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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  I love this car! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Debbie - December 7 - 11:00 pm

  I love this car! It is comfortable and roomy. Everywhere I go people are asking me if it is a Lexus or BMW. When I tell them its a Hyundai they looked shocked. I love the white pearl color and all the options: push button start, nav system, XM radio, XM data, sunroof. The trunk is very roomy. We took it on a short trip and got 38 MPG. We get 27-29 MPG around town. I traded in my 2006 Mercedes R350 for this car. People still cant believe that I did that. I wouldnt take any other car for this one. My hubby wants to trade his Dakota in on another one!

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  Sold my first new car in 1953 - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By car man - December 1 - 10:26 pm

  Over 50 years in all phases of auto bus. Been new car dealer, new and used car manager, wholesaler and consultant to major car mfg. Have owned cars from 38 benz 4 dr conv to several Borgwards, hundreds of others. Wife had 08 Honda Civ with Navi. The civ was not for her. Traded it on 09 Sonata Limited "4" with Navi and BT. She had driven similiar Accords and Camrys. Man, I was happy when she drove the Sonata and said "this is the car for me". Just got back from Pa. (live in North Carolina) Stopped in Old Town Alexandria Va. to see my sis. On the road we got 34.1 mpg at 65 to 75 mph. Great ride. My wife doesnt care about body roll etc. Wont tell you the price. One of my all time best buys.

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  Too new to tell all - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By smithcha100 - December 1 - 10:03 pm

  Only purchased 1 week ago on the 12th of August 05. Very roomy on the inside. Still trying to figure out all the bells and whistles. Only down size is the gas mileage but it has been in the city and with the A/C on so could explain the 18 mpg rather than the 20 mpg expected. Of course, still breaking the engine in.

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  02 Hyundai Sonata LX - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By DeeDee - December 1 - 2:00 am

  The car is an outstanding value. With the single exception of horsepower, much more bang for the buck than Chrysler Sebring or Mercury Sable. Very comfortable and roomy interior. Unmatched warranty. Only irritation has been three incidents where "Check Engine" light came on due to an overly sensitive O2 sensor. Minor fixes, all under warranty, corrected them, but could have done without the inconvenience. Perhaps the recall on the oxygen sensor will finally take care of this. Otherwise delighted with the car.

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  A Great Car at Any Price - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By SteveG101 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I am sold on my Sonata, having put 25,000 miles on it in 7 months and had absolutely no problems. The fact that you can buy a car like this for $20,000 is incredible. A lot of "expert" reviews say that the Sonata isnt in the same class as Honda or Toyota, but my wife owns a Honda and I cant see any difference between the cars in fit, finish or performance. It has very little engine noise and the power to merge easily into traffic. The steering is responsive and the brakes are solid. The back seat and trunk are huge for a car of this size. I bought this car to drive it into the ground, but I have a feeling that it may outlast me.

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  awesome - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By carrie hutson - December 1 - 2:00 am

  People tell me that my car looks rich. Some have told me it looks like a BMW. I am very pleased with the pick up as far as speed goes. The leather seats are very easy to keep clean. The interior is very roomy. Its just a sharp car all the way around. As a matter of fact, my husband wants to get one.

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  Great Ride! - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By huyen genomia - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. its sleek,and looks futuristic. It warms easily in the winter and cools fast in the summer. For a first time buyer, this is the way to go!

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  An Excellent Car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Sonata - November 27 - 5:23 am

  Weve driven over 21,000 miles with almost perfect satisfaction. A defective battery in the first month and detached gripper necessitated a couple visits for repair. It is "zippy"" and comfortable for 700 mile days. All the accessories have become necessities and we would only wish additionally for dual side temperature controls. The 10 year, 100,000 mile warranty with road side assistance even for gas gives us added security. Our mpg is what is listed, 20/29, we get it. Well definitely consider another Sonata in two years.

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  Quiet, quick, comfy - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By wanna-azzy - November 27 - 12:13 am

  So far I am very satisfied. It looks great in silver blue with grey int. I cant think of anything it doesnt do well. Fuel mileage is just OK, but should improve with time. And the light interior color will take a little more care to keep clean. With the warranty and MANY more safety features than the competition, I feel good about my purchase.

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  Dream CAr - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Neal OBrien - November 26 - 10:53 pm

  With all its pickup & go, its an absolute pleasure to drive. The added perks like electronic stability control give added peace of mind plus all the other add-ons .