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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  New Hyundai will surprise!! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Lhart - April 5 - 7:50 pm

  Have only had the vehicle for 2 weeks and am incredibly impressed by the quality and refinement for the price. I test drove Honda, Toyota, and Pontiac and the Hyundai was the most impressive. Excellent list of features. I would buy the LX. I think it is the best value overall. This as quiet of car that Ive ever been in, including a Lexus ES300. Believe the reviews which state the Hyundai engineers were benchmarking against Lexus. Definitely worth a test drive. My first comment to the salesperson after driving it was " I cant believe this is a Hyundai!!"

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  Permanent Stress Test - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Les - April 5 - 9:16 am

  Ive not purchased a new car since 88, so I was very choosey about this one. Previous cars owned were all domestic and purchased "preowned" (read pre abused) - Im not too easy on a ride either; 25K to 28K miles per year and I drivem til they drop. (Usually to 200K miles or more). I wanted a nice car, an inexpensive car, a reliable car, and some options would only sweeten the deal. This car serves all that and much more. I can only echo others comments here. But Im sure when the payment book is empty and the odometer reads around 165,000 I will have finally finished my test-drive.

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  Camry is Gone, Sonata New Baby - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By 2009 Camry Gone - April 3 - 11:56 am

  I had a 2009 Camry, loved the car and hated the big payment. Researched the 2011 Hyundai Sonata and was totally impressed. Went and test drove the GLS and feel in "love". Totally impressed by the 4 cyl. power, the eye catching exterior design and the roomy interior. Fantastic standard equipment, cant wait to get the bluetooth figured out. Payment is half of what I was paying and people want to take a look.Hope it will live up to the gas mileage Im hearing about and the great reviews Im reading. I think it was a great choice and Im extremely happy with this car.

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  So far, so good! - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By willsiv - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Purchased a new 2003 Sonata w/the V6 upgrade and 4AT (no other options). Its great! Interior could use some minor adjustments - like seat comfort - the drivers side certainly doesnt "cradle" you (spoiled by my old Chevy Lumina!) The speaker sound quality is not the best - a little muddy. But overall, a GREAT deal! We were out the door at $15,806 (including a 1000 rebate). Mike and crew at Fitzgerald Auto Mall were upfront and very accommodating. More than I can say for some of the other dealers we visited before buying there.

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  Great Review of a Hyundai?!?! - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By BasicTek - March 30 - 6:36 pm

  Taking a risk and buying a Hyundai after 11 years of ownership of a Nissan Maxima. There have been many doubts but so far this Hyundai keeps dispelling them. Unlike any other car Ive owned this one has prompted me to drive out of the way just for the sheer enjoyment of driving and listening to the amazing stock stereo system. For a mid sized car it comes awfully close to Cadillac in ride quality. If you need to save precious $$$ from a new Camry or Accord I suggest you take gander at this car before making a decision. Hyundai has a chip on its shoulder and it shows as their newer products may not be just closing the gap but jumping ahead instead.

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  2013 GLS w/ pop package - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By ricovanian - March 30 - 11:10 am

  Bought new about a week ago. So far, the biggest disappointment is the sound from the stereo. CDs, Radio, Sirius all sound less thanb acceptable. There is a general muddyness that is going to result in having to invest in an aftermarket stereo. Other negative is the "ride" is somewhat bumpier than I am used to with my 09 Accord and 06 Camry. You really feel every bump. Hoping that "breaking in the suspension and tires will help for Positives are: layout of dials, controls. Nice the parking brake lever is not in center of console. The car performs well on turns, pick-up if fantastic (I do not use the "eco" mode). And the car is very sporty looking (I got it in black with spoiler)

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  sonata gls v6 sedan (3.3l 6cyl 5a)steeri - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By 2006 Hyundai Sonata - March 30 - 12:33 am

  i traded in my 2001 honda civic for the the gls v6 sedan (3.3l 6cyl 5a). i have only 700 miles on it so far but i do like it a lot. this car is the same as an accord or camray for much less money and i also like the new design of the car. the ride is beautiful handles real well and fun to drive. ill buy another one!

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  Weird smell from the front of the car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Sunny Days - March 28 - 11:33 am

  Hi, I bought a 2011 Hyundai Sonata last month. I like the car very much. Its very quite, stylish and comfortable to drive with good economy. But, after driving for even a small distance like 10 miles and when I come out of the vehicle, I could feel a weird smell from the front of the car. One of my friends bought same type of car 3 months back and he doesnt have any such issue. I am curious to know whether it is a manufacturing defect or it is a normal behavior ? When I checked this with the dealer, they said it happens with some vehicles and not with all. They told me to wait till 6,000 miles. Can any one tell me what should I do ? I am really confused .

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  Very Satisfied - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By silver foxx - March 28 - 6:46 am

  I purchased my car 2 weeks ago - silver GLS model. So far 700 miles and Im happy with the vehicle. Coming from a Buick V6, I am happy with my new Sonata.

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  not a lemon - 1995 Hyundai Sonata
  By sonata user - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I had problems with my auto transmission, I did not have the transmission coolant flushed, so it overheated eventually and killed the transmission, bought a new one, still going strong. Had a fault with the auto door locks, sometimes they would lock without warning when I got out of the car, locking my keys in. The brakes have lasted forever on this car, confortable ride even on the worst frost-heaved roads. My only complaint has been expensive parts/ unavailability of parts. Right now I need a valve cover gasket, and none of the dealers can get it for me.