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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  Buy this car! - 2001 Hyundai Sonata
  By lambdakai8 - May 7 - 2:00 am

  If you want a car that is going to do what a car is suppose to do and more, buy a Sonata! I bought one and been happy ever since. I am 65 and 300 pounds. The Sonata, unlike many other car, makes a person my size feel comfortable. To to meation, it is sporty for a bachelor and upscale to fit in any event. I receive VIP service every time I take my car to the dealer. I love my Sonata and I love Hyundai. Though I will be trading it in for a SUV, I am sticking to Hyundai for a Santa Fe.

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  Get what you paid for... - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Clark - May 6 - 4:00 am

  Should have paid more for a car to have a decent ride, these Kumho tires are stiff and out of round, when cold the tires are worse! Doors unlock when car put into park so someone can jump into back seat and hijack someone. Nice feature with child lock for rear doors, but even when that is on someone can open the outside doors and get in...scary for my wife when she is alone. Trunk items cant be secured from inside the car.

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  Seems great so far - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By BenC - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I have owned the Sonata GLS, V6 about a month now. Im liking the car a lot so far. The interior is very comfortable. There are many nice touches: center console in the back seat, leather wrapped steering wheel, and lights everywhere. The V6 has good acceleration and handling. Its not as soft as a Taurus but not stiff or harsh on rough roads. The Michelin tires make a difference. My wife likes the car too and says she may skip the Nissan Altima and get a Sonata -- and save $4,000 to 5,000. If reliability is good, the Sonata will be a great value.

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  Most reliable family sedan in NA - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Hanson Kim - May 1 - 1:36 am

  It does every work when I need to do such as passing ahead, emergeny break, cornering at high speed.

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  Former Passat Owner - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Rancelot - April 30 - 7:03 pm

  Ive got pratically all the features that were in my fully loaded 02 Passat, yet several thousand dollars cheaper. The six year 60,000 mile full coverage warranty was quite a draw too. So far so good!

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  Sonata GLS - Third Review - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Gary D. - April 30 - 4:45 am

  I bought this vehicle new in June 2011, having traded in a 2009 Sonata. At the time it represented a substantial advance on the prior line in styling, content, power, and mileage. The content for the price point was compelling. Also, I had found only a couple of competitors in the midsize segment had a comfortable drivers seat. Although I can afford to buy a new, more expensive vehicle now, Ive decided to hold onto this because it is bulletproof. There have been NO REPAIRS needed on it and no need to go to the dealer (The HYUNDAI dealers are a bit of a shifty lot). I replaced front brakes at 72,000 miles and the rear brakes yesterday at 82,000 miles. Ive had to replace a battery, tires, a headlight, and a bulb - thats it, in almost 6 years. Its a comfortable ride whether on highway or local, although a bit more wind noise than Id like. Specifiec Comments: The satellite radio is great, good sound and reception, however, the CD player is only fair. The AC and heat are adequate. The trunk is enormous. I dont use the back seat except for the dog, but it is large and comfortable. The front passenger seat position is low, but they rectified that in the 12. Plenty of power for me. To get the EPA 35 on the highway, you have to go a steady 60-65, at 70-75, I get high 20s. The Bluetooth works OK but is a bit finicky in connecting the contacts on your phone. The car feels very safe, has good power, is comfortable, inexpensive to buy and to own.

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  hyundai sonata - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By ken fox - April 29 - 7:53 pm

  4000 miles so far no troubles, the only concern I have with this vehicle is the fuel economy, My car has not got the mileage the sticker says it should get. But has great power for a 4 cylinder. Very fun to drive!

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  Too much hype - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jim Sanders - April 28 - 5:43 pm

  Quality seems good, excellent paint job. Annoying rear noises when gas tank is full. Auto climate control makes noise when vehicle slows and door closures makes a secondary clang noise in trunk area. Dual exhaust is not aligned evenly. Power seems good altho trans to acceleration seems slow. Correction of these issue would make a great car. Mildly disappointed.

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  Great Car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By WOZ - April 26 - 3:26 pm

  You must be an idiot not to want to buy this car. I got mine for 17K walk out and with the warranty, you cant beat it. The outside is a blend between a honda and camery, but still has its own style. People cant tell its a Hyundai until you tell them. The only two complaints are the front seat needs inprovement and the steering wheel sound control needs allow you to tune stations.

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  17 MPG - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Bloo Gecko - April 26 - 2:00 am

  I was looking for a car to get better mileage than my Volvo, which got 19 mpg. Then I was seduced by the beautiful looks of the Sonata. I found one in desert sand, and all rational thought went out the window. The 2003 V6 Sonatss are rated 19 mpg in town. But mine gets 17 mpg! This is inexcusable. Why cant Hyundai make a pretty car that also gets respectable mileage? This should be a top priority for them.