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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  You will love this car - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By ManofSteel - May 17 - 2:00 am

  We first test drove, and almost bought a Nissan Altima, before we bought are Sonata. We found the Sonata to be more comfortable, more stylish, and a much better value. Our white Sonata, with optional moonroof, turns heads everywhere we go. We have literally came out of stores and found people peeking in our windows, checking out our car. The Sonanta is very fun to drive and takes turns like a sports car. The only downside is that the V6 lacks the horsepower of the Altima, Accord, and Camry. However the V6 far from dissapoints with great acceleration of the start.

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  More problems than all cars ever owned - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Hyundai is Bad - May 14 - 7:30 am

  I bought a 2009 Sonata GLS 5m, and have had more problems with this car than all of my owned cars combined. Since the first week I have had problems hyundai has continually been lost in diagnosing the problems. The vehicle has been in the shop for almost 80 days with the following problems. Mis-fire codes - 5 times with no resolution. Blown Hydraulics - 4 times (clutch) Suspension is very noisy over bumps. Cruise control intermittently fails. Brake pedal fades to the floor and hissing. Exhaust rattles and is noisy under acceleration. Instrument cluster became unreadable. Drivers seat cushion failed and metal parts are hitting body. Spongy drivability when its hot, rattles all over

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  Great car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By GLS - May 13 - 11:46 am

  Excellent car--fun to drive--beautiful design. My friends admire it. I definitely would buy another.

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  Very Disappointed - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By tster - May 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car because liked the styling, mileage, cost and warranty. However, I am extremely disappointed in the car. I have been dealing with a obnoxious rattle near the glove box since I got my vehicle 3 months ago. Sometimes it is loud and continuous for hours and sometimes it only rattles on bumps, and sometimes I can drive it for 30 minutes without any sounds. I have had it to two service departments 5 times for a total of 7 days. The glove box has been replaced, padding has been added to the glove box and the molding surrounding the glove box has been checked and removed. Two times the service department had the vehicle a whole day and they did nothing. Dont buy a Hyundai!

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  I review all these reviewers - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By TK - May 11 - 10:00 am

  First thing I would say is take these reviews with a grain of salt, half these people have no concept of anything. I read one review that said "i get wet when i open my windows in the rain" lol. "the SE is too sporty" ok. I got the SE in white after i traded my Acura TL-type S(with a busted tranny again). The SE has taut steering and a LOT of road feel(includes noise). The noise is exaggerated by all the roadwork across the US. If you want a softer feel and less noise, get new tires(i get 16" snows in Dec). The build quality tops everyone in the segment(anyone who says otherwise just doesnt know or got the 1 in a 100 lemon). The car has some go and always wants to be moving. Heads do turn.

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  new sonata - 2016 Hyundai Sonata
  By joe owens - May 11 - 5:26 am

  this is by far the best Hyundai we have owned and this is number 5. it is a fine car for a reasonable amount of money even if it cost more than our first house .

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  Much more car than one expects. - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By KarenM - May 10 - 5:03 pm

  Sharp looking car. The interior is incredibly comfortable and supportive. The seats adjust to fit you perfectly. As I am a taller driver, leg room and head room are important. My two boys are also quite tall and they have PLENTY of leg room in the back. I went from an 8 year old smaller SUV to this car and so far, have been very, very impressed. Its quiet, smooth and a pleasure to drive. The trunk gives me as much room as my SUV did. I can hit Sams Club and the grocery store, plus have room leftover. Try it when you are shopping. Research is great, but you have to drive your top picks to make a good decision. I think you will be pleasantly surprised!

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  Great Car - 1999 Hyundai Sonata
  By nortonian - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Driving is definitely believing. Test drove all cars in class and this one by far, for value, performance, comfort, and standard equipment outshines them all.

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  The Family car you want to own - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By bobemb - May 8 - 10:13 pm

  This car has been my commute vehicle for a 72 mile a day commute and it has worked flawlessly for the past 2 years. The dealer treated me well, gave me an embarassingly low price, and taken fine care of me since. The car, unfortunately is not a performance vehicle and handles like a big car. But every time I get in to go, it always takes me. Plenty of room in the interior and the trunk. Id buy another in a second!

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  Best in class - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By afterseven - May 7 - 4:20 pm

  This is my 3rd sonata, starting with an o6 then a 09 and upon getting an oil change at the dealer with my 09 I seen the first 2011 sonata in the 3rd week of feb, 2010 I just flipped out when I had look at the car tucked in the back for not too many to see it was a red se 2011 my jaw dropped from the interior to the duel exhaust to the paddle shifter, I said to myself I have to have it! I waited a few weeks and after reading all I could online. Its an all American design ( Irvine calif. ) to being built in the all new billion auto plant in Montgomery, Alabama. I bought the powder Pearl White with black interior, I love it. If I were to win a million $ I would still own this car!