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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unhappy camper - 2001 Hyundai Sonata
By jmsmin - October 22 - 2:00 amThis car had more problems than can be explained in 700 words. Briefly, the air conditioner compresser gutted at about 8,000 miles, the engine would die and not restart, (a sensor they said), the engine jumped time and when it was returned, died the nest day. It was towed 9 times and spent as much time in the shop as on the road. At 36,000 miles the engind jumped time again and would not run, the dealer would not fix the problem, and I returned the car to them. I was out down payment and year and half of payments on a car that was at best a piece of junk. No more Hyundais for me.
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Most Impressive in its class - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
By Jack in Arkansas - October 22 - 12:16 amMy kids both owned the early Hyundai models that we deemed THROW AWAY cars. I was leaning toward a Honda and test drove some, but I kept reading the reviews on the Sonata and test drove one. I bought it immediately. Much more for the money than my second choice -- Honda. This is quite an impressive machine. Then, there is the price and the warranty. All together an unbeatable fine automobile for the money!
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Happy New Owner - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
By AnthonyN - October 20 - 2:00 amPurchased this vehicle 2 weeks ago after waiting 6 mos. before making a final purchase. Researched the Hondas and Toyotas and ONLY the Sonata grabbed me with its stylish exterior. Ive always believed in anything mechanical that it must looks as good as it works...... and while the Honda and Toyota have great work records they dont look good to me. With the 10 year warranty I am sure that the Sonata will still look good if it ever needs fixed. Whereas the others will still look bad even if they last forever.
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great car - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
By briggs - October 19 - 2:00 amthe sonata is one great car, very reliable,the only problem i have had was the battery.excellent gas milage,lots of fun to drive.i highly recomend this car.
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Love my Sonata - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
By ND Sonata Lover - October 19 - 2:00 amI love my Sonata!! It is fun to drive and a great looker! I traded in a 2000 Bonneville and never looked back. For the money and the options, I got such a great deal and it looks like a million bucks. I will never go back to a GM car again!
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THE BEST SPORTS SEDAN - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
By Sam - October 17 - 12:03 pmThis car is the most fun to drive and practical car I have ever owned. We have put 3500 miles on it and gone on vacation and it is wonderful to drive.
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Over 2 years with Sonata 2012 Limited 2.4L with navigation, Hankook-Tire H431 215/55/17 V - 28,000 miles - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
By dave436 - October 17 - 9:57 amI might be wrong / you have different situation but Id like to help someone who are suffering from the issues as the same as mine. 1. Creaking noise from rear suspension - fixed by dealer 2. Pulling issue & tire noise at high speed - dealers answer : no problem - My solution : Adjust wheel alignment & Changed tires to Michelin MXV4 94H(94V recommend) - It works great. 3. Hands free button malfunction (sometimes) - replaced by dealer 4. Cruise control "SET"/"Cancel" malfunction (50% failure) - dealers answer : no problem - waiting for 100% failure. 5. Weird noise from engine. - Using Octane 91 / 93 Gas. Now Im feeling more comfortable after spending money & time.
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Hyundai lover! - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
By Sandra Wood - October 15 - 11:22 amFirst of all I had a 2011 Hyundai before this one ! Now, I think this is a great vehicle ! I love the heated leather seats! Plus the Blue Link app is great to have in the winter! I have the sun roof which I would give up for either the rear camera or navigation! The gas Milage around town isnt the greater but great on the highway ! I am keeping this vehicle after the lease but will buy another in the future!
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Good car for the money - mostly - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
By L - October 14 - 3:33 pmI have had this car for over two months and have taken two substantial trips with it, in addition to daily city driving. Plusses: fabulous pick- up; good performance; decent comfort; roomy; fairly smooth ride (especially when fully loaded with passengers); GREAT highway mileage -- my record so far: 38.4 mpg (single occupant, A/C, minimal luggage, flat topography, cruise control, 65-68 mph); Minuses: cant seem to fill tank up without the pump auto-shutting off at about 2/3 full; mysterious fresh petroleum odor from air-vents, especially when idling; confusing/ambiguous/redundant- looking A/C temp/fan controls; auto headlights dont seem to activate easily enough (e.g., when rainy, cloudy)
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Love love love this car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
By Judymomof3 - October 13 - 11:16 amI researched getting a car for 6 months, narrowed it down to 3, then test drove them all. The Sonata won hands down. It handles like a sports car and is just as fun to drive with plenty of elbow room for my 3 kids in the back. Im 1/2 way through my 1st tank of gas and my only complaint is my gas mileage is only 24. I hope that changes with the 2nd 1/2. I do 75% highway driving and was expecting it to be higher. Ill update if something changes. That being said, this is still the best car Ive ever driven. I got the red one and it is hot. I would highly recommend this car to everyone.