. Corners flat, good engine responce and great breaks. Super quiet, can listen to the radio at highway speed without having to turn the radio up. Even plays MP3s which means one CD is good for about 10 hours. Cant say yet what the fuel milage will be but it is rated at 26 city and 33 highway. I dont know how reliable it is yet eather but with a 10 year 100000 mile warentee and 5 yrs road side assistance. cant be to bad & its made in the USA!

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  excellence at a bargain price - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By marcia preston - January 5 - 2:00 am

  My car is beautifully designed, giving me the feeling they have thought of everything to make a great ride with every convenience. I feel sorry for all those people out there who have paid so much for their cars which are no better. Everything works well, and nothing has had to be repaired.

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  One Single "Limited" Flaw - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Peter - January 4 - 1:50 am

  Check me out on this: The single flaw is the chrome strip adjoining the drivers bottom exterior side window is not flush to the rear chrome strip. Strange as the passenger side is correct. The Dealership says...OH NO - ALL THE LIMITEDs are like that; and a fix may be a long time away! The other very small visual issue I have is the air controllers nonfunctional "mans- head". Could the design not have used a reclined human figure?

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  OUTSTANDING VALUE, FORGET THE REST! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Blastersix - December 31 - 2:33 pm

  I spent months reading at Edmunds and other sites about this car and finally test drove and bought one. My wife was in a minivan and not enjoying it, so I thought Id surprise her for her 30th birthday! Definitely a great surprise. Our first trip was over 250 miles from the dealership home (great deal) and we averaged 28.8 MPG with the V6 and cruise set at 73 MPH. Outstanding! Fit, finish, attention to detail, styling...Hyundai really did their homework on this car to make it a true contender with the big boys: Accord and Camry. With a decent rebate and a great 2.9% financing available through April 06, I bought this car for $6,000 less than a comparibly equipped Camry or Accord.

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  AN OUTSTANDING VEHICLE - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By KAHUNA - December 30 - 2:00 am

  37K IN 15 MONTHS AND NOT A PROBLEM. ROCK SOLID! SAVED 4.5K OVER A SIMILARLY EQUIPPED TOY OR HONDA. I LIKED IT SO MUCH, THAT I PURCHASED A 2D HYUNDAI PRODUCT! HIGHLY RECOMMEND HYUNDAI.

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  Good alernative to Honda - 2001 Hyundai Sonata
  By sirjohn72 - December 30 - 2:00 am

  I was very sceptical at first when looking at Hyundai to purchase a family size car, we looked at Honda, Toyota & they were out of our price range. The Hyundai Sonata was definitely the right price, & the great warranty was a factor in deciding on the Hyundai. Ive owned this car almost 3 years & have not had a major mechical breakdown, with a few minor exceptions, the car is very reliable. The Sonata drives like a Camry & feels very comfortable driving, although its not a performance sedan, it could use a little more horsepower out of the 2.4 liter engine, but you could always opt for the V6. Overall I rate this car outstanding.

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  A Major Change! - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By Bill R. Wynne - December 29 - 8:21 am

