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 and keeping on being great - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
By Dennis - December 25 - 7:20 amTraded in a 07 Corolla. Wanted more car and was doing a 67 mile round trip commute. Needed good mpg and Hyundai delivers the same mpg as the Corolla did. We recently have had back-to- back blizzards in MD and my Sonata never let me down. No need for AWD or Four WD with the Sonata having FWD and traction control coupled with Triptronic auto transmission. I love the car. Car is luxurious in GLS trim.
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JD Power & CR: Hyundai beatsToyota-Honda - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
By James from tampa - December 24 - 4:26 amAccording to JD Power & CR, Huyndais have better initial quality and overall dependability than Toyota and Honda for 2006, which is consistent with Edmunds Sonata, Camry, and accord midsize shootout with cars evenly priced. After the research, I found myself in a car with a 10 year warranty (instead of 3), better initial quality by JD Power, greater dependability by Consumer Reports, Na V6 w/235 HP, full curtain side airbags, Vechile Stability Control, Traction Control, full power, a sun roof, Alloy wheels, great interior fit and finish, more interior space, a quiet er ride that accord or camry with a auto manual shifter and performance to match. Gotta test drive one and see for yourself
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300k+ miles - 1999 Hyundai Sonata
By fansh - December 23 - 2:00 amNow @ 301,000 miles. Motor just started to make noise. Trans just started slipping between gears. All orig equip. but for: tune-up/filters, a/c compressor, a/c block, inside fan motor (x3), rad., alt.,on 1st replacement rotors (1st brake job @ dealer @ 80k miles). Still on orig suspension. No motor nor trans work except normal maintenance. Some oil changes @ 10k miles. Remarkable auto to keep up with me.
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Forget it - 1999 Hyundai Sonata
By dchick - December 23 - 2:00 amThe worst car Ive ever owned. The problems are so numerous. Replaced timing belt sensor, timing belt, power- window cable, THREE wheel bearings, engine mount bolts. And all of these were not under warranty because of mileage. My car literally fell apart after 60,000 miles. Never again.
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A Joy to Own - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
By car buyer - December 21 - 7:46 amWell, I have owned my Sonata gls 4cyl auto with sports package for two months now. I had shopped cars in this class from all of the manufacturers. I can say I am very pleased with the car. I havent found a single defect that makes me want to return to the dealership for a fix. They did a fine job of manufacturing in Alabama. So far, the fuel economy has averaged city/hwy at 23 mpg--and there are a lot of hills around here. The 4cyl has demonstrated plenty of power when entering the beltway from a ramp or when climbing hills around town. Hyundai resale values will be climbing higher with this kind of craftmanship. A strong buy from me on a great car.
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2000 Sonata - 2000 Hyundai Sonata
By dbakerskip - December 21 - 2:00 amOnly problem is the right rear window motor has gone out a few times. Extremely reliable vehicle.
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I can attest to the safety of this vehicle - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
By debarge - December 20 - 9:20 amAfter having my 2011 rear ended at 60 mph and not even stiff the next day I am a believer. Although the car was totaled I was fine! The car had 13k miles on it and was just what I needed. I drive from S Fl To Alabama a few times a year and this car has enough room for me the wife and more cargo then you would think. Gas mileage and performance were great. It isnt a BMW so dont expect one but, beats the honda and toyota cars in its class. After reseaching and driving the offerings from the competitors I choose a 2012 sonata. the blue link is a nice feature if you have need for such. I would advise the popular option 1 that adds the power seat and alloys wheels.
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LOVE!!! - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
By sugplum - December 19 - 11:58 amBought my "Sparkling Ruby" Sonata on 5/26/12 and just dont want to park it! Its so fun to drive and very smooth. Great deal for so many options. Would definitely recommend.
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Nice! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
By ViniG - December 18 - 7:58 pmI owned Nissan before I got 2011 used Sonata with less than 100k miles. Overall happy with it.
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Cheap, but well equipped transportation - 2001 Hyundai Sonata
By ElTomaso - December 15 - 2:00 amI just bought this Hyundai used. I bought it after reading the Consumer Reports evaluation of the new Hyundai Sonatas. The new Hyundais are rated as above average in reliability. This 2001 is a four cylinder, but has good acceleration and handles well. It cruises at highway speeds easily. It is quiet, comfortable and fun to drive. I like the power moonroof and the cd player.