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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  I might think twice - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By not proud - October 5 - 2:00 am

  I had this car about 8mos and about 7,000 mile before check engine light came on it took the deal 3 weeks to fix.

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  Traded my 2005 BMW 325i! =) - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By shane - October 4 - 11:10 am

  Coming from a BMW, I was very pleased with the bells and whistles in the car, but moreover I was impressed with the sporty feel of the car. The size puts it in the range of the 5-series, but I was sold on the 198hp engine with the gas mileage of a 4-cylinder engine. Why would I need a 6-cylinder??? The only thing Ill miss is the auto-sensing wipers, but thats a small sacrifice for this bold and beautiful car. You wont be disappointed, and hopefully this will AT LEAST get you to take a test drive. Got the limited for $24,100, so negotiate hard. I feel safer in this car than with the side curtain airbags, which the BMW lacked (in 05 model). With a 9 month old, safety is everything!

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  Could be more comfort - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Alan - October 3 - 2:10 am

  We had the car for two months. My only complaint is the rough ride and better comfort front seats. The car needs different tires. 17 inch rims and low profile tires do not give a smooth ride. Hyundai needs to work on this. Other wise a great car

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  Mileage champ - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jack - October 2 - 2:03 pm

  Car has GDI engine, I bought new, now have 56k miles. Outstanding gas mileage. Best highway mileage was with just me in the car, barely any luggage and a fall day, keeping it on flat ground thru the Midwest for 400 miles at between 65 and 70 mph I got 41 mpg, and this was dividing number of gallons by miles driven. Computer is always optimistic - usually 2 mpg higher than what it really is when checking the math. Car gets around 26-27 mpg city, with the family in the car and going 70 on the freeway expect 36-38 mpg. Decent power with the 2.4 engine. I run full synthetic oil all the time and BG fuel and oil cleaners regularly. Standard radio is the only downfall. It is weak. Road noise is also a minor irritation. Comfort of a/c and heater are good. Absolutely no mechical issues to date. Battery lasted 3 year, Hankook tires were replaced after 55k miles, - they could have gone 60k though but were getting real noisy. Replaced tires with contenitial dws06 tires. They are about the same as the original hankooks which I think were real good tires. Car goes good in the snow, but as tires wear you loose traction on incline and experience spin. Car handle real well in the wet weather. Lots of room and cargo space for family of 4. Well put together car, but depreciates quickly. Get a used one as there is no difference between the 2011 thru 2014.

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  Just bought it - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Pierre - October 2 - 8:26 am

  I have replace my BMW with this new Sonata 2006 and let me tell you, I would never pay big bucks anymore, this new 2006 has everything plus the comfort and speed and road stability. The manufacturer has put a lot in this new 2006 and they have succeeded, paying for big names is not value anymore, you have to try this new Hyundai.

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  Good Review - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Famous Bill - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Bird doo doo leaves marks in paint too easily. I question the quality of paint and what it will look like in three to four years even though my car is housed in a garage most nights.

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  Black beauty - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Paul Friedman - September 27 - 8:10 pm

  This car is a very good deal. The steering is well connected and the ABS brakes are well suited for city traffic. The seats are comfortable for both my wife and me. I like the performance fro a 4 cylinder engine. No trouble with hiway on ramps.

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  Best deal out there - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By DL - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Ive read a lot of these reviews, especially before I bought the Sonata. I am glad I did. For the money it is a great deal. The 32 mpg on the highway is right and that is with the AC on and 70 mph. It cruises nicely on the highway. Dash controls are easy and make sense. Back seat is roomy compared to others. Some reviews were unimpressed with handling, and it is a bit soft, but still very good. My only complaint is the suspension; it is clunky on a bumpy road. If Hyundai solves that issue they will have an unbeatable car.

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  What an excellent car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Sonata Lover - September 26 - 6:56 am

  First i considered Camry or Accord but were too expensive and had less features than Sonata. So I purchased one and it is just Flawless. Built quality is still not as good as Japanese cars but otherwise, the Sonata is the winner even with the 4cyl engine. Roomy cabin, excellent ride quality and subpar steering. The cabin is quite even above 70miles/h. Guage is clear and simple. 4speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. Sonata is not only a great family car, it is also fun to drivc!!

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  Great Car, Great Price - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By mboog - September 24 - 10:00 am

  Bought the Sonata LX w/ ABS, Traction Control, Moon-roof, and that fancy mirror a few days back. Lots of car for an amazing price of 19K, Great warranty, amazing financing, and a rebate to boot! The car is great looking, and very plush inside. The ride is smooth and very quiet, and theres room for the family. I think Honda and Toyota have some serious competition here.