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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  lot of car for the money, well worth it - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By ghostt - October 6 - 10:00 am

  the shiftronic makes up for a slight lag in power, besides an economy sedan wouldnt be economical if it burned too much gas. It also give the car a more sporty feel. The sound systems quite good considering everything alls factory. Overall it looks good and drives good. By the way did i mention theyre 4 airbags, standard.

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  Great Car - Great Price - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By midas69 - October 5 - 8:03 pm

  It took an awful lot for me to ever consider buying a Hyundai. But this car offers so much value for the money that it was impossible to ignore. Finding another car with the same feature set would have cost $3K more at minimum. But it wasnt until I actually drove the car that I realized that even spending more wasnt going to get me a better car. I went in expecting to have to settle for a Hyundai. I walked out convinced it was the best car in its class regardless of price.

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  If youre ready for a pleasant change - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By SYK - October 4 - 2:23 pm

  Very satisfied with the performance since purchasing the 2011 Sonata 3 months ago and the feeling is not wearing off. Strangers have approached my car to check out the vehicle design or the "buzz" about the new Sonata. I absolutely recommend others to own/lease one or at least take a test drive before deciding on which car to choose in its class. Your decision will be simple after the test drive as it was for me. If youre looking for a change, 2011 Sonata is the choice. Shh! (I prefer driving my Sonata over my dads LS300.) Great job Hyundai!

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  Unbelievable - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By david vogt - October 4 - 10:00 am

  I have owned a lot of cars over the years, Chevy, Cadillac, Mercedes, Jaguar, Ford, Mercury, Chrysler, Dodge, Audi, Subaru and now a Hyundai. I was looking for a car for my daughter, happened to stop in and look at the compact Hyundais, walked into the showroom and there it was, a red 2011 Hyundai sonata limited. The next day after work the wife and I went to the dealer to test drive a limited, told them to work up a price for me on the red one in showroom. We came back after both driving the other car looked at each other and said well take the red one! After a short test drive in the red one back to the dealer to finish deal. Now after 1500 mi everything is wonderful! Very good bang for the buck!

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  Great car fot the price - 1995 Hyundai Sonata
  By jonas - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Its a very great car for the price, I have paid 3500$ CAN, a civic 92 worth 3500$ CAN. and I can tell you that the sonata 95 is better on all points. Its smooth and with the 5 speed model, the mitsubitshi (137 hp) respond very well. At 175 000K the motor lools like a new one!.

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  Amazing for the Money - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mike - October 2 - 7:33 pm

  Just bought my 2007 Sonata SE and so far am very pleased. My family likes the space and comfort. I went for the 6cyl and am glad! So far the gas mileage is showing about 25mpg in mixed driving which is very good. Mine was one of the last 07 Sonatas on the lot and the dealership gave me a great deal - Ive never had a more painless experience and Ive bought a lot of cars.

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  I should have - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Matt_Landers - September 30 - 10:06 pm

  Bought my 2011 Limited in Feb.10. Traded from an Accord EX-L. Should have kept the Accord. Traded back three months later to an Accord. The Sonata wasnt a bad car but MUCH preferred how an Accord handles and holds the road. The Sonata had a lot of features and value for the money and for some people it may be a great car. It wasnt for me. Had some issues with the muffler and build quality problems inside the cabin that the dealer was unable to make right, in my opinion. Ive found there is less risk with Honda quality and resale value for sure. I may consider a Hyundai down the road but for now, ill pass on the Sonata. Hyundai def. has come a long way and I hope they keep going!

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  GREAT 4 DOOR and Feels Like an Accord - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Todd H - September 29 - 9:10 pm

  Rides Smooth and Shifts Smooth---Solid and Nice Fit and Finish---Like the New Front Grill and Inside Blue Night Lights. Has all the features I desire: Cruise, Nice Standard CD/Radio and LOVE the XM radio, power mirrors and windows. Rides Really Quiet and Smooth. My First Hyundai and VERY PLEASED and I have owned Toyota, Cadillac, Lincoln, Buick, Ford, and such. Big Trunk and Big Spacious Backseat. Like the sunglass holder and Ipod Aux jack. My first month has been very pleasurable! Love the warranty and a great car for under $14,000!

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  I cant believe I own a Hyundai ! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Paul chesney - September 29 - 3:53 am

  My 2011 Sonata. SE is great. The car has every thing I like in a car so great on gas go test drive one today and you will see for yourself. Before you buy do your self a favor check it out first.

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  Amazed! Wow, what a car! - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By ahrenius - September 29 - 2:00 am

  I recently rented the car wasnt supposed to get a Sonata, but the compact I ordered wasnt available. At first I thought, Hyundai... oh no. Boy was I wrong! This little Korean beauty really took my breath away. The ride is plush and responsive, similar to a $40k+ Lexus. The V6 is quite ample and quiet, without tempting a 27-year-old male into a Mario Andretti syndrome. It looks like a Jaguar, minus the hood ornament. I have never bought a new car, but at this price, I cant afford not to. I challenge anyone to find a better all-around car for the buck. I will buy one as soon as I can for now, Im extending my rental another week!