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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  Best car for the money - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Orako - October 29 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. There is nothing to compare with the Accord or Camry. This is the best interior, exterior, mechanical... and cheapest one. The ride is very comfortable like any American car. The only thing I am a little bit disappointed is the audio. Its not bad but feel like an Aiwa. The subwoofer is not that good and I think its better to have 8 speakers rather that 6 for the limited.

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  Most bang for the buck you can get - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By Kevin - October 27 - 9:16 pm

  This is an outstanding vehicle, far more for your money than anything else on the market. Great features, impressive performance, and eye catching style. The engine has a great combination of power, performance, fuel economy, and smooth operation. Everything about this car is impressive. Every time I drive the car I feel that I am in a car that has to cost over $30,000 and cant believe all this was had for just over $20,000. Hyundai stands behind their cars like no other company, and the built quality shows. This car is built to last at least 100,000 miles with minimal repairs. This may be a Korean car company, but the Sonata is built in Alabama with 35% US/Canadian made parts.

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  OH WHAT A CAR - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By G.CHARLES - October 26 - 1:00 am

  GREAT DRIVING CAR AROUND TOWN AND ON THE ROAD. RECENTLY COMPLETED 2000 MILE ROAD TRIP WITH THREE OTHER ADULTS. AVERAGE 32 MPG USING CRUISE CONTROL AT AVE SPEED 62 MPH. ALMOST ALWAYS USE THE SELECT SHIFT SIDE. FIND THAT IT INHANCES PERFORMANCE OF 4 CYCLINDER ESPECIALLY UP HILL GRADES. DEALERSHIP (NORM REEVES-TEMECULA) HAS BEEN OUTSTANDING. NO HASSLE PURCHASE, ONLY ONE MINOR PROBLEM. ONE WIPER BLADE MADE NOISE WHILE IN OPERATION. THEY REPLACED BLADE AND NOISE WENT AWAY. VERY ROOMY FOR FOUR FULL SIZE ADULTS. LOTS OF HEADROOM. VERY COMFORTABLE. VERY COMPETITIVE PRICING. GREAT WARRANTY..

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  Glad I bought it - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Anthony from Texas - October 25 - 2:00 am

  The car is beautiful and its perfect if your on a budget like I am. I drove the car brand new from Texas to New York and back. No problems and the ride was extreamly comfortable. The warranty is great and Ive had no problems with the car as of now, I have 15000 miles on it. Get one - theyre inexpensive and will last for a long time.

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  First Hundai - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By PhilJr. - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Bought my first Hundai two days before Christmas. I would have liked the V6, but settled on the 4 cyl. Acceleration is more than sufficient. Ride is smooth; seats are comfortable; styling is superb. Combination highway & around town is 26 mpg which I consider excellent because the car hasnt even been broken in yet - 360 aggregate miles. With limited resources, I was very P&Q (Price & Quality) conscious. The price was right, the quality is apparent, & their warranty manifests the confidence of Hundais engineering for the next 10 years or 100,000 miles. As a discriminating buyer, I was completely sold on this car.

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  One week rental with a Sonata SE - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By David Myers - October 24 - 7:46 pm

  We have a car in the shop, so Ive been driving this for a week. I like it - maybe not enough to buy one in this configuration, but I do like the car very much. Its very quiet. It seems to be getting better than 25mpg in reasonably spirited driving. For a 180ish HP engine, I have not felt like there was not enough power at any time - even in the Eco mode of the transmission, which has three modes plus fully manual shifting (1 - 6th gear). The Bluetooth works well from the limited use it has gotten - it will read my text messages on my Windows 8.1 device - this is a HUGE plus for me. I am sorry that the XM trial has expired, I wouldve liked to judge the quality of the reception. Overall the radio is just OK - kind of tinny and the radio display shows you the radio station (105.1 for example) and nothing else. Maybe XM provides more info, I couldnt test it... It seems really big inside, and it is very comfortable. Ive been a fan of the trip computer with two trip odometers, and all of the user-settable configurations for the lights, sounds, language, etc. Tire pressure info for all four tires is handy to have. I really appreciate the auto-off headlights, even in the lowest trim and Ive just turned them on and forgot about them - the gauges are still perfectly legible with the headlights on all the time. I appreciated the holder for sunglasses, even in this base car. The Air Conditioning seems to be super effective too. If you unlock the car with the remote, and dont open a door within 90 seconds or so, the doors lock again - I like that. Big trunk, lots of space. The back seats fold down too, but I havent played with those at all. The rear doors open way up - great for access, and potentially an easy in/out for a kid in a car seat, but I didnt install one while I had it. What didnt I like? The looks are a bit too angular for me, I liked the way the previous model looked. The radio was marginal. The base sedan must have cheap tires, because this rental with only 21K on the clock already had mis-matched tires on it. No compass in this model, thats a bummer. I would really like fully automatic headlights, but that was not a reality in this model. Overall, I think that this is an honest competitor for the Camrys, Altimas and Accords of the world. Im glad that I rented one for a week, and if this is seriously on your shopping list, I think that maybe youd be wise to do the same, and see if you like it as much as I did.

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  A Challenge to the Japanese - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By roe1 - October 24 - 1:06 pm

  A superbly-engineered vehicle with a full range of accessories, comfort, and power for less than $23,000.

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  Great value for the money - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Andreamarie - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my red 2002 LX (fully loaded) since November, and its been nothing but a positive experience. I highly recommend getting the LX: the leather seats have been very durable, despite the abuse they have taken my two dogs. In fact, the seats still look brand new! Even our New Beetles leather seats looked shabby after a month or two. I still get a kick out of people staring at my car! Also note that although the outside styling is very different with this model, the engine has not been remodified too much, which cuts down on the risk unexpected suprises. This was a big selling point for me.

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  This is where its at! - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mr.Wright - October 24 - 2:00 am

  Great car! Lots of Bang for your buck. By far the best value, many extra features.

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  Love My Sonata - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By VLB - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I have been a Chevy owner (various models) for more than 15 years. This is my first non-American made car and I love it!!!