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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  Glad I bought it! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By DriveBluCar - March 26 - 6:56 pm

  I love this car. I have had it for one year and have had ZERO problems. Not even a squeak or rattle. I have the V6 with top of the line 17 inch wheels. It handles very well and everyone who rides in it is surprised that its a Hyundai. Especially the acceleration and stable ride.

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  2011 Sonata Turbo - Inherent Rattle that Hyundai says is expected. - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By kappamerc - March 26 - 5:28 am

  The car is fantastic with one minor flaw that you may run into: The car Rattles when going between 2000-3500 RPM. There is a TSB from Hyundai stating that the rattle is expected and they wont fix it: During normal engine operation, natural engine vibrations are transmitted to the turbocharger waste gate actuator rod, the pivot point, and the waste gate valve. The rattle or buzzing sound that may occur results from the required tolerances in the waste gate pivot point and the waste gate valve. These tolerances are necessary to allow operation under the extreme operating temperatures experienced by the turbocharger. This is unacceptable. I hate that I bought this car.

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  Good deal - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By RL - March 25 - 12:10 pm

  Some minor adjustments needed (hood alignment, headlight aiming). A little bit of rattling in the cabin while driving on bumpy road.

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  Great car - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By Joe - March 24 - 3:36 am

  Hands down, the most reliable car Ive ever owned! The turbo is awesome if you like power. This is my second Sonata in a row. We also purchased one for my wife last year. My only complaint is the resale value.. Its terrible!

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  ??? - 2000 Hyundai Sonata
  By deedirt - March 23 - 2:00 am

  after 28000 miles a new transmission was put in. many problems relating to trans. now it approaching 40000 miles is showing agian signs of another trans. electrial problems also was about 25000 miles. over all very dissatified with this car. bought it for the warrenty and plan of getting rid of it before it is up.

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  Best car I ever purchased! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By vickiepayne - March 23 - 1:48 am

  All I can say is WOW! I did not test drive this car, I bought it online and had it delivered to me at work. I was a little worried about it only being a 4cyl. But to my surprize this car has the get up and go to pass anything on the road. It rides and handles great, I live in the ozark mountains and it is darn right fun to drive through the curves, climbs the mountains without hesitation. I get 34 mpg through the mountains and got as high as 37mpg on flat land with cruise. some of the plastic in the interior could be better grade, but for the money this is one sweet ride. I used to have a lexus SC400 and I rate the sonata right up there with it!

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  Ejoy your ride. - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Anand - March 22 - 10:33 pm

  I am very satisfied with my new 2006 Sonata. My old car was Accord. Sonata is much superior than the Accord.

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  Economical Luxury - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By jaykay - March 22 - 8:40 pm

  Bought a 4 cylinder due to gas prices, and yet, performance certainly does not disappoint for the size of the car. Not only is it comfortable to sit in, the ride itself feels like a full-size luxury car on the road. Interior styling is great, specifically the gauges and such. Exterior styling is obviously top-notch when compared to cars of the same price range.

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  It Keeps On Surprising Me - 1998 Hyundai Sonata
  By alliknow4 - March 21 - 2:00 am

  One day some friends of of mind gave ride in this car they had rented, it was 98 Hyundai Sonata I new nothing about them, but I remember getting out of it after they had dropped me off, thinking damn that car really feels good, it good to, it was Mid Night Blue with leather seat V6 in order word Heaven. I now own that same car, I bought it from the rental company that owned it, its been over a year and as I said it just keeps on getting better. I hear the critics say it cheap, unreliable, and all of that well I dont know what they are talk about...I feel like king in such a beatiful car. Driving really is Believing!

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  Head Of The Pack! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By kipstorm - March 20 - 10:42 pm

  34,500 miles, used, and still going strong. At first, I didnt like the vinyl dash, but good protectant has it looking like leather. Steering is tight and responsive. Lots of room in engine compartment; easy to maintain. Dealership was a GM one and even the salesman was impressed. I feel like a kid driving Dads better car again. Read the Edmunds review and confirm this is the best in class, all around, at an affordable price.