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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  Best Value on the Market - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Steve S. - May 30 - 3:10 am

  I drove just about every thing available in mid-size sedans. For the money, I couldnt find another car that could compete with the 06 Sonata. Never thought I would buy a Hyundai ... until I drove this one. You owe it to yourself to check one out and save yourself a lot of $$$! Every bit as good as Nissan or Toyota ... and much better than anything Ford/GM/Chrysler offers.

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  Not worth it - 1995 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jasmine - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because I had no choice - it was the only one available that I could afford. It has given me nothing but problems - the brakes went out (twice), it rattles terribly, it stalls when the a/c is on (and sometimes when its not), and the interior fogs up when the heat is on. However, it does get good gas mileage and it is comfortable. But I will not buy another Hyundai.

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  Awesome car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By flickydude - May 29 - 11:53 am

  Before I got this car, I had driven 2003 maxima. It is fun to drive, saving GAS, and performance. It looks sporty. It has more features than I has expected with Keyless entry, and chrome door handles and best warranty.

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  What an Awesome Car! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ricka926 - May 28 - 3:26 pm

  After trading in my Mustang convertible in 2005 on a brand new 2005 Sonata, I swore I would never again own a Sonata. The 05 was slow and got lousy gas mileage, I hated it! After the dealership gave me the 2011 Sonata as a rental while the 05 was being repaired, I fell in love and never stepped back into that crummy 05 again. The standard features are amazing and I dont know how I ever lived without Bluetooth although it does act up sometimes, its still a great feature. I love the interior and exterior design. Its more roomy than the 05, but drives and handles so much better. I cant say enough how much I love this car.

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  Gave Hyundai another chance!!!!!!! - 2016 Hyundai Sonata
  By Chad Walden - May 22 - 7:34 am

  My first Hyundai I bought in 1993. This was my first car ever. It was a 1993 Hyundai Excel GS. After a 6 months of having the car I begin to have trouble. The check engine light came on. When I pushed the clutch in the car shut off. After several trips to the dealership, the cause was the ground wire to the engine had broke. Well by then I didnt want the car. I said that I would never purchase another Hyundai. Well I was wrong!!!!! I was looking for another car due to a my 3 year old kicking my seats in my 2007 Volkswagen Jetta. My heart was set on a 2014 Toyota Camry. Well I was introduced to the 2016 Hyundai Sonata. Let me tell you!!!! This car is crazy!!!!! Hyundai did their homework and research! Excellence is all I can say. I really am enjoying this Hyundai. I hope and pray nothing happens to it but if it does, I will buy another one. Too may awesome features to name. GREAT JOB HYUNDAI!!!!!!!!!

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  Sonata 06 1st - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Stewart - May 21 - 2:06 pm

  The car has met all the expectations that Edmunds review stated. We did find the front seats comfortable during a 4 hour road trip. It drives and handles like a dream. A smooth ride with minimal exterior noise and great responsivness. The stereo is excellent and the six disc CD changer is handy. The trunk doesnt look very large from the outside but, it seems to be a "bottomless pit" when you load luggage! Another nice feature regarding the trunk...when there is water on the trunk lid it does not flow into the trunk compartment upon opening. Someone finally got it right! Overall, this is a great car and it is made right here in Alabama!

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  AWESOME DEAL FOR A GREAT CAR! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By dkstl99 - May 21 - 8:16 am

  After EXTENSIVE research, I chose the Hyundai over Accord and Camry. Cost was over $4000 less and it had features I couldnt get with those models. Great Highway Car. V6 is Very Powerful and Torquey and a pleasure to drive. Extremely quiet, even with sunroof open. Gas Mileage is about 25 MPG overall with 75% highway (75 mph with air on). Considering Horsepower, quite acceptable. Dash is well laid out and easy to read in all light conditions. Controls are intuitive and seats are comfortable. Full featured, well options, superior handling, powerful car that looks good for a great low price. HIGHLY recommend.

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  Beats the Competition - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Kevin - May 20 - 12:00 am

  I have been test driving/researching cars for 3 weeks prior to my purchase. I test drive the base models (cloth seats, nothing extra) of all the following: The Hyundai beat the pant off of the other cars I drove in price and quality. Incredible interior/cloth seats/value. Toyota Camry Tight steering, responsive engine, cheap dash, especially the knobs. Seats average, cloth on door arm rest worn at 30,000 miles in every car I drove. Used 2008/2009 Camry @ 35,000 miles costs more than a brand new 2009 Hyundai. Ford Fusion Absolutely horrible, disgusting, uncomfortable. Small leg width space, ugly dash, center console, very uncomfortable seats because of the headrests. This is one of the worst.

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  very POOR engineering on steering - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Chris - May 18 - 9:50 pm

  BEWARE...Sonatas have BAD and DANGEROUS problems with steering going out...after only 29,000 miles and TWO MONTHS out of "warranty" I was forced to spend $1,200 to REPLACE the entire steering column due to failure. NEVER will buy a crap Hyundai again. Selling this ASAP and back to Ford where I should have stayed.

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  Must have family sedan - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By tommyc - May 17 - 12:13 pm

  My family has always bought Honda/Acura for the last 10 years. This year the Hyundai Sonata earned my money. Yes, Accord and Camry are great cars but when you compare the price and option, the new Sonata wins hands down. Before I buy, I drove all 3 models and here is my conclusion. Performance on all 3 models 2.4L are comparable, not much more or less of each other. Options are great on all, however the Sonata has ESC = Electronic Stability Control standard on all model. Comparing price, options and warranty, the Sonata wins the final round. This car broke the Honda buying history in my family. Based on the performance and options, this car is underpriced when compared to the Camry and Honda. Similar performance and options but better price and warranty = YOU CANT LOSE.