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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  Hyundai Sonata GLS - Awesome - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Kim Seth - December 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Hynundai and I am always glad to tell people about them. I own the 2003 Sonata GLS in slate gray. It is a gorgeous vehicle! I get stares and comments on this car all the time! Everyone wants to know "What kind of car is that?" and "Thats a beautiful car." I also like to tell them that you wont find a comperable American vehicle for less than $5,000 more. Its styling, affordability, and warranty speak for themselves. Go try one out - you wont be disappointed!

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  Crap on wheels - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ash - December 1 - 12:25 am

  This car has been to the shop once a week since I bought it. There is a squeak in the front wheel and they cant find the source. The visor broke, the power window broke, the manual shift broke, very poor quality. I will not own another Hyundai. I plan on trading this off as soon as the warranty is up.

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  Hyundai Sonata 3.3L V6 review - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By John - November 30 - 9:47 pm

  I Love my car but my problems with it is the bulbs on the rear and head lights and fog lights go out every 2months or so and the vinyl shades want stay up they keep falling down, I think Im going to buy me a Nissan Altima 3.5 SE next time because Hyundai is not a great product to buy when it comes to havent it long term. So Nissan here I come

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  Love this car!! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Michael B - November 30 - 5:20 pm

  Coming off of a 4-year lease of a Saturn Ion, I was diligent about test driving many different cars (e.g., Maxima, Altima, CC, TSX, etc). For me it came down to the 2010 Acura TSX Tech and the 2011 Sonata Limited (w/ Navigation). For the value I could not beat the Sonata. The look and feel of the two cars were comparable, however I liked the few extra touches on the Sonata (like the push button ignition) and of course the price. Overall, I could not be more pleased with my purchase.

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  GREAT CAR, except breaks - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Dave NY - November 30 - 11:49 am

  My first brand new car purchase. I have loved the car for 5.5 years, longest I have owned a car by 200%. Only prob has been breaks...needed new rotors all around after 20k. Needed more work another 15k into it. Tires replaced at about 35k. I dont drive the car aggressively. Everything else was amazing. Trading it in, got $5k for it. Not bad, I paid $14,600 with sunroof 5.5 years ago.

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  Fun to look at & Drive - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Richard Bowser - November 27 - 4:20 pm

  This vehicle is fun to drive and great looking. Ive had people look at the car and thought I had bought a "Beamer". Hyundai has come a long way.

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  Trans Issue! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By DAM - November 27 - 12:16 am

  Was on cloud 9 when driving home w/my new 2011 sonata, until 2 weeks and 680 miles later, on my birthday, to find myself calling roadside assistance 1 hr before having to leave for an event, when I placed my car in drive and it went into reverse! Thinking I was crazy, I tried 3x from park to drive with no luck. Called my husband to witness this, and 2 additional bystanders saw my car problem, car was in drive & went into reverse without foot on gas! They reset computer and do not know why this happened, but dealership and Hyundai want car to duplicate problem before they will take action! Do not feel safe and I am not the happy car owner I was 2 weeks ago! I will continue to take action!

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  After 6 months, I still love it. - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By GStrom - November 26 - 10:53 am

  I am very happy with this car. I believe it is one of the best values on the market. Compared to what other car companies are offering for the same price. I stack this sedan toe to toe against comparable sized sedans at a 5 to 8 thousand dollar savings.

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  A great car for the money - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Steve Williams - November 26 - 10:00 am

  My limited is a great car, however the interior still feels a bit cheap. The plastic applique on the inside of the door is horrid, IMHO. Traded an 07 V6 Altima, so it truly isnt quick compared to the V-6. Cant believe the limited didnt have dual exhaust! I was shocked at no heated seats in SE. I know Im sounding picky, but this is my 38th car and Ive had all makes and models. The stereo (Dimension) sounds pretty good. The trunk in the Sonata is huge, yes 4 sets of golf clubs! Back seat is smallish due to slopped roof-line. Center stack very logical. Sunroof is smallish too. But mileage is great and the price cant be beat. Great car for $. Leather seats are mediocre.

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  2011 sonata limited - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Barry - November 26 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Hyundai just traded in my Santa Fe to buy the Sonata.The Santa fe was great for what it is an SUV but it was reliable.The Sonata Ive only owned for 3 weeks & this car is so much fun to drive not only the performance of this 4 cylinder engine but the 6 speed tranny is fabulous.The sound system & all the wonderful extras it has makes it feel like Im driving my 450sl.Smooth ride & handles turns like you wouldnt believe front passenger seat could use the power controls wow.Hyundai you did a great job drives like a sports car.