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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  New Car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By dan.mccabe - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Best car in its class, if I were Lexus, Acura or any other dealer on the high end market, I would be worried!

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  New to the Hyundia family - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By GGagne1955 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Just purchases a 2004 Sonata and a 2004 Elantra for our son in college. Very pleased with both vehicles. Dealer was a pleasure to work with, they even allowed us to apply the Hyundai loyalty owner rebate to the Sonata. Our first trip in the sonata returned a very good 29.33 miles per gallon.

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  Good car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mike - June 10 - 12:43 pm

  I just wanted to say that I have had Chevy products before I bought this Sonata and all I can say so far that this is a great car. I enjoy driving it and I would recomend this car to any one.

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  Big inside for big person - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Actuary - June 8 - 9:10 pm

  Car is now 5 days old and I still like it. I had to replaced a 93 Grand Marquis due to the high price of gas and a 110 mile a day commute. This was the best fit (at 61", 225 lbs) for both my budget and size. Acceleration, handling, and breaking are all terrific, although it does not take much to beat my last car. The big plus is comfort - much better gas milage and I am not hitting my head on the ceiling. Interior "usable" space is on par with the GM (I neve had more than 4 people in there anyway). Radio and climate controls are easier to reach. Trunk is also more usable (less bending over). All in all, the best compromise between size and fuel efficieny I could find.

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  The Most Inexpensive Jaguar - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By HyundaiBeliever - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I purchased an 03 Hyundai Sonata GLS with 8K miles. I owned an 03 XG350 prior. I drove across the US 1,400 miles. The interior comfort is amazing. The ride and handling is actually BETTER than the more expensive XG350. The shiftronic feature was great driving through mountains. Most interestingly Im constantly complimented on the "cool" design. Next to the new Jaguars, there are a LOT of similarity. The price makes me feel SMART. For smart car buyers who arent out to impress with a name (HYUNDAI wont) and want a LOT of car for your dollar, buy the Sonata. The 24/7 roadside assistance gives peace of mind that I didnt expect.

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  Ageless Looking & Sporty - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jack - June 5 - 2:45 pm

  The one thing all buyers should be aware of and this goes for many cars from 1995 to 2008 is that many, even Acura used timing belts. Many of these cars engines are Interference engines which means extremely close tolerances. So, if the timing belt breaks (It will give no warning) , most likely it will destroy your engine. If the engine is non-interference (many 1995 to 2000 were) it means your walking and need to get your car towed, and looking at a $700 repair to reinstall the belt. So, if you are intent to buy one and dont know if that belt was replace, then you must replace it soon or gamble on losing your engine. The 2002 V-6 Sonata I bought looked almost brand new in and out , underneath and even the engine bay. (I know dealers clean them, but the car was well pampered.) I paid a bit more but this car was outstanding. Not one ding on the car, no accidents , EC interior, and only one very small minor scratch (about an inch ) on the bumper. Pearl White. I did own a 2002 4 cyl long ago and I never had a problem with it. I also own a 2013 Elantra Limited and like that as well. I know its early in the process but I put about 550 miles on it so far, and no complaints and very happy. There is a lot of junk out there in that price range. I had Toyotas and they are wonderful reliable cars and would have bought another had the price been right. Anyway, In its present condition it hard to think there will be problems popping up soon, but then again, its relatively new and it is a 14 year old car, but I can tell somethings were replace like the A/C , and front brakes etc. I wrench on cars so I can do somethings when they do come up. I would say the idle is not the smoothest but once in drive it is pretty quiet and a very comfortable soft ride. Quiet in park as well. Tires look almost new, and exhaust doesnt seem that old, so its relatively quiet, accept upon acceleration. It emits a growl, which sounds kinda like dual exhaust so its not too troubling. No its not as quiet as my new car on acceleration but hey, it is 14 years old. Power is decent at 170 HP. Handling is good, and visibility is real good. Brakes are firm. Everything works well, including Power sunroof. Dash looks brand new , and its beige in color. I can tell this car spent a lot of time in the garage and not in the sun. Paint shines! I saw many articles on the rear brakes and how they made lock up. Yes, I think the design was bad. I did take the rear wheels off, and I believe the problem is the metal slide clips they use are a bad design. I sanded down those slides, and also the edge of the pads, and used high temp grease to ensure movement. I just want to avoid possible problems since it seems this was a concern. Its not hard to do this.

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  Love my 2011 SE - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By toojoi - June 4 - 1:40 pm

  I just bought my SE 3 wks ago and I LOVE IT!! Only 964 miles so far. Very sexy and I love the sporty feel. Yet it still as the full size feel on the inside. Handling is great with the tight turns and fast pickup. Keep in mind, this is the sport package so the ride is slightly rougher. But in all, its fun to drive and gets lots of attention.Only concern is the traction in the snow. So far Ive had some problems on slippery surfaces. Looking into this. Ive heard I might have to change to a better tire, which I hate to do on a brand new car.

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  Make up for the low price in repairs - 1997 Hyundai Sonata
  By Leeann - June 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Sonata used a couple years ago. It ran fine for about six months. When it hit 100,000 it fell apart. Ive had it in the shop about twice a month for the last year and a half. It has been one headache after another. I would recommend that you not touch this car with a 10-foot pole.

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  Excellent vehicle - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By tecolotelrd - June 2 - 3:32 pm

  Just bought a used 2011 SE with 29K miles and so far I really like this car. It has great exterior design, the interior feels well built and the materials do not feel cheap at all. The features are really nice and ride comfort is great for my standards. The only concern I had was about the left pull I read so much about, so when I test drove this vehicle, I paid the most attention to this. Either the issue was fixed previously or it never had it because at 70-75 mph it never pulled to any side.

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  Hidden Gem - 1.6T ECO - One hell of a sprinter - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By jasonsjwou - June 2 - 12:27 am

  After considering Accord, Camry, Fusion, Altima and Mazda 6, I chose Sonata ECO. This is my first Hyundai purchase, and boy Hyundai came a long way. Its up there with Honda and Toyota now - Hyundai is better than many Japanese and American brands, when it comes to FWD sedans. MPG - I can put this car in "SPORT" mode and floor the gas pedal all I want and still get 30MPG. Using cruise control at 80MPH, I can get 34MPG all day long. With little light footwork and drive conservatively, I hit 40MPG regularly. I measured 0-60 myself, and consistently get under 7 sec. This is a new model so I cant speak for reliability, but hyundai reliability is up there among the best.