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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  Love, Love, Love a Hyundai! - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By Melissas toy - October 16 - 8:10 pm

  I went to one dealership. I was looking at the Elantra. Way too small. I asked the salesperson about the Elantra deal and they said "You mean the Sonata deal!" I had no idea. I got over $1400 off. It is a beautiful color and there is as much room as my old Camry. The kids like it. I just need to get used to a standard. The car handles great and I like how huge the trunk is. The glow in dark emergency release lever is great. I love showing it off. I got every kind of warranty that was offered. I feel like I am riding around in a safety bubble.

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  Superior Performance Sedan - 1999 Hyundai Sonata
  By inkslinger - October 16 - 2:00 am

  I sell new Hondas and all sorts of used cars...and would never switch from Hyundai! This is one high quality sedan. Includes everything the 02 Accord LX sedan has for thousands less and a longer warranty. In fact, this is one of the best warranties in the bussiness, but Ive never had to use it, since this car has never caused me ANY problems!!

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  AWESOME!!!! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Randy B - October 15 - 7:20 pm

  Great overall experience. I had my mind made up on a Tuscon, saw this beauty on the lot and said lets give it a try. This car is unbelievable for the price. Looks and rides like luxury car, but its $10k less. Great experience at the dealership This Car is HEAD TURNER!!

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  Now this is what Im talking about - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Howard - October 12 - 9:23 am

  My wife and I have a history with Hyundai. My wife currently has a 2003 Santa Fe and I have had a 2002 Santa Fe prior to getting this car. I say that because we think enough of the company and their product to continue buying from them. I am very happy with my car. I purchased a GLS auto with xm radio, moonroof and 17in. wheels instead of the 16 in. standard. I have read reviews that have stated the car has average pickup in highway traffic. Let me tell you that sometimes I have to ease up on the peddle, if you know what I mean, an have no problems getting in and out of traffic. I look forward to a continued great relationship with Hyundai!

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  better out there - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By maxbald - October 11 - 7:13 am

  Now have 4500 miles on car and buyers remorse has hit hard. Edmunds and Consumer Reports got it all wrong with this car. And people that give it favorable reviews are not very car savvy. The car rides horrible..like it has broken shocks. The 4 cylinder only returns 18 mpg tops. Been back to the shop 3xs for problems. The car has a cheap feel to it and little annoyances such as the passenger side seat belt that always clangs against the pillar. Service rep said to duct tape it nothing else can be done. Would not recommend a Hyundai to anyone and I was forewarned. Its junk. You get what u pay for sometimes less. Its crap thats why it loses over 60% of its value in a short time.

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  Amazing Car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Shaibaz Gadhwala - October 11 - 6:50 am

  We had been looking around for a mid- size sedan for quite sometime till we came across this beauty. It has everything that one could possibly imagine at a price that will not break the bank. Score a pretty good deal on a GLS model with a popular package. I have been driving around for just a couple of days but I think build quality wise this car should not give any trouble for a long time to come. Please take a test drive on this one before you buy any comparable car from other companies such as Accord, Camry, Mazda6, Malibu etc.

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  Mixed Experience - 1990 Hyundai Sonata
  By wnc - October 11 - 2:00 am

  This was my parents car. It only has 89000 miles on it. I use it to commute ~90 mostly highway miles daily. It makes an OK commuter car. It had a defective torque converter that was replaced under warrenty. It has a problem with the ignition switch. Installed a push button to bypass the ignition switch. It is hesitant to start. The air vents are cheesy and they have fallen part. The air conditioner still works but the outside air vent is now jammed open. A water leak has rusted the AC blower fan. Put some oil in it to quiet it down for now. On humid days the windows can fog up easily. DO NOT BUY UNLESS YOU KNOW THE CARS COMPLETE HISTORY.

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  Michael owner - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By michael affatati - October 8 - 2:00 am

  This auto is out standing and the dealer we dealt with was the best we have ever used. Our exp. was so good that we whent back and bought a second auto and we buy 2-3 autos every 2yr. we are one happy camper!!!

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  I Love My Sonata - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Connie - October 7 - 3:16 am

  I love the car.

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  GREAT CAR - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By PAUL F - October 7 - 2:00 am

  THERE MANY THINGS I CAN SAY ABOUT THIS CAR BUT IM EXTREMLY LIMITED. HYUNDAI HAS COME ALONG WAY SINCE THE 80S AND I THINK THEYVE PUSHED WAY AHEAD OF ALL THE COMPETITION AND HAVE ONE HECK OF A NICE QUALITY VEHICLE TO SELL. EVERYTHING FROM THE COMFORT, STYLE AND CONVIENIENCE ARE ONLY SOME OF THE BEST FEATURES. I THINK IF YOUR IN THE MARKET FOR AN ALTIMA OR ACCORD YOU SHOULD DEFFINETLY CHACK THIS OUT FIRST!