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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  Great car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Rick Burton - February 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Sonata. I had a 95 GLS V6 way back when and never had a problem with that one. I have had this one for a bit over a month (GLS V6) and love it. The car is smooth as silk. My only complaints would be the poor (19mpg) mileage around town and the fact that the o/s mirrors are not breakaway, a feature the 2005 Sonata did have. I got mine with the premium package. The vehicle is very quiet, but the 17" tires/wheel do have more noise than I prefer. The standard tires are not nearly as noisy, so if you dont like tire noise, get the standard tires. I would have done so myself, but it was included in the premium package and I really did want the sunroof and the upgrade mirror

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  Great safety features and gas mileage! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Angelique - February 17 - 3:15 am

  The only things I can complain about are as follows: traction was poor in the snow until I bought all season tires (I would suggest you do the same if you live in a snowy state); brakes were better after I had new ones installed; interior is basic, no heated seats or anything- but comfortable enough; poor placement of drive shift when you want to access car charger or front console storage and air conditioner/heat vents are not placed that great for the driver. Other than these minor tweaks- I found the car to be enjoyable to drive and pleasant to look at. Mainly bought it for gas mileage and safety ratings- which are still great after 5 years.

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  skeptical at first, but very happy - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By shann - February 14 - 8:10 am

  I have had hondas, fords and my last car was a nissan sentra, I wanted something more roomy and with more power and i found it. At first I was skeptical about getting a hyundai, but it was more car that fit my budget and it has proved me wrong. I would suggest this car to anyone, and this is just a base model and it has more features then a the honda 2006 base.

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  Not worth it even for the cheap price - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By matt44 - February 12 - 4:30 pm

  Multiple trips to the dealership for problems including leaks, washer motor, etc... and one recall. Very poor gas mileage. Much worse than the accord i owned. Resale value very poor - over 50% of all sonatas go to fleets. I guess real buyers know better than to buy this.

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  total quality of Hyundai Sonata - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By John Cray - February 12 - 7:10 am

  Compared to Honda Accord, this car is an excellent buy hands down. In every aspect it is the equal of the Accord. Fuel economy, power, appointments inside and outside are equal. For the money I spent, I would rather have the Hyundai anytime than spend an additional 3,000 to 5,000 more and get nothing the extra money affords.

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  2001 Sonata review - 2001 Hyundai Sonata
  By Alan Watts - February 6 - 2:00 am

  The Sonata is a great value. The car looks good, has the best warranty available, and is loaded. This would make a great reliable car for anyone, especially a family. My only complaint is the lack of power.

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  My Sonata - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Bobraney - February 6 - 2:00 am

  Dealer service has been incredible at two different dealers. Loan car while window motor replaced, new battery at no cost after 14 months use.

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  2004 Sonata GLS-Superb - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By shelley1121 - January 31 - 10:00 am

  I bought my new Hyundai 1 week ago, I totally love it! The dealer was great and the price was outstanding. I test drove the Toyota Camry and this seemed to run better. I felt like my money was well spent. I like the4 cargo net in the trunk. I liked Hyundai because everthing my car came standard and it is pretty well loaded. It seemed like Toyota and Honda added more options which drove the price up, not Hyundai, I only paid $49 for the pinstriping and that was it!

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  Great purchase - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By jprich - January 30 - 9:53 pm

  My first new car. Read a lot of reviews. Had a great deal (rebate) + winter tires and other free goodies. Had it for 5 months and nearly 10k km on it. Went on a trip to Boston from Montreal and the car ran perfectly well. Very comfortable and roomy. Gas mileage on road is greater than expected. Bit disappointed for city mileage though. Had a burned tail light and the small door speaker unglued itself on the first month but got them fixed right away. No biggies.

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  2nd review, still learning - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By gary - January 30 - 8:46 pm

  All good, finding new things on this machine every time out. Found take off in automatic a little hesitant but not used to drag race, so ok. Did a little research anyway reading tech data. It makes since to me why now. Drive train is made to get max fuel economy w/fare amount of horses. Using same 3.3L v6 added cvvt, new injection system boosted HP and MPG + Shiftronics all new f/2009. Trans has special valve to somewhat control RPM surge in auto mode manual side no valve 1st geared lower. You control RPMs. Better jump, dont hit car in front. Good f/ city driving. Also car has timing chain not stupid belt. Traction control is great when rain puddles on hiway.