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! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Xavier Ortega - November 24 - 3:03 pm

  I was not in the market for buying a new car, but just happened to stop by a Hyundai dealership while my old car was being worked on. I fell in love with the looks, the overall fit & finish, the list of std. features, & the performance of the car. Ive had this car for a month now and its fantastic. Still going thru break-in period, so gas mileage is not great. (But as others have commented, need a few more thousand miles). The engine is powerful, 5 speed auto is butter smooth, the car is very quiet on the road. If you dont want to be a "me too" with Camry & Accord, give this car a serious look. GM & Ford, youd better get your act together quickly or else!!

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  Great Car fot the $$$ - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By oceandoc - November 23 - 10:03 pm

  Drove the Camry and Altima, the Sonata gives you the most for the dollar by far. For 1-2 grand less the the other cars, you get leather interior, xm radio, moon roof, individual temp controls and excellent interior trim and alloy wheels. Entertainment controls on the steering wheel. Not quite as quick as the Altima off the line, but adequate power (my last car was a turbo) Huge trunk. The oil filter is on the right way so when change the oil, you wont get an oil bath (surprising how many cars have the oil filter upside down) Smooth ride. I didnt experience any suspension noise going over bumps and highway speeds were just great driving. Dash is well laid out with easy to find controls

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  bad gas mileage and bad shitf at 38 to 42 mph - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By eprice5829 - November 23 - 4:32 pm

  I bought my sonata new in 5 of 09 and from the very begining had very poor gas mileage and a shifting issue with the trans at about 38 to 40 mph and around 15 to 18 on the rpm gauge when I brought it back to the dealer for service I was told it was how the car was supposed to drive and that there was nothing they could do to fix the problem except to flash the computer and then reset it . I was also told that it was the way that I was driving the car. now that I had the computer reset and the trans flashed I now get 15.9 miles per gallon to a full take of gas and was told that it was because of the winter gas that is now out on the market well to that I say B S

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  Enjoying driving again. - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Richard - November 21 - 3:10 am

  Ive had this car for 2 weeks and i love it. it is so comfortable & fun to drive. i drive 180 miles to and from work and this car has made driving a pleasurable experience. I owned a Honda for 2 years but the seats were so uncomfortable & road noise was so loud, i had to get rid of it. the sonatas ride is smooth & quiet. i get 35+ mpg. have driven 557 miles on one tank of gas. love the options that came on the limited. i love the exterior & interior design. back seat is roomy and comfortable. had previously seen a review on the back seat not having enough headroom. Im 510" tall and i have plenty of headroom. love the keyless entry and push button start. i love this car! good job Hyundai

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  Great car - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By bee - November 21 - 2:00 am

  a lot of car for the money

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  New Sonata Look - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Carmine - November 18 - 12:43 pm

  This will make the 6th Hyundai product that I haved owned since 2003, my last Hyundai before the 2009 sonata was a 2006 sonata se v6. This time around I choose the 4 cylinder more for the economy purpose of the car. I am pleasantly surprised with the power and the changes that been made with the 2009 model. I now own the 2009 sonata limited and I think it blows away my previous car a 2007 Nissan altima 2.5sl.

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  Best Value Car - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Eddie Highfill - November 18 - 2:00 am

  excellent car and drives very good.

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  A great automobile at a great price. - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By donmc1 - November 15 - 5:40 am

  This is a handsome quality vehicle, well-appointed inside, possessing every safety feature I was looking for, at a remarkably low price and with an exceptionally robust warranty. The 4 cylinder has plenty of power and is quiet while cruising at 75 mph. Mileage is somewhat disappointing in the city and is not particulary great on the highway, considering its a four. In a nutshell, hats off to Hyundai for bringing this great car to the American market.

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  rattle car - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By paul kay - November 12 - 3:53 am

  Bought it with 13,400, at 14,000 they replaced the front brake pads, because I heard a crunching noise when slowing down, they also replaced the rear trunk hindges.. Rear suspension is loud over bumps. My v6 knocks when cold and noise goes away when warm. Suspension is loud! Tires are junk 215 55 17- junk! My first and last Hyundai. Sorry I bought it.

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  I love my Sonata - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By lucynethl - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I never thought I would ever own a Hyundai, well this 2003 Sonata is my second. In 94 I bought an Excel and still have own it, I love the reliability. The Sonata looks like a Jag and runs awsome. The truck is huge and the back seat is very comfy for my 2 kids. We will be buying more Hyundais