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 - 1995 Hyundai Sonata
  By paul the driver - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car at aroudn 50,000 miles and now it had 100,000 miles the car performed very well untill about 90,000 and then everythign just started falling apart i spend maybe 3,000 on repairs and currently my transmission only has 3rd gear i will redline on a highway at 90mph i cant take turns at more then 25mph or it will skid out i dont recomend buying a hyundai i would rather have a civic then this car

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  first couple months - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By EYEAGER - August 11 - 9:43 pm

  the exterior styling is better than any honda or toyota,.feature content for the money is better than any car line out on the market. no rattles or squeeks, engine response is excellent and shift-tronic is needed for any four cylinder model car. who else has a car with michelin tires, alloy wheels,speed control,pwr door locks and windows,audio controls on steering wheel, cd player with mp3, side impact air bags, side curtain air bags, huge trunk space and interior room, all for $18500.00../no honda/toyota/ford/dodge/chevy or even mercedes can match that price.! and vehicle and engine are made here in america!! gas mileage here in california is the only complaint - only one complaint!!

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  Impressed by first Hyundai - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By fwypilot - August 10 - 7:54 am

  This is our first Hyundai. Between my wife and I, we have put on about 3500 miles (70/30 Hwy/Cty). Gas mileage has been averaging around 27-28 mpg. I am 6 ft. 3 in. tall and my wife is 5 ft. 2 in. We both find the seats to be comfortable and supportive. Our car had a mid level upgrade that came with Nav/XM/iPod/Bluetooth. The 300+ watt stereo with Dimensions brand speakers produces quality sound (not earth shaking) with a variety of music. Interior fit and finish seem to be spot on. Exterior has been holding up well. I just finished a drive to Vegas from L. A. and found the ride to be very smooth, quiet and solid, qualities we didnt expect with Hyundai. Dont pass this car up!

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  love/hate relationship with this car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By karolewithak - August 9 - 7:57 am

  I enjoy riding in and driving this car - when I can keep it out of the shop. The service department people are great to me but cant seem to get all of the problems fixed. So far, the brake sensor went out, had a steering part recall, replaced the shift knob. Theres an AC-related intermittent knock in the glove box area that a new AC compressor didnt fix it. Something in the steering or suspension rattles over rough road or bad parking lots. A new strut assembly didnt help. The auto lock works but doesnt beep, but does double-beep when I unlock it. Sometime the driver window wont go back up, but the service guys cant duplicate that. Its tiresome.

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  Sonata is a great car - 2001 Hyundai Sonata
  By Brian_in_MD - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I had an Excel before which was great, but the quality and value of the Sonata is outstanding. I use it for short commutes and long trips with the family and it does the job really well. I have had one problem with the power windows which was fixed under warrantee.

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  Smooooth and Quiet - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By MAX Cs review - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This is the smoothest and quietest car that I have ever had. The interior is very easy to use and very rommy and comfortable. the a/c is good and you almost never feel bumps. overall better than any toyota for the price range. And engine has enough power for a family.

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  2010 GLS 4cyl - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jess - August 6 - 6:46 pm

  Just completed a 2000 mile trip to Kansas from Georgia. The car was very comfortable, handled the rough interstates well, averaged 33 mpg, and held all of our luggage easily. Car replaced a 2001 mini-van. We miss the room, but the cars performance far exceeds the trade-off for room.

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  Great vehicle, one complaint - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By George - August 5 - 10:00 am

  I have nothing bad to say about my 2011 Hyundai Sonata in regards to the performance. I feel it is a great car for the money and you cant beat the warranty.

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  A loser - 1999 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ray Wilson - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car with 38K on it (a major mistake). Hyundais warranty is good but car has recurring problems. When warranty expires (60K) or 5 yrs) the car starts to literally fall apart. virtually everything but the motor will need to be re-placed. Even stuff fixed under warranty is only good for 12 month period. Dont keep this car after warranty expires, you will be SORRY.

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  Luxury you can afford - 2001 Hyundai Sonata
  By Antonito - August 3 - 2:00 am

  I love the car. It rides very smooth, classy look,spacy,affordable,sound system great. Negative Features: Cruise control button is placed in inconvenient location. Mirrors stick out a little too far. Front bumber always scrapes when parking(too low). A little wind noise when windy and at high speed. If you get a side wind the car rocks. Power steering is a little loud. Upset that I didnt know they were coming out with a new model the following year. Over all I would recomend the car. I have had no problems with it. If you have an opportunity, test drive, you will be blown away. It drives like a new Jag!