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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  excellent value - 2001 Hyundai Sonata
  By minski - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This GLS v6 is just about the nicest car Ive owned. Its coming up on 50K and Ive had no troubles whatsoever. Id buy another one in a heartbeat.

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  Glad I did - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Dean Fowler - March 7 - 9:10 pm

  Hyundai makes your purchase a part of the family kind of experience. My wife is the primary driver and she likes the sporty feel and the power. She moved from an SUV and is enjoying the difference in handling.

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  11k++ miles and still good - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Blip22 - March 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my SF for the past 7 months, and its still drives so well. No problems at all. I live in Pittsburgh, PA, where its hilly and snowy during winter, and we tested it out. We have the GLS FWD with ABS and Traction Control, and these two were enough to get us out of the snowy roads in our apartment complex. The horses are just enough for the FWD. This is one of the best decisions I made in my life.

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  Hyundai Sonata ECO- The Fastest Sonata of them All - 2016 Hyundai Sonata
  By oldeczecho - March 6 - 2:05 am

  Prior to purchasing my ECO I saw a review about this car on line. I called two dealers and they had no idea what I was talking about when I said I wanted to read test a Sonata ECO. The third dealership I called said they thought they had an ECO on the back lot. It was a 2015 ECO and it was quite dirty, as it had not been moved or driven in many weeks. Anyway, we took it on a road test and my wife and i were impressed with the spaciousness of the interior and the trunk...huge. The car rode smoothly and handled well for a huge sedan and the brakes felt very good as well. The salesman explained the three modes of the 7 speed dual clutch automatic transmission, similar to the type found on Porsches and Ferraris...Normal, ECO,and SPORT. Normal and ECO modes made the Sonata drive like any other midsize 4 cylinder car, but the transmission super quick shifts made the car seem quicker. Then I selected SPORT mode...and holy crap! this car flew off the line, actually spinning the front tires when the turbo kicked in at 1500 rpm. I have seen road tests from Car and Driver where the ECO hits 0 to 60 in 6.5 seconds and does 92 mph in the quarter mile. Needless to say, I ordered the 2016 ECO and I have not been disappointed. My previous car was a 2003 Toyota Corolla. This Sonata is literally twice as big on the inside and the trunk is 50% bigger. Front seat legroom is amazing...I can fully extend both legs while driving. And the electric seat offers many adjustments. Gas mileage around town is 3-4 miles per gallon more in the Sonata compared to the Corolla. A recent trip upstate with 4 full size adults in the car gave 34.5 miles per gallon. Buy a 2016 ECO before Hyundai does something stupid and decreases its performance, because it is much faster that Hyundais 2.0 turbo that has 75 more horsepower and costs many thousands of dollars more than the ECO. And, my ECO is still not yet broken in, with only 3700 miles on the odometer.

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  Watch out Camry!!!! - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Charlie G - March 3 - 9:23 pm

  Purchased a 4cyl 09 limited in June. On my 2nd tank and averaging 25mpg locally. Build quality excellent. Previously owned 2 Toyotas, both Avalons but the price point on this car was exceptional. Would recommend highly!

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  Im cheap and this was worth it! - 2001 Hyundai Sonata
  By ntsapjr - March 3 - 2:00 am

  I think $ for $, it’s the best car I’ve ever owned. I wasnt eager to spend $19k, but 34k miles later I’m relieved to have a great, fully loaded GLS V-6. The car has plenty of room (Im 59" 290lbs at heaviest). I’ve been able to squeeze out 24/32mpg – thats not always, but I can bet on at least 21/29mpg in every tank. The only problem I’ve had is with the drivers side auto window. But that 10yr/100k warranty got me a smile, a new regulator, and NO BILL! Routine maintenance has only cost about $400. It may not race like a mustang, but it will do 75 with little noise and lots of comfort.

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  Very Surprised - 2001 Hyundai Sonata
  By theboxer5 - March 3 - 2:00 am

  2001 Sonata gls,xlnt value,no major problems,comfortable,gobs of power,negative: front end is very low to ground and received numerous road chips in paint,so buy a bra. Had to buy a new battery at 20 months.

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By KebbyT - March 3 - 2:00 am

  Purchased 10/2001 after 09/11. What an awesome automobile. Quality in design, workmanship, and overall a great accomplishment for the car. Should win any and all awards for ingenuity and originality. A success in concept to reality. I am most proud every day of my purchase and ownership of this automobile. Hyundai, be proud!

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  Very good car, GREAT value - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Flipper - March 2 - 1:43 pm

  Build quality is excellent, interior is well laid-out but materials are less classy than some competitors. Ride is excellent, though not particularly exciting. Roominess, fuel economy, and reliability/warranty make this car a fantastic value! But Ill confess that Im glad its my wifes car and not mine -- partly because the lack of excitement to drive, partly because at 62", I cant straighten out my legs behind the wheel. Still, amazing that we bought it for less than my 2000 Saturn LS1 when new - especially with all those standard safety features.

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  Wonderful car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By b j CHRISTY - March 2 - 4:46 am

  Great car. Exceptional value. Local service/dealership and Hyundai national VERY interested in customer satisfaction..constant follow up. Highly satisfied, second Hyundai owner