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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  Speed sensitive locks!!!! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Harlowe - April 14 - 7:43 pm

  ALL 2006 Sonatas have door locks that will lock at about 10-15 mph. All you have to do is ask the dealer to activate this feature. It is built in. Love this car. Drivess nicew. Pickup is awesome. Wheels sometimes "twerp" if I start out a little to fast from a dead stop. Love the heated seats...nice bun warmers. And the stability control is great. Tried the same corner in wet weather with it on and off and going the same speed, with it on car took it just beautifully, off the read slid a bit and had to correct it myself. Very nice feature. Just rember you cannot over ride the laws of physics so dont go wild. Rate it top end.

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  Great value - 2016 Hyundai Sonata
  By David Sledz - April 14 - 7:03 pm

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  Very satisfied Sonata buyer - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By brian - April 13 - 1:13 pm

  Sonata handles very well. Love the new styling, but....liked the previous genration of Sonata better. The exterior was very distinctive. The new model looks almost too much like the Accord. Have owned the car over six months and have put aver 16K in miles on it with no problems. Very pleased. Have recommended friends at least to chekc them out while shopping.

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  Look Out Honda and Toyota! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jeff Bloedel - April 11 - 12:36 pm

  Ive only had the car for a week and Im in love with it. It rides great on the highway and has all the bells and whistles you would find on the more "expensive" competitors. For the price, warranty, and features it cant be beat!

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  11 Sonata - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Teacher Jim - April 11 - 11:50 am

  I was a muscle car person for years, and the practical side of buying with my head vs. buying with my heart led me to the new 2011 Sonata. Even though I have only had the car for a few days, I am EXTREMELY impressed with every aspect of this vehicle. I could always judge how fast I was going with my Mustang GT by feel and manual transmission, but I am going to have to watch my speed in the new Sonata based on how smooth it shirts and the impressive ride. Hats off to the redesign and all the new features.

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  2007 Sonata - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By RO - April 11 - 4:53 am

  IÂ’ve driven it 7500 miles so far. I wasnÂ’t expecting much from this car, I brought it for commuting purposes, but, itÂ’s exceeded my expectations; itÂ’s quick, has firm handling and is fun to drive. IÂ’m averaging 23 MPG combine highway/city. You canÂ’t beat the price!!! Ill definitely buy another Hyundai

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  High Class Look for Middle Class Budgets - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Missy13 - April 7 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased a 2002 Sonata today, and I love the way it looks!! That was the main reason I bought the car, the rich looking exterior. Beautiful curves. And even though Ive only had it for a day Im in love already!

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  Fantastic Family Sedan - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By carboneer - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Ive recently made the jump from a BMW 318i convertible, to a Sonata. So far, I love the change. While it was tough to admit that it was time for the Family Sedan, I did my homework, and pick a definite winner. The ride is soooo smooth, and fun when you want it to be. It handles as well as my BMW (96) and has a lot more room.

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  Best deal - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By general - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Best car on the market. Best warranty and one of the best service offered by dealerships.

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  best bang for your $$$ - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By good deal - April 6 - 3:50 am

  I got this car about a month a go and I like, is a lot of fun to drive, the 6 cylinder engine has plenty of power, I got the limited so is loaded, I paid $20,299.00 for it including a $3k rebate. For the money you cant buy a better car new. Im getting 21 mpg but Im driving it like I stole it. I always had v8s so getting 20 mpg is big for me, the only complaint I have is that the glove box rattles when I drive on bumpy roads.