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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  worst quality of tires possible - 2017 Hyundai Sonata
  By abhinav - September 12 - 12:16 pm

  Within 5 months and 5000 miles of purchasing a new 2017 Hyundai Sonata, I had to replace 3 tires. With minimal or jerk or hitting the curb, the tires burst. If you think I drive poor, for a comparison, I have been driving a Rav4 for 25000 miles and still have excellent quality of tires in it. Im done with Hyundai vehicles, I cannot drive in constant fear that when my next tire is going to burst. Im really scared of going on highways on high speeds or take my family out in this car. Im replacing this car as soon as I can.

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  2007 Sonata - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By jim - September 11 - 8:20 pm

  Have had this car nearly a year now & can`t say enough good things about it. Drive is whisper quiet,engine seems to have plenty of power for me. Also the longer I drive it the better the gas mileage gets. I had my mind made up to buy a Honda Accord (own a CRV & previously an Accord)but the rude sales mgr. & $4,000. extra made me go for this car.

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  Very Satisfied With Our New Sonata - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Near Huntsville - September 11 - 1:40 pm

  Fuel efficiency of this model was a major factor in my decision to go with Hyundai. After 6500 miles I am averaging 29 MPG around Huntsville, AL in mixed city/interstate driving. The interior of this car is laid out well. The power seat is great because it allows for small tweaks while driving to maintain driver comfort. The stock radio sounds very good and having the USB port allows me to play MP3s from a flash drive, and XM radio is a big plus too. The A/C cools quickly and has to be turned down a bit, even on hot days. The interior is so quiet that I feel like Im in my own little zone on the way home from work each day.

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  Quite a change for hyundai - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By HappyHO - September 10 - 2:00 am

  Hyundai has never really been up to par with the likes of Honda and Toyota until 02. The newly redesigned Sonota is almost perfect. One of the smoothest rides out there, it feels more solid than the accord and has more pickup then the camry. The price is not bad either. I would recommend this car anyday of the week. Its roomy, sporty, and I love the shiftronic sport shifting. A very well made automobile at a very good price.

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  WOW!!!! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Deb - September 8 - 6:30 pm

  I just took delivery of my 2011 Sonata Limited with Nav. This car is all I was hoping it would be. Ive been waiting to see it since the first time I heard it was coming. And the pictures dont do it justice. It is a fun to drive, economical, and good looking vehicle. My husband has been trying to get me out of my Acura for years and this car finally gave me a reason to do so. I am impressed by all the standard features and the quality of everything about it. I like to "feel" my stereo when I listen and this car delivers on that count. The acceleration is way better than I expected. And all of this for a whole less money than I ever expected. I highly recommend this car!!!!!

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  Great Car - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By Nicole - September 8 - 4:46 am

  I was really interested in the Honda Civic and Toyota Camrys and didnt like the bad blind spot in the Civic and the Camry seemed too big for me and a little pricey. I was recently in a car accident and had to find a new car fast... I did some research and luckily my rental was a Hyundai Sonata. I was able to test drive it and really get a feel of it. I fell in love and decided to go to the dealership to get a better look. It has only been a day of owning my car and I already love it! I think it is so stylish and roomy and I feel so safe! I was able to upgrade to leather seats without paying the extra "Limited" cost. I have a white car w/ Beige interior and LOVE it.

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  Competent Family Car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By tristanboy - September 6 - 11:26 pm

  Stylish car that needs more substance. Although a good effort, still not class leading. Steering feel is a well known issue for modern Hyundais. It feels extremely numb. The powertrain is very powerful. Get decent gas mileage around 25 mpg combined. Interior materials are nice although the center console plastics are rather cheap and the blue lighting at night is hard to read at a glance. Owned the car since November 2010. Other than routine service, I had to have the rear-view mirror replaced, the A/C actuator fixed, a new key fob. Fairly reliable and holding up well. Car at 29,000 miles.

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  so far GREAT!!!! - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By bayou man - September 6 - 9:53 am

  After much research and comparisons we decided on the SE v6, this style gave us more standard options than any of the others. Plus several other options added at no extra charge, add in the warranty and it was a easy decision. It may have a little less horsepower rating than some of the top competitors but unless you buy it to drag race, or want to exceed 145 mph I think it is more than efficient. You get advantage of great gas mileage 32.5 hyway,would only wish I could have got that kind of mileage with my 63 Impala SS W/ SAME HP. BEATS OUR 2.5L V6 mAZDA by a long shot.Ride is awesome, quite, smooth and precise, interior is great. Find a better deal than this buy it.

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  This is my 4th Hyundai - 1999 Hyundai Sonata
  By rickb - September 5 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has the most comfortable ride of the four Hyundais Ive owned (88 Excel, 90 Sonata, 94 Elantra, 99 Sonata). Ive had to return it to the dealer a couple of times (02 sensors((4 of them on the 2.5L!))and a recall, that I read about in "Consumers Report". I currently have a problem with the paint peeling off the passenger outside mirror mount. Very solid and quiet vehicle. In five years, Hyundai will be the benchmark of the Asian automotive industry in the U.S.

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  I love my 2003 Sonata! - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By BelleJarr - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I just graduated from college and was thrilled to be purchasing a new car (I drove a 1988 Celica with 200,000 miles on it thoughout college). A friend bought a Sonata just before we graudated, I fell in love with it, it reminded me of a Jag or Mercedes. I was certain that it would be out of my price range, I was shocked on how affordable it was! I purchased a 2003 black 5-speed with standard features for around $15,000(I prefer to drive a manual, its just more fun). My Mom and Dad saw it and thought it was a Mercedes and my husband (hes a mechanic)loves the warranty and loves to drive it too. The standard features are great for the price!