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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King of Affordable Mid-Size Sedans - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
By Justin LaSalata - November 4 - 10:00 amIf you are in the market for an affordable mid-size sedan, look no further than the 2002 Hyundai Sonata GLS. This sedan has it all, from styling to performance to elegance. The car looks like a Jaguar and rides like a dream. The 2.7 liter 181-hp V6 is lively and responsive. Interior is very accommodating for 5 adults and the instrument panel is laid out beautifully. Why pay upwards of $5,000 and more for a Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, or Chevy Impala? You would be wasting your hard-earned money if you did. Plus, the 10-year warranty cannot be outdone.
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Good deal on Sonata Sport - 2016 Hyundai Sonata
By Hyundai driver - November 2 - 9:04 pmWhen I originally set out to purchase a Sonata, I was not looking to acquire the Sport model. However, during the process of contacting various dealerships online, I was offered a nice deal on a 2016 Sonata Sport. After negotiating a bit more, I was able to purchase a Sonata Sport, which has a several desirable features, at the same cost a regular Sonata. Make sure to do your research on available rebates and the 3% that the dealer receives from the manufacturer. Knowing that the invoice price is not the actual cost of the car will definitely make negotiation easier.
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Love my Hyundai - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
By snovacancy - November 2 - 8:36 amIve owned my Sonata for 10k miles...and I still love it. I moved from a 4 door pickup and was very nervous about going to a sedan. No regrets. Also Ive looked and looked and can not find anything wrong with this vehicle. This is the only car Ive owned that Ive not had to take it back for some kind of warranty work.
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love my new sonata - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
By foxtrot22 - October 31 - 10:00 amMy new Hyunai Sonata Lx is a smooth quiet riding car. I get wonderful mileage even though it is a six cyc car. On several occassions I was asked if I had a new Jaguar by my neighbors.
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Great buy - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
By CBL1975 - October 31 - 10:00 amI am very picky about my car and have owned a dodge intrepid for the past 5 years - The Sonata that we just purchased is the best vehicle that I have ever had. It is an incredible value, great performace, the warrenty is unbeatable. If you need a new car - this is it!!! Dont wait.
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Great Car! - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
By onob - October 28 - 2:00 amWe decided to drive this car on a lark. As soon as we got in the car, we fell in love with it. It was so responsive that it seem to just take off with barely a touch on the accelerator. It was a dream to drive, particularly on the highway. A roomy, comfortable, quiet ride is very important to us and this car certainly fit the bill. It also has a nice solid feel on the road. We were just amazed that we could get so much car for such a reasonable price.
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Great Car for the Price - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
By NewSonataOwner - October 27 - 1:00 amI bought the 6 cylinder model 2 months ago and I very happy with the car. In fact my daughter also bought one. We got all the bells and whistles without paying a outrageous price. The car looks like a Jag and handles great. I was really pleased to have my warranty extended to 6 years and 72000 miles due to their horsepower mix up. Many people have told me the car looks great.
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My new "used" Sonata - 2000 Hyundai Sonata
By The G Man - October 26 - 2:00 amI cannot say enough great things about my 2000 Sonata GLS V6. It has everything you could want in a automobile!! It is extremely comfortable, quiet and fun to drive! I am a true believer in the Hyundai line. I am not the only Hyundai owner in my family. It you have any doubts in the product go test drive one! You will be impressed!
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My new "used" Sonata - 2000 Hyundai Sonata
By G man - October 26 - 2:00 amI cannot say enough great things about my 2000 Sonata GLS V6. It has everything you could want in a automobile!! It is extremely comfortable, quiet and fun to drive! I am a true believer in the Hyundai line. I am not the only Hyundai owner in my family. It you have any doubts in the product go test drive one! You will be impressed!
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Good car. Good value. - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
By mcastro2 - October 24 - 3:41 pmI have driven my Sonata 2011 for about 15K miles so far. Havent had a problem yet. When I was in the market I looked at Toyota, Camry and Ford midsize sedan models. After comparing cost, features and gas mileage, the Sonata gave me the most bang for my buck. So I went head and bought a 2011 Sonata GLS. I have a long commute to work and have put nearly 15K miles on the car. I brought it in for scheduled services but nothing else. If I had to pick on something about my Sonata is that the engine has a rattling noise since the beginning. It almost sounds like a Diesel engine. I asked the dealer about this and they told me that it is normal and there are no repairs needed.
