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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  The worse decision Ive made - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Worst Mistake - June 30 - 9:40 pm

  I bought my 2009 Sonata new and I have had it for a year and half and have had to take it to the dealer 7 times in addition to it regular maintenance. The upholstery of the driver seat was coming off within the first 3 months of having the car (3 trips total for that because the dealer did not have the part and then installed it incorrectly). Then, the side view mirror became loose without any reason (no dent or damage) resulting in 2-3 trips to the dealer. Lastly, a whistling noise was coming from the engine and clicking sound was noted from the shift gear box. The whistling sound ended up being the catalytic converter which had to be replaced.

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  15,000 Mile Review - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By colonel12 - June 29 - 9:07 pm

  Ive had this car for about 8 months, 15,000 miles, and not a single problem. It is very comfortable, theres minimal road noise, and highway fuel economy is great. Its been very reliable thus far, only needing routine maintenance. We also have a 2015 Toyota Camry in the family, and this vehicle trounces the Camry in nearly every way. The interior materials are better, the ride is better, MUCH less road noise, etc. The push button start, proximity key, automatic climate control, heated seats, etc. in a sub $25,000 car is a phenomenal value. Im still enjoying my Sonata as much as I did the day I drove it home. Go check it out!

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  Great car for the $ - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By curtinator - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I have had only minor problems with the vehicle. Power antenna sticks. Cd Player problems. Once I approached 30,000 miles, engine squeks.The transmission has a had time finding the right gear.

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  A GOOD AUTO - 2000 Hyundai Sonata
  By PP - June 28 - 2:00 am

  GOOD RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION - EASY ON GAS - HVAC FLAWLESS - LEANS A BIT ON TIGHT CURVES - STYLING IS COMMENTED ON BY STRANGERS, THIS STYLE SEEMS TO BE PREFERRED BY FRIENDS RATHER THAN THE UPDATED STYLING THAT TENDS TO BE TOO SQUARE - -

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  The Best - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Danny - June 27 - 11:46 pm

  I was very skeptical about buying a Hyundai, but all my fears have gone away and I think that I will only buy Hyundai from now on. THis car is a dream come true..and affordable.

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  98 Sonata Reliability for less - 1998 Hyundai Sonata
  By vincent1234 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Great experience - no mechanical or transmission problems ever- just oil changes. For the price like driving an accord for half the cost

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  Awesome Car !! - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Joe D. - June 25 - 9:53 pm

  I looked at the Accord and test drove it and then looked at the Sonata and the choice was easy to me, Hyundai was a no brainer buy for me hands down, got the Platinum edition and you just cant beat the price.

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  Great value, solid car - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Paul - June 25 - 11:03 am

  I have had my 2009 Sonata Limited for about 10 months now and could not be happier. There was an irritating rattle in the drivers side window that the dealership took a couple of tries to fix but other than that I have no complaints. The V6 gives good acceleration when needed and the handling, while not sportscar-esque, is smooth and pleasant. Excellent brakes. I commute every day about 30 miles each way through some mountain passes in Northwest Washington, which can get dicey in the winter. Or for the rest of the year it is raining. The Sonata is a good inclement weather car, at least for these parts. I have averaged a solid 30 mpg highway miles and 25-27 in town. Very solid, reliable car.

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  Look out! Toyota! Its comin to get ya~ - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By yount79 - June 25 - 5:50 am

  First of all,Im very proud of Hyundai. Korea is where I came from and even though I love my home country, I never thought Id buy a Hyundai. But, I truly believe this new Sonata can kick some serious rear! (especially camrys and accords). I bought it six months ago, so far I have no problems to report.

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  Very Nice Car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mike - June 24 - 7:53 pm

  I bought this car in March and my mother liked so much she went and bought a fully a loaded limited with the Nav. I have heard some people saying they are not getting good gas mileage. Sounds a bit odd as I am averaging between 38 and 40 mpg. But of course, I do not "punch it" and I drive between 65 and 70 mph which is the optimum speed for mileage. As far as the looks, very nice car, love the inside. The SE version I bought is a bit more stiff because of the suspension, their is a difference as I drove my mothers limited and it is noticeably softer so if you dont like the stiff ride. The GLS or limited would be the car to get.