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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  Sonata Great - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Don Segel - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Have owned the car since February and find no faults except that the mileageI am getting is less than anticipated.

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  2009 Sonata - great car - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mike - December 10 - 4:26 pm

  Just got my 09 sonata. 4 cyl with popular eqip. #2. Interior is very classy, Lexus-like. Wood grain is awesome. Dealer said I got the only cocoa metallic in pa. Still on my first tank of gas. Getting 35 on highway @ 65 mph. I did little city driving, but that seems to be around 30 mpg I am a big guy and I fit comfortabally. I test drove a 09 corolla. No comparison. Toyota dealer acted as if I would be doingthem a favor buying their precious Toyota. They seemed shocked I even wanted to test drive it and could not figure out why I needed to take it on the hiway for higher speed driving. This is my 2nd Hyundai, traded a 2003 Santa Fe with 100k on it.

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  I love my new car - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Bob King - December 10 - 2:00 am

  In the past ten years, Ive driven Honda Accords and I like them. This year I just bought Sonata, my and I like it better than the Accords we owned before. After we test driving the Sonata, my wife wanted to buy this car instead of Accord, Carmy, and Passat. After I a few days research, most information I got from Ednunds and NSM auto sites, I made up my mind to buy this car. We paid $18,300 for this 2003 LX (at) with sunroof plus tax

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  would not recommend - 1998 Hyundai Sonata
  By alina - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive had a Sonata for two years and it was only two years old when I bought it. Ive had more problems and put more money into fixing it than I ever should have.

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  What a deal - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By JC1212 - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Thank goodness I didnt buy a Honda or a Toyota - I didnt realize Hyundai made nice cars until I drove this one and fell in love with it. Dramatic Jaguar styling, and amazing interior. Couldnt recommend it more!

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  New 2003 Sonata LX - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By curley - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Boughjt our 1st Hyundai product, being a Sonata LX. The vehicle exceeded my expectation with its workmanship and overall product performance. The quiteness of the cabin and 2.7 liter engine is unblieveable and quite peppy. I had to look at the RPM guage to make sure the motor was running. I purchashed it in the New Orleans are for 18,900.00 with a MSRP of $20330.00.

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  Its great but... - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By jpiraino - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Wind noise in window, limited back seat footroom, emergency brake handle rubs midleg, car pulls left and has been aligned twice with no success. Great looking car, great value for the $, Dealer has been responsive. Remember the early Hondas ? They were not much and look at them now. Hyundai will dupicate that success in the next 5 years.

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  I cant believe I bought a Hyundai - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Audioi - November 29 - 7:06 am

  I have never been interested in a Hyundai until I test drove a 2006 Sonata. I currently drive a 03 Passat 1.8t and was looking at VW, Mazda, & Saab until I drove a GLS 4 cyl. The only thing I didnt care for was the light (read hard to clean) cloth seats. Thats when I drove the LX (Leather & V6) and found it to be superior to the other cars we had tried at a much lower cost with a better warranty so I couldnt refuse. The car is whisper quiet, stays firmly planted on the road, has the quality feel of expensive brands and appears to be really well built. The under carriage air control appears to be well thought out and the detail to small items is stellar. So far its doing 22 & 28.8 MPG.

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  Great first impression - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By BBuff43011 - November 28 - 11:40 pm

  After hours and hours of research, I finally drove a Hyundai. I was a little afraid of Korean auto makers because of previous cheap quality, but the Sonata reviews have been pretty favorable since 2007. I love the feel of the ride: comfort, handling, the whole thing. It drives like a more expensive auto and Im loving the satellite radio. Dash lights are pleasant and easy to read, positioning of the fuel and trunk release buttons is brilliant. Lumbar support works well for my 52" frame and the 100,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty doesnt hurt. Definitely impressed so far.

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  679 miles, XM radio not working, rattle on sunroof - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By jamil2 - November 28 - 3:47 pm

  Traded my 2006 Toyota Avalon which had 118000 miles and had way too many recalls and expensive repairs. My 02 Camry is still running with 174000 miles on it without any problem wife already bought a 2011 Honda Accord EX . So bought a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited after researching the vehicle and had no other choice . Love driving but sunroof rattles fixed at 450 miles and last two weeks XM radio has no signal. Sent several signals to the radio , still not working. dealer has ordered new XM antena. I hope no rattles come back after installing new antena,because roof liner needs to be removed from the back . I hope this car does not turn out to be another problematic Toyota Avalon. NJ