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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  Rent one first - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By josh97056 - August 2 - 4:16 pm

  I dont like my new Sonata Limited Platinum - What a huge mistake! The main problem I have with the car is the outrageously over-sensative electronic throttle. After 3 weeks of driving it I have a horrible ache in my foot because Im always holding it in a wierd position up off the throttle. Im unable to rest my foot on the throttle at all, there is no swivel arm action either, the gas pedal is just a hunk of plastic. The vehicle is also VERY slow to upshift on full acceleration. Ive had to adjust my driving to allow for a second or two before the car actually takes off, however when it finally does decide to go it really gets up and goes! it is fast and safe, I will give it that.

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  wheel barings - 2000 Hyundai Sonata
  By jean ferguson - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Its been a good car for the money. However, with less than 25,ooo miles on the car, and not quite 3 years old, both back wheel barings had to be replaced. I treat this car with kid gloves. NO wear and tear. This would indicate a manufactoring problem. And a dangerous one at that. It is a good solid ride, and I enjoy the car. The Hyundai towing service is excellent. They picked up my car in a matter of minutes and towed it to the nearest dealership to be repaired. The towing, and work on the car were free.

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  2012 Sonata Limited Turbo with Nav (Excellent Value) - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By zoomzoom27 - August 1 - 1:11 am

  I bought this car used about six months ago, and I must say it feels and drives like a much more expensive car then the one I paid for. I have owned BMWs, Nissans and Toyotas in the past and I feel this is a better car. The turbo 4 cylinder engine really does feel like a V6, I have a V6 Toyota Venza and I know what I am talking about. This thing Just takes off without any fuss, granted the engine only had 16K miles when I bought this car. Anyone planning on buying turbo model, keep in mind, this car requires 91 octane or higher, and synthetic oil changes, which is little more mony, but it will keep your car working for years to come. This is my 1st hyundai product and it gets 5 from me.

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  Trial and error car - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By greeneyedraven - July 31 - 1:46 am

  This is the first foreign car we have purchased. We chose it based on statistics and very affordable price. We have owned it over 2 years and while a good car, not overly impressed. Still giving it time to see what happens. I have yet to get the gas mileage reviews quote. I average 22-26 mpg.

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  First time Hyundai owner - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By urik - July 26 - 8:20 am

  Bought my 06 GLS V6 used with 14K. Liked the style and drivability. Combines comfort with a sporty feel, and the V6 is an added plus. We have an 05 Camry SE 4I, which is a super car and gets great gas mileage. The mileage for a V6 Sonata isnt much different, which was an added attraction. I actually prefer my Sonata to the Camry, but both cars are great. Except, my Sonata cost less and gave me more bang for the buck. My hope is that the value will hold up over time, and that it will be as reliable as my Camry.

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  A Great Deal - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Scordova - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Overall, this car has a great, great ride. It is very smooth in comparison to the Toyota Camry. With its low wheelbase, it corners very well with stable, predictable handling. The six cylinder motor gives plenty of extra kick when accelerating and going up steep grades, even with a full load.

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  Quality of leather seat is poor. - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By Taylor - July 25 - 9:41 am

  Bought a 2015 Sonata Sports in July 2015. The drivers seat leather color is coming off. Its turned grey and looks worn. I have contacted Hyundais consumer department and the dealership about the problem. They say its worn out from getting in and out of the vehicle. This is poor quality!!! They say they cant correct the problem. Why do I have a warranty if the problem cant be corrected? I have had leather seats in other cars I owned and his has never occurred. One car I had for 10 years and this never happened. A vehicles leather seats should not begin to deteriate within a year. Its disappointing that Hyundai doesnt stand behind their products. This is the first and last Hyundai I will purchase.

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  Seat of the pants - 1991 Hyundai Sonata
  By philosopher - July 25 - 2:00 am

  We drove the Hyundai as a lark and it blew away the competition. The test drive made you feel you were king of the road. I save 4k and got the best riding vehicle in its class. The only thing I would do better is get a v6.

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  Love my new car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By K Crawford - July 24 - 8:36 pm

  Ive had my new Sonata Limited, all black with gray leather interior for about a month now, and I love it! It has everything I ever wanted in a car for a reasonable price, yet features compare with Lexus, Mercedes, Acura, etc.

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  Hooray for Hyundia - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By L. Stephens - July 24 - 10:00 am

  After comparing car prices such as BMW, Volvo, Volkswagon, Honda, Toyota I consistantly returned back to the Hyundia Sonata LX V6. I test drove all of the above and could not see paying the high dollers for a "name" brand vehicle, when I could get the same options, comfort and reliability from the Hyundia at a much better price. I am very happy with my purchase.