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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  A world class. - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Dave Y - August 27 - 4:20 am

  It drives like a more expensive sports sedan. It has the looks that turns heads. Its exterior and interior outclasses the competition in design, fit and finish. Its transmission is smooth. It really gets great gas mileage. It exudes Hyundais newly found confidence. Everything about the Sonata was thought out so well that its hard to see any faults. This used to be how Hondas were built. This used to be how Toyotas were built. This is real game changer and I am proud to say that I own a Hyundai.

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  Delighted with the Sonata - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By paul.pallmeyer - August 26 - 7:30 am

  We did all the research and had our minds set to purchase a 2008 Hyundai Elantra. But when we noted the small difference in price between the Elantra and the 2009 Sonata after discounts, we decided on the Sonata because of its roominess and stated difference of only one fewer mile per gallon highway. No mistake! This car is comfortable, quiet, and the most pleasurable car to drive Ive ever experienced other than something really high priced. And even then, the difference is marginal. And what a surprise to put on 507 miles of around-town driving before dumping in 14.8 gallons of gas when the pump popped. XM radio and turn-down seats for extra storage also pluses we are happy with.

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  Great Car - 2000 Hyundai Sonata
  By Cazzie - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in January with 22,000 miles on it. I have gone to Florida and back in it and I love this car. It is smooth and comfortable (as comfortableaas one can get driving over 3,00 miles). I now have 33,000 miles on it and it performs as well as it did when I bought it. I love the styling and the engine is quiet and smooth to deliver on the 171 horsepower.

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  PLEASE STAY AWAY FROM THIS CAR FOR YOUR OWN GOOD! - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By VAN GO - August 25 - 7:39 am

  Look up all the Hyundai Sonata Class Action Lawsuits and research before you purchase this vehicle. My vehicle is a 2015 and in 2 years and less than 55000 miles my engine gave up. Hyundai wishes to wash their hands clean of this with me and the dealership says their hands are tied even though I STILL HAVE WARRANTY!

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  Wowza - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Obi_wan - August 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Sonata for my wife in Venetian Red. I look for excuses to drive it all the time. I found a very small imperfection in the paint. I took it to the dealership and they looked at it, agreed with me, and set me up with a free loaner while they had their body shop correct the problem. My wife receives compliments all the time from people about the car. Shes not a lead foot and is averaging 26 mpg in town driving to work and back home!

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  Even more amazed... - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ike - August 21 - 2:13 pm

  Following up an initial review, I now have 10,500 miles on the car after returning from a 2500+ mile trip to Ohio in December. Needless to say,we experienced a mix of terrible winter weather, including freezing rain and snow, and the anti lock brakes and stability control performed flawlessly; this car is safe, stable, stops and handles great under all conditions. I deliberately slammed the brakes on on a deserted road covered with several inches of snow over ice, and the car stopped without swerving or fishtailing at all. I never wished for more power, even on long mountain upgrades, and the mileage was 28-30 mpg overall.

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  I Love This Car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mary - August 20 - 2:50 am

  I love the way this car handles! It is so easy to drive, park, and maneuver. It is peppy and has a lot of get up and go. My husband and I first test drove the 2010 Sonata SE and liked it very much. We decided to test drive a 2011 to see if there really was a difference in how the car was redesigned. There was definitely a difference - even I could tell. There was no more considering the 2010; I knew the 2011 was for me. I purchased the Limited, it has everything but the navigation system. There is nothing about this car I do not like. The sound system is super - better than anything I have ever had in a vehicle. If you are in the market for a new vehicle, consider the 2011 Hyundai

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  Best Car Ive Owned - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By sas11 - August 19 - 9:02 pm

  The Sonata Limited is the nicest looking car on the road in my opinion. My friend called it "sexy"! Looks sporty inside and out. Handles like a dream and is fun to drive. But the best part is all the standard equipment you get for a low base price. I priced other cars and you have to pay extra for whats standard on the Sonata Limited. It is the best car Ive ever owned!

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  Very impressed - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By GWH - August 19 - 4:50 am

  While car shopping came across a 2008 Sonata and after a test drive, I was so impressed, I purchased a new 2009 Sonata. My research was very positive and all sources spoke on the great value and quality of this vehicle. I currently have 7500 km (4500 mi) on my Sonata. The vehicle has performed extremely well without one problem, not even any new car adjustments. I found the dealer, Steele Hyundai to be top notch! I had a Volvo S40 Major disappointment!

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  First Hyndia gave up Pilot - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By PUDGIEBIRD - August 16 - 4:20 am

  Bought this car two months ago and I love it. I purchased the limited. My kids state I love the car more then them. The 400 watt stereo blows my ears away. The bluetooth/navaigation is a great feature. I enjoy my driving time to work. So much for all the cost of fueling my ex Honda Pilot. I am saving alot of money every week. Great car. I never thought I would try Hyndai, but so many of my friends have been bragging about their cars for years. I am glad I did.