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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  Brake problems plague Sonata - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Marie - January 20 - 2:00 am

  I thought the sonata would be a great investment - I thought more bang for the buck. I was wrong. I am having consistent problems with the brakes on this car. The brake pedal locks up and renders brakes unusable. After numerous visits to the dealership - it is still not fixed. This car is not reliable, defective and unsafe. Engine is noisy overall, as well. My advice? Get a Toyota!

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  Awsome Car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Craig M - January 16 - 11:33 pm

  I purchased this car to replace my dying 2000 Focus. I really wanted an economical, RELIABLE car (who wouldnt after owning a 2000 Focus). When I started looking, the Hyundai dealer was beside a Honda dealer. I was interested in the Civic, but the Sonata caught my eye. I almost didnt look at the sticker, because I was sure I couldnt afford such a nice looking car. I was wrong. This car is quiet, well built, roomy and the 4 cyl has plenty of power. The interior is laid out well, and the trunk is HUGE. This car has options (especially safety features)I would have to do without if I had purchased a Honda at the same price. Unbeatable Warranty, excellent value, and 33 MPG isnt bad either.

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  Excellent car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Tibor - January 14 - 9:50 pm

  I drove the car for 3 months and 3200 miles. I am very pleased with the car in general. Especially I like the power and fuel economy. Everything works perfectly, no complaints. When I want some action I take over the shifting and this car flies. I replaced the headlight bulbs with HID bulbs and added GPS with rear camera an now it is perfect. For the price I do not think you can get anything close to this. Just a remark I tried to lease a Ford Focus and they wanted $330 per month? For Focus base model? I have 3 Hyundais I am very pleased with them.

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  This car is the stuff of nightmares. - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Stephanie Smith - January 14 - 6:34 pm

  I bought this car about 2 years ago from a guy whose grandparents who passed away and didnt want the car. I bought it with 63k miles on it. Im now at 77k miles and EVERYTHING is breaking. Everything in this car rattles, so there are always noises. No matter how much money I put into this car to fix it, something else breaks. Ive had to get new struts, motor mounts, hoses, headlights, door handles, a new motor for the wiper fluid, control arms, bushings, the rotors are about to go. Im STILL having problems. Ive taken great care of this car, but I cant seem to stop the breakage. I would not recommend this car to anyone.

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  One Very Satisfied Customer - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Bob S. - January 13 - 8:30 pm

  When the first pictures from the Los Angeles auto show appeared in December I said to myself, "This is my next car if it proves out." It has proven out. A test drive revealed the quietness, the comfort, the smoothness of the transmission, the zip (before you know it youre doing 60), the interior fit and finish, and all the luxurious features such as the trip meter and the XM radio, which I have grown to love. I prefer cloth seats to leather, so the GLS is just the ticket -- all I need and then some. I look for excuses to go somewhere in my silver ghost.

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  Why go anywhere else? - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jeff D - January 13 - 1:30 pm

  With six airbags, five speeds, shiftronic transmission, traction and stability control, 17-inch alloy wheels, 4-wheel discs, a six-disc CD changer, climate control, sunroof, and beautiful interior appointments, I certainly expected to pay more than $19K for this car. Fit and finish, particularly the absence of squeaks and rattles, is outstanding, although I did have a dimple in the roof which the dealership had fixed while giving me a loaner. Add break-away mirrors and auto light shut-off and this car is about perfect!

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  **WOW** I LOVE A HYUNDAI !!?? - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ashley - January 9 - 9:50 pm

  Wow, push button start, 18" wheels, dual exhaust, leather/cloth seats, power everything, IPOD, Bluetooth, and 10 year Warranty..... $23000

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  My Very FIRST Brand New Car-AWESOME! - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jana - January 7 - 1:00 pm

  Ive owned used cars since I turned 16 (Im only 21) but 2 weeks ago I bought my first, brand-spanking new car, the 2009 Sonata. This car is a dream come true. I love the smooth ride, great interior(love the USB hook-up, cd player, and built in XM), nice exterior, and the huge trunk space. I researched cars before buying and came SOOO close to buying a used Honda Accord but I traveled down the road and came upon the Hyuandai car dealership and found my car. I recommend this car to everyone. Even my boyfriend inquired about one (and he has a 2008 Ford Focus!) Lovely car--go get one!

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  Dont Do It - 1999 Hyundai Sonata
  By Can win for losing - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Hyundai in December of 2001. By January it was in the shop because my transmission fell out. I got my car back in February because the dealership had to call in a specialist to fix the car. We took a trip from Indianapolis to Detroit that following May and got stranded. I replaced the battery, but by June we were in the shop again. For the next 6 months my car would sit in the dealership. I would get in back a few days at a time only for it to self destruct in a matter of hours. Im getting it back tomorrow for the last time. STAY AWAY!

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  Great Car definitely the best in its class right now - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By needanicecar - January 5 - 4:39 pm

  I did a lot of research before choosing this car. This I believe is the best in its class right now. i am sure other manufacturers will catch up in the fall but for now Sonata is on top. I got a Limited with Navigation. I have owned the car for a month and havent had anything I dont like. The limited packs a lot of features that you see in luxury brands. I cannot think of any feature