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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  Its definitely a "sleeper" - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jay - October 23 - 5:01 pm

  I bought my 09 sonata used with 70k miles and have had no issues up to 96k miles during my ownership. Its reliability gives me the greatest sense of relief. For what it is, with its smaller v6, it really likes to show off if you let it. With good summer tires, and traction control off and in sport mode while manually shifting, on takeoff tires are almost garunteed to spin a little, very vocal. You can also get tires to spin in motion if you drop into first under 20 and hit it. No its not a performance car. But I have beat Mustangs, G35s, TL, Audi A4 & A6, MazdaSpeed3, and many other comparable V6s. Over 4000 rpm you can feel the valves open completely and a small surge in power. The addition of VVT was added in 09 I believe with direct injection. Gas mileage is great for all of this. And runs on regular.

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  2002 Hyandai -Sonata - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Interior Window desi - October 22 - 2:00 am

  This is a very well built car for the money.This vehicle has a very smooth and comfortable ride and an excellent braking system with a 6 cylinder engine.The average mileage recieved is 28 miles in the city and 33 on the highway. The interior came loaded with all the extras including electric side mirrors and power windows. The rear seats fold down for extra cargo space when needed.The Sonata also comes with an am/fm cd player and 6 surround sound speakers.Have owned this car since March of 2002 and have not experienced any problems.Am happy with my purchase of this car.

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  Dont be Afraid to Buy - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By bigstick9 - October 22 - 2:00 am

  After a lot of research, I bought a 2003 Sonata. What a great deal and what a great car. I didnt get to many bells and whistles so I got mine for about $15,000. It still includes lots of features other cars consider extras

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  wow - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By harry - October 21 - 2:56 pm

  I have owned an Elantra for the last ten years and it came time to replace it.As a result I shopped the mid-price domestic and import market.The best for the money was the 2011 Sonata. I leased the se in pearl white.From the moment I drove it home I knew I made a good move. It handles great ,it appears to be economic,looks great,well planned interior. The 4cyl 200 horse is plenty of power. Bluetooth is a real plus,electric start is the best. If you are in the market for a new car put the Sonata on your must check out list

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  Vics Silver Sonata - 2000 Hyundai Sonata
  By Victor Witherspoon - October 21 - 2:00 am

  This is good vehicle to own,very nice interior and exterior. The price and the warranty were very attractive to to me. Ill never buy another Camry. Cant wait to get my hands on the beautiful 2003 sonata.

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  LUVN IT!! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By tinvin - October 20 - 11:59 am

  I owned a 2005 Sonata GLS for 7 years & never had a problem with it .I was so satisfied with it I decided to go for another Sonata. I have been looking for a while & came upon the 2011 Sonata I recently got. I love it as much as my 2005 model. Very happy they put the lights on the steering for the cruise, radio, etc. That was a big plus. A very sharp looking car. So far very satisfied with it. After I have had it a while I will repost a review but I dont believe the review will have anything negative. I highly recommend this vehicle. Even going from a V6 to a 4 cyl I am still impressed with the pick up & speed. I look for many happy years with this car! Very HAPPY!

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  Best car ever - 2016 Hyundai Sonata
  By Frank McFadden - October 20 - 4:03 am

  Hyundai was never on my radar for a new car, but the 2016 Sonata Limited is by far the best car I have ever owned. Great value and warranty - awesome ride, sound system superb and all the bells and whistles - cant be beat. I am faithful to a product I like - I owned Mercury products from 1972 until the end - switched to Chevy. Did lots of research before this purchase - best money spent.

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  Worst ride ever - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By dmslv02 - October 19 - 1:38 pm

  I have the one with orange seat piping, on Sunday it will be 4 weeks of sheer awful. The ride is so stiff that after 49 minutes my back start hurting. After 2 hrs its not good, go four hours and I cant walk upright for a day and in pain for another two and stiff. I have never in my life had a back problem only in this car. The interior looks like a 90s Pontiac Grand Prix so Im sure most pedestrian amuricans will like it. The exteriors look good except the creases cause hwy wind buffeting like a Yaris, I utterly hate it and Im trading it in, the cars not worth 20k in the top line let alone 34 msrp.

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  Why cant Ford build a car like this? - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Tobi Fred - October 19 - 5:13 am

  This car does everything I want it to without a hiccup. Costs $5000 less than equivalent Camry or Accord even after aftermarket leather seating. Hyundais still get no respect on the resale market. Thats ok. With 100,000 mile warranty Ill be keeping this a long time.

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  No Buyers Remorse Here. - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mark Man - October 18 - 6:10 am

  I have the Limited with Nav. Now have 1200 miles. I love this car. Beautiful exterior and interior. I look at the car more then I look at my wife lol. Look at the Consumer Ratings under Edmunds and Yahoo Auto and then look at the same reviews for the Camry and Accord. They have buyers remorse. We dont. If someone were to ask me to trade this car for their $38,000 Taurus or Lacrosse I would say NO. Knowing what I know now I would have paid $3000 more to own this car.