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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  What a surprise! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Bryan - June 23 - 4:13 pm

  I went to test drive this car because my wife got an e-mail offering $50 to do so, but we had no intention of ever owning a Hyundai! Unlike the 2005, this car ROCKS! I cannot believe how well it handles the road, the way the engine responds to input or the over feel of quality and smoothness to this car! The real selling point to me, was learning that Hyundai has built a $2 billion facility in the U.S.A. I feel good about this car and know I made a smart choice. It has value, good looks, is an absolute JOY to drive and best of all? Im feeding OUR economy by buying it... unlike so many "American" cars. GM, Ford, others (you know who you are), you have let us ALL DOWN!!!

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  Buy it! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By SG - June 23 - 10:00 am

  We have received so many compliments about our purchase, and we love to drive it! Performance is excellent, especially the fuel efficiency. The design competes with all the luxury cars hands down.

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  Quality! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Nana Golfs - June 23 - 10:00 am

  I was bowled over by the look of this car. I havent had a "car" since my 1992 Cad Eldorado. Have had 3 mini vans & traded in a Scion XB. Wanted to get a new vehicle, thought about a small suv. The Scion was OK, but not comfortable for my husband. This Sonata is beautiful & has the feel of a much more expensive car. It also has lots of pep. The trunk is spacious. I always have a cart & large golf bag in it. My husbands bag fits in also. Im getting about 28 mpg, as good or better then I got with the Scion, with a lot more comfort & good looks. Cant say enough about how much I love it.

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  2012 Sonata 6-speed Manual - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By cjithaca25 - June 22 - 8:42 pm

  I looked at a number of competitors to the Sonata, including the Accord, Mazda 6, Mazda 3, Chevy Cruze, and even the Elantra. I kept coming back to the Sonata for its value for the money - so many standard features, roomy cabin and great gas mileage. The Bluetooth audio works great. The gas mileage has been outstanding. I got the 6-speed since I love driving stick-shift. I have been underwhelmed with its performance. Unfortunately, the stick is just not smooth, especially going from 2nd to 3rd gear. Ive been driving it for several months and it just doesnt feel well-tuned. Having said that, the acceleration is great and the ride is quiet and comfortable.

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  Dream Machine - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By clayman100 - June 22 - 8:13 pm

  I really love my Sonata, turbo. It is very stylish and gets great mileage. I drive to the Jersey coast during the summer, its a flat, straight drive at 65 MPH standard which means everyone drives at 75. I can get 37 MPG at 70 MPH in cruise control. Ive checked this a half dozen times already. Im positive this will improve with a K&N air filter. Its very responsive, can hardly hold it back. I thought Im really going to get in trouble speeding on I-95 with this car but so far I lucked out. Love the price and warranty. Last car was a 07 Tucson which I also liked but not the mileage. Owned it a year now and no problems. Two thumbs up and a smile.

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  Fabulous Car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By jetstar88 - June 20 - 9:14 am

  I was initially undecided on whether to buy the Sonata or its sister, the Kia Optima. Kia also had an impressive exterior. The interior did not impress me at all. (Dash & console) I believe Hyundai just has better resale value to. I viewed the base auto GLS but had to add a few options, such as power seat, alloy wheels. Along with Bluetooth on the steering wheel. Ive owned close to 20 cars in my life. Including a brand new 89 Sonata. This car is the most luxurious and well appointed vehicle I have owned and for the least money.

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  Best car for the money - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By quint26 - June 18 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Sonota for only six months and I seem to like it better every day. I drive 92 miles to work and it has been a very comfortable road car, very quiet, and good ride.

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  First Time Hyundai Owner - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ralph Yelland - June 17 - 10:00 am

  Only one problem, the silver trim fell off during a long trip.

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  love this car - 1998 Hyundai Sonata
  By pepperdevil - June 17 - 2:00 am

  This car feels big and expensive. I bought it used and spent about 1/2 of what I would have for a new version of a competing car (Accord, Altima, etc.). I have spent the past few years driving from Phoenix to LA and back and this car has taken it like a champ - very comfortable and safe-feeling car. The only problems I have had are the motors on the power windows going bad, the power door locks lock themselves when the weather gets warm (???) and for the life of us, we cant get the brakes to stop sqealing. All bearable to have a car I can rely on and that fits me like a glove.

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  Red Turbo - 2014 Hyundai Sonata
  By brianj6 - June 16 - 6:21 pm

  I purchased a 2014 turbo SE. I wanted a v6 but did not want to spend the gas for the power, so the turbo fits the bill. With 274 horsepower it has plenty of power for merging onto the freeway, passing, and gets a respectable 0-60 time. I am averaging 23 mpg city, and 33 hwy. The car is smoother and quieter than the 2013 gls we have. The backup camera is nice, it take some getting used to if you never had one. I have already used it to help in parallel parking. I like the handling, steering, power, comfort, and style that the Sonata turbo SE has. I highly recommend the Sonata turbo to anyone wanting the power of a v6 but the gas mileage of a 4 banger.