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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  One Heck of a Contenda! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By jww - November 12 - 1:23 am

  Ohmigosh - Hyundai have shocked the heck out of me. This is a fabulous car, no doubt about it. If you can get over badge snobbery, and are in the market for a new family sedan with some punch check this car out. It is as good as Honda or Toyota, and is far more feature rich than either of the Accord or Camry. Hyundai is close to setting the standard here.

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  Great except for 1 rattle - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By Minou - November 11 - 7:16 pm

  Got my 08 GL (Canadian model) manual transmission in late June. Car has been great so far except for a rear parcel shelf rattle that I cant get rid of. It is comfortable, smooth riding, roomy and peppy with the manual. The engine is very easy to stall with the manual though. Mileage is also good. Wind noise is fairly noticeable even at normal speeds. Big car feel for a very good price. Overall, I bought a drab but well equipped and competent intermediate for the price of a compact with a good waranty to boot in case of issues.

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  More than impressed - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By cmhdiamond - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Very happy so far. Bought 03 GLS in Jan w/Pkg 5(moonroof,ABS,Trac Ctrl). Didnt want roof, but wanted TC, so took pkg 5. Very comfortable quiet ride, stereo good (not great), performance good, V6 plenty powerful (not as much as Hond/Toy, but better than their 4cyl and still less $), Shiftronic is fun (and contrary to some opinions, useful). My 1st month got ok gas mileage (20 mpg) in mixed (60% hwy/40% city) driving. Now avg 24 mpg. Best was a 600mi trip in Apr. that netted a very respectable 28 mpg avg (~ 80% hwy/20% city).

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  Why would you buy anything else - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By cdb - November 11 - 2:00 am

  As soon as I saw the updated Sonata with the Jaguar-ish front end I knew I had to have one. Who can afford a real Jag? Not only is this a beautiful car but you get some many features for a reasonable amount of money. Even the plastic wood-grain trim is nice. And I also got abs and traction control and still kept it under $20k. Ive had the car for 19 months and just hit the 50k mark. Its only been in a shop for its regular oil changes and its 30k tune up. I have had many compliments on my car. I loved it the day I bought it and 19 months later I still do.

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  Not bad, but could be much better - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Dinerokid - November 11 - 2:00 am

  I have only driven the car 1,000 miles. Miles per gallon are 12.8 on my last fillup. I have the LX-6 Cylinders. Car handles well and it is quite comfortable, exterior design is very striking and modern. Interior design is quite pleasing and ergonomically correct. Cannot attest to reliability since the car has only 1,000 miles.

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  Made The Switch! - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By sackc26 - November 10 - 1:12 am

  Coming from a 2010 Nissan Altima SL 2.5, I needed to get out of my lease (I just got a new job that requires a 35 minute commute each way). I researched Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry, Subaru Legacy, Honda Civic and the Hyundai Elantra. To me, it wasnt a tough decision. I opted for the GLS base trim and although I missed out on power seats, chrome interior handles and alloys in the GLS Option #2 package, it boiled down to what was important to me. The base still has bluetooth and XM (my Altima SL didnt have them both), and the performance is the same on all trims. The car drives well also - fluid steering, nice acceleration and great MPG.

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  Convinced - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By DaveS - November 8 - 4:00 am

  My wife owned an Elentra GT, 1st gen Sante Fe and now a fully loaded 2nd gen Santa Fe. I always thought they were "nice" and reliable, if a bit dull. The 2011 Sonata? Not dull. In shopping for a car, I debated between new (Sonata, Fusion, Taurus, Accord, Legacy) and used (Passat, A4). After a lot of internet research and test drives, I was most impressed by the Fusion and Sonata. I really liked the way the Fusion SEL V6 drove, but didnt like the looks or the price tag. The Sonata impressed on the road, looked awesome and was priced perfectly. 2 weeks and 800 miles in, I can honestly say I look forward to getting in my car every morning and evening - 40 mile commute or not. Thats success!

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  CORRECTION TO PREVIOUS REVIEW - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By frankiewainkie - November 4 - 4:23 am

  My earlier criticism of the navigation not being able to be programmed by inputting the phone number of a commercial destination was incorrect! It can be done and its easy to do. I just didnt know how to do it. I do now and it is wonderful. Also, the time and temperature are easily obtained by pressing a button. I didnt know how that worked either. So now, my only complaint is that the ipod connection should be "compartmentalized" to keep it out of view of thieves.

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  Great car great price - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ed - November 4 - 4:20 am

  Love the room this car has. I wanted to purchase another Toyota and after doing some research,the Sonata was the better choice. More standard features for a much lower price. The GLS premium options sold me.

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  Best Value for a Mid-sized Sedan - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By turbo2013_56 - November 3 - 3:55 am

  Only had it 5 months but so far it has been nearly perfect. Limited visibility out the back and some road noise (not all of it bad, nice little engine hum); lower gas mileage but have taken no long trips and my commute is a nightmare so maybe MPGs are OK. Got Limited turbo with premium package and cannot imagine getting a finer car for the money I paid. Rides well; handles great; very fast and responsive, I love this car.