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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  Having Doubts - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Dano - April 24 - 2:00 am

  We really like this car, have enjoyed driving it, so far it has been a good value esp. for the $$. Just crested 20K mi and starting to develop several concerning problems auto trans slips when down shifting into 1st or 2nd gear, difficuty keeping car aligned going through tires, left front headlight working intermitantly, check engine light just came on... Taking it to dealer in a few days, hoping the warranty and service will be as good as the car looks and drives. The proof has always been wether these cars would hold up, we shall see...

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  Best Car Surprise! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jeff - April 23 - 1:20 pm

  I purchased this car only one week ago, but for someone who spends a good deal of time commuting to work, this car is the best surprise in a car purchase Ive ever had. Compared to my Volvo S40, Honda Accord, and Mazda 626, this car blows them away. More power, size, quality (yes, thats quality) and style. And all I was looking to do was save some money with this purchase. Time will tell, but for now Im convinced this is the best car purchase Ive ever made.

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  06 Sonata! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ida - April 22 - 6:16 am

  This is a very smooth ride, takes the humps and bumps of the road with ease. The world outside isnt heard inside I dont hear the rush of the wind as it passes over the car. Easy to navigate into those shrinking parking spaces. The V6 models are manufactured in america. I had this model as a rental the week prior to buying it. I was looking to buy another 4x4. Im not a car person I decided to add a car to my family of vehicles(I drive a 04 silverado with a 4-inch lift& a 95 blazer)there are lots of options available to me, I did my research and it just seemed to be the best as far as safety, price, warranty, & miles per gallon as well as comfort features. The internet was a huge help!

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  2009 GLS Sonata Great Bargain - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mark Levitz - April 21 - 8:23 pm

  I bought the 2009 sonata because I was looking for a reliable car and a nice car to drive. I have had it for only a day and it is a fun car to drive and nice as well. I bought it for a great deal. I only paid 15,140 for the car and I got them to through in mud guards and mats as well. So it was a great buy.

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  Great car for the price - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Kathy - April 21 - 6:30 am

  We considered both Camrys and Altimas in addition to the Sonata. We are very pleased that we chose the Sonata. It is a great car for the money and is as appealling at the curbside or on the road as either of the others that we considered. It was the warranty that was the final selling point for our purchase. You just cant beat a Hyundai warranty.

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  Keep away......here my warnings - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By E A Ford - April 20 - 1:23 pm

  This car is the MOST UNreliable car Ive owned in over 40 years!!! This thing has standed me hundreds of miles from home TWICE in two years!! First, Fayetteville NC...fuel injectors...gone! A twenty something kid b/sing me ..."oh yeah parts are on the way ..tomorrow ...NOT!! 5 lovely days ....hotel meals and lots of $$$$. Hyundai did reimbursed me $290.. Out of the $700+ it cost me to interrupt my trip......THIS time Im in Boston 1500 miles from home and the crank shaft seal goes...oil all over!!! I thought Fayetteville was bad! Boston IS very expensive to have to stay around! $$$$$. Parts to fix the car.?...Im 7 days into this...."MAYBE end of the week...MAYBE first of next week!!!! Im sure Hyundai will reimburse me their standard $300 for 3 days! Im into this problem over a grand now...and theyre fixing the car for free!! What a piece of JUNK!!!

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  06 Sonata comments - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By TEAShea - April 20 - 12:53 am

  The 06 Sonata has a wonderful engine - smooth and powerful, with a lovely ripping sound that only a fine engine can provide at full rpm. The exterior styling is classic and distnguished. The panel gaps are as the narrowest and thinest in the auto world - absolute world class regardless of price. My comparison shows that an LX is $4,600 less than a Camry or Accord with the same equipment. Hyundais estimate of the difference is low. The suspension is well controlled and balanced. There is no torque steer and understeer is well controlled. The interior is well designed with good quality of materials for the class. The tolerances and build quality of the entire car is very good.

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  Traded my 2002 Accord in - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By FRANK - April 16 - 10:16 pm

  Perhaps just the winter cold...not happy so far. Dead after work would not start. At speeds feels floaty. 3 Recalls, I cant remember ay for my Honda. Good thing I leased it. Its a Sonata, its So-not-a-Honda!

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  Dont Go With A 4 Cyl. - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Dennis Perkins - April 16 - 2:00 am

  Its a sharp looking vehicle but the four cyl. is a dog. With the air on I could probably run a half a blook faster than the car. I also hate the climate control. When you start the car up the climate control goes to fresh air. This is not a possitive option when you live in the city. A lot of the time I forget to switch it to the cabin setting. I know this because I smell exhaust from a older car or bus. This is not healthy.

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  What a surprise - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mike Z. - April 16 - 1:10 am

  You think you would be hesitant with a name like Hyundai. Dont be fooled. After you take a test drive your going to love this car. I just purchased my Sonata Limited and already I know I made the right choice. After my niece saw my car the next day she visited the Hyundai dealer. You get the feeling of a solid built car with all the goodies. Thanks Hyundai for introducing me to a well built car. Ill follow up with another review after my first 500 miles