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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  Pits compared to the 2000 Hyundia - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By ripped off - November 2 - 11:20 pm

  Problem starting motor, 2 to 5 tries needed. Missing stard equipment, lock on glove box repaired - looks used. they repaired the motor while still in for dealer options. Repairs not reported, seems there more damage since they do not list repairs done on invoice if i get one. They didnt have the sticker on the side window stating model, year, equipment, where it was made, seems to be a used car. they refuse to even help, not very fair to the buyer. seems they are back to where they start, past was junk; whats this? honesty seems to be gone

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  Excellent - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By steve - November 2 - 9:56 am

  I have recently had a 2002 Saturn Vue and a 1999 Accord LX V6. I needed something with better mileage. I considered numerous other cars, but found that this 06 Sonata, even with a 4 cyl was better laid out than even the mid-upper levels of a Camry and an Accord. This is much better than the Accord. I have received many compliments on the look, the interior, and the smooth ride. I got this for less than 20k...this would have gone for closer to 30k with comparable models. The 4 cyl has great power, the trunk is huge, the interior has a very Euro-style to it, the shiftronic is great, the stereo is loud and even has tweeters. The warranty is phenomenal. Very happy with this purchase.

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  great ride - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By guinness1 - November 2 - 2:00 am

  What a great interior for look and ease odf use. Its a great ride and the exterior looks just like a jaguar. AC and is super ease of console is great. Radio could use a boost as well as cd player

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  Excellent Value - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Alhob - November 2 - 2:00 am

  You cant beat this car for the price. I shopped around for almost 2 months before finally deciding on the Sonata. I was unable to find any other car with as many amenities for the price. Ive now had the car for about 2 months and have put about 1000 miles on it. I have not had a bit of trouble with it so far. The last time I checked, I was getting about 22mpg in almost exclusively city driving. Handling is a little soft for my taste, but thats to be expected for a car in this class. My previous car was a Mitsubishi Eclipse, so I was used to something a little sportier.

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  Mechanical Nightmare. - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Sam - November 1 - 12:43 pm

  So as the economy riddles us all, I decide to purchase a fuel efficient low cost vehicle, low priced and one that will be reliable, boy did I make a mistake. I purchased 2009 sonata gls, the suspension is horrible, my transmission makes a slight rattle, I have creaking noises coming from my interior and I have only 1000 miles. The service manager and mechanics of course cannot locate the problems and are telling me that the noises will go away with time ? are you kidding me. I think everyone who is incurring these problems should create a petition forward it to Hyundai and take care of the issues. If anyone is thinking about a sonata, test drive it as long, far and as many bumps you can.

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  awesome car! - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By abelino - November 1 - 2:00 am

  it looks like a lexus from the front and a jaguar from the back!! cool!

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  actually reliable - 1999 Hyundai Sonata
  By karmafarma - November 1 - 2:00 am

  The 99 sonata is my second Hyundai(the first being a 2000 elantra) and once again I am amazed by how much I like these cars. Contrary to popular opinion regarding the old Hyundai reputation from 1990, my sonata gls has been a delight. The v6 really performs nicely even from a dead stop and still maintains decent mileage overall. A huge leap forward for Hyundai in their struggle to overcome a negative stereotype. Personally, I would buy another one of these in a heartbeat.

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  Hyundai LX, 2003 - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By E. Greet - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Totally satisfying experience. Great value for the money, many compliments from other lookers and drivers when parked almost daily. Design reminds many of "Jag S class" expecially rear lines.

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  If considering a Sonata, shop around. - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Perrott - October 30 - 2:00 am

  In the search for a mid-size sedan, shop around. The flaws that come after 2 years of driving are not worth the price I paid. I live in Canada, and paid $24,000 for the car. For that price, there are plenty of other good deals. There are too many unreliable things about the car. A 2 year old car should not be experiencing this many problems after 1 year. Maybe the Koreans just horribly botched my car, but Im stuck with it due to the horrible trade in value Im left with.

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  From 350Z to 2011 Sonata SE - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By 2011SonataSE - October 29 - 2:46 pm

  Just took delivery on a 2011 Hyundai Sonata SE. If you like what is portrayed in the Super Bowl ad (Geaux Saints) go out and take a first hand look. I came out of a Z and was a little worried about HP. ItÂ’s not dragster but with the 6 Speed VDC Trans it shifts like a dream. The exterior lines, paint form and fit are truly matched to the high end manufactureÂ’s standards. The interior is very impressive with well thought out placement of speakers, gauges and remarkably comfortable front and rear seats. The Bluetooth microphone is very well placed and connection clarity the best IÂ’ve ever experienced.Buy now before the discounts go away and/or the dealers realize what a catch this car is.