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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  Got it Right - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Joanne - October 12 - 4:03 pm

  Great ride, great looks . Got a lot of compliments from others.2nd Hyundai for me.Had 2002 XG350L before this and the Sonata was supposed to be a step down in class,but it certainly is not.This is sharper,roomier and just as luxurious. Only down side the tires,would reather have a better all round seasonal tire than the performance tires they use.

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  Pleased Overall! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Takis Tzinakos - October 12 - 11:16 am

  It`s my first Hyundai and after 16500 on the odometer I am pleased overall! It`s stylish, great interior space and trunk,Quiet and smoth,Silky Engine and dual-mode Transmission,34 miles per imperial gallon,good on twisty roads even with 5 passengers! Great value! Like to test drive the Azera.

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  2003 Hyundai Sonata 6cy auto - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Robert McNamara - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I reside in WV but had to travel to Ohio to get a good price. Limited Hyundai dealers in WV means no competition=poor bargaining power=higher price to consumer. Classy design looks elegant. Get the moonroof, its worth it. I paid $16,100 & took the special financing & feel I got a good deal. Buy at end of month & you will get a better deal due to dealers making their quotas. I just got back from Wilmington, NC and the car ran flawlessly. The warranty is incomparable. Buy this car & you will be in love with it.

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  WOW - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By hornyman - October 10 - 9:20 pm

  Just returned my 2007 Nissan Altima SL as my lease expired (which I enjoyed very much during my lease term) and was considering to lease a 2010 Altima SL again...until I read and test drove the new Sonata. WOW! Love the styling,ride,warranty and all the standard options on the Limited model which i just leased.Purchased the Phantom Black without the NAV option from Global Auto Mall in NJ (great people!)anyway... been driving it for a few days and really enjoying it. Only thing I sense is that the engine is slightly louder than my Altima maybe due to the fact it had a CVT transmission. Interior, XM and HD radio as well as front and rear heated seats is crazy! A headspinner on the road too !!

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  Best Car You Can Buy at 20K - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By by Chuck - October 10 - 12:50 am

  Hyundai sonata is very quiet. The curiosity led me to collect noise level data from internet. Here is my finding. Only Lexus LS430 is better than Sonata. It is a remarkable engineering achievement for a 20K car to have its interior noise level lower than those of 2006 Lexus GS430 V8, 2002 Infiniti Q45 V8, and 2005 MB E500 V8, and comparable to that of BMW 745i V8.

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  Sonats - 2016 Hyundai Sonata
  By Cml - October 8 - 7:49 pm

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  Worth the Money - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Bloodclot - October 8 - 2:00 am

  I have roughly 7800 miles on my Sonata and its been a great car from day 1. I do 95% city driving and I get a consistent 20MPG. The only problem Ive encountered was about 80 miles ago the engine light came on while I was driving. The dealer fixed the problem with no charge and no hassles. Power wise, its no drag racer but has been more than adequate for my needs. Handling has been good but there is body roll in sharp turns. The ride is smooth, quiet and comfortable. My 9 year old daughter loves the fold-down center console in the back seat. The build quality is excellent. It really is a tight and solid car.

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  Great car...if you keep it forever!! - 2001 Hyundai Sonata
  By Tee - October 8 - 2:00 am

  The car looks good and drives good. I had to replace the battery after almost 3 yrs., and the warranty lived up to itself. My main complaint is the resale value. If you are going to buy one, buy it used. We are getting ready to trade it in, and we are extremely disappointed in the trade in value.

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  Sonata 2015 Eco! Nice car. - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By JP - October 8 - 12:32 am

  I just bought mine maybe 2 weeks ago! This is my 3rd Hyundai. Very happy with the brand. Its a midsize car, roomy interior, with the gas mileage of a compact car. Awesome! They give you alot for a base model. The only thing I did not like is the stereo. Its VERY LOW wattage and low sound. I didnt realize that other models had an upgraded sound system. Disappointing, since I like loud sound and bass! Other than that, Im happy!

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  Excellent quality, so so mpg - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By smithcha100 - October 6 - 4:03 am

  If you want a nice car, luxury like but not at luxury prices, then this is the car you want. Good pickup but mpg lower than advertised.