  Im slightly biased, I lived in Korea for 12 years; and I have purchased Four (4) Hyundai Products previously. Hence I have known them to be good, solid, reliable vehicles. I traded In my 2014 Kia for the SONATA SPORT. Sitting in my driveway is a 2003 KIA OPTIMA, 88,000 miles and last year, we had to have left half shaft replaced and thats it. I normally drive a Cadillac DTS; my first was in 1973, Coupe De Ville. Hence I have grown accustomed to driving a great riding luxury car with all the bells and whistles. There is truth in that saying Rides like a Cadillac. I know that the Hyundai is reliable, and a great value, BUT I was totally stunned when I test drove the SPORT Model. Additionally, Ive always had more than two cars, and one would always be a Performance Model; Corvette, Z28, Trans Am, Cadillac CTS-V type vehicles. As I initially drove into the traffic I was impressed at its ease to get into traffic on a Six Lane Major Road. I am NOT a fan of the Four Cylinder Engines, the sound I dont like. But I did not know at that moment that IT was a Four, I felt what seemed to be the V6 type thrust. As I merged onto I65, there is a major intersection; the on ramp and the two lane exit ramp coincide, people coming to the right, and you must cross two lanes to get into the 3 Lane main road. It is a hard trick as the Speed limit is 70 and most folks are truly running 75 MPH, so you have to have acceleration to pull away from the oncoming cars are you traverse 3 or 4 lanes of traffic. Im Used to a V8 pulling me across this intersection. I was in Normal Mode, and at first it seemed that I was not accelerating, but I then noticed that I was going 70 and pulling away from the traffic. I was going to the far left lane and was going to lock down the speed at 75. I looked down and I WAS GOING 85 MPH! I had been fooled by the silence of the car! For a few minutes I let it run at 80 MPH and intentionally, I had left the Audio off and this was to listen for any odd things. I was stunned at the quietness of this car. I say, damn, this thing rides as good as a Cadillac!! Then I discovered that the Cruise Control works very uniquely by keeping the speed pretty close GOING DOWN HILL! One of my pet peeves is when you go over a hill, hit the brakes, then you have to re-engage the system or it will be definitely speeding. Im a fairly large man, 60", 235 lbs. My comfort test is I get in, get comfortable seat placement for me; Im paying for it, right? Then I get out and get into the rear seat and see what that comfort level is. I got in back and was totally stunned at the knee room. What totally blew me away was the passenger lowered the back rest very far back while I was sitting in the rear. The rear passenger still had great knee room AND on my side, I had a good Four inches between my knee caps and the seat!! To be honest, more room than a DTS in knee room, and Great for Two Passengers, ONLY! But those two get a fantastic place to ride. On the way back from our 75 mile trip, I put it into ECO and my onboard system began at 29 MPG as were returning but about 20 Miles later it was reading 40 MPG! I took that figure with a mild grain of salt, as the algorithms for mileage calculation is not always the true MPG. But even if it was ONLY getting 35 MPG, I was impressed by the solid and quality build properties of this vehicle. When You slam the trunk down, you get a nice solid chunk. Same with the Doors. I also purchased several additional programs that basically provide me with Seven Years and 70,000 Miles of Bumper to Bumper, what ever happens it gets fixed, free oil changes, tire rotations and more that includes all the High Tech Items!! I believe that the ONLY thing I must do is put GAS in it, and enjoy driving it, and so far, this has been a ball of a car! Thumbs up to the Hyundai Corporation for listening and continually attempting to improve the product in many ways to create a great vehicle. AND I was very delighted with the OWNERS Manual. Small, easy to use and simple. A GM Owners Manual is about one inch thick and is confusing at best; IF you car is equipped with this option... I dont know if it has the Bingo Banga Torque Splitting Auto 7 speed or the 9 speed?? Very Good!! I also found that the Mode Settings actually have some effect as desired. Many vehicles will list great sounding Accessories, but Like the BMW, you cant use the system very well without taking eyes off road. Does it Work? I pretty much used intutive knowledge to operate a lot of stuff prior to reading the manual to find out even more technological features, Hill Hold, KOOL!! OH, and one of the BEST FEATURES of this vehicles is ITS GREAT LOOKING!!

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  No more DOMESTICS for my family! - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Frank - December 27 - 10:20 am

  My extended family and I have been buying/leasing Chrysler Products for almost 10 years from the same salesman who recently began selling the cars made by HYUNDAI. A couple of weeks after he got to the new store Lee called my wife and I about this SONATA. I must say that although we never really paid attention to the brand before, we are each impressed. for the cost of an entry level Dodge Avenger we have more standard features. A far more quiet ride. A great deal more room. We also looked at a few of the other cars offered by Hyundai, after meeting a very considerate owner. We now are driving a wonderful new car.