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:

• 

  Unhappy - 1999 Hyundai Sonata
  By unhappy1999 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Took car back to dealer 13 times during one year for the same problem. Bad elctrical system. Faulty door locks and stero system. Car does not hold any resale value. I will never buy another one.

• 

  Quality Drive Thats Cheap! - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Hanky - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Nice Car thats build with quality! The base level model even has SHIFTtronic automatic transmission - makes it fun to drive! Only minuses are below average gas milage for a 4 cylinder. Toyotas 6 cylinder has more horse power and almost the same gas mpg. Coming from driving a luxuary SUV for awhile, low feeling and the harder feel of the seats needs getting use to. Finally, cant beat the warranty and peace of mind of road assistant. Recommended over any dosmestic brand car! Period!

• 

  Best Car in the Midsize Category. - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Richard38 - August 7 - 2:10 am

  Just took delivery of a 2011 Hyundai Sonata SE Pearl White. Sticker-$23,650-Options-Pearl White Paint-$200, Floor Mats $100, IPod Cable-$35. Looked at Accord EX and Camry SE. Car is far superior to both, larger, better equiped, XM Radio Standard. Offered a unbelievable deal on the Camry SE, but the new Sonata is a much nicer and better equipped car.

• 

  Great! - 2016 Hyundai Sonata
  By Charles Miller - August 6 - 5:38 pm

  We love the car. We are repeat buyers.

• 

  Piece of Junk! - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By bmohandas - August 5 - 3:10 pm

  I purchased the 2013 Sonata GLS with Popular package on 5/5 and starting day 1, i was getting a brushing noise on the steering wheel. I took it to the dealer on 5/17 and its been 7 days and they attempting to fix the issue. they are replacing the steering column! Never buy Hyundais! go for Honda,Toyota or Nissan

• 

  Impressed with 2011 Sonata Ltd. - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Al - August 5 - 1:50 am

  Car rides very smooth and quiet. Pick up for a 4 cyl is excellent and cruises very nicely at high speed. The mileage per gallon is great. averaging about 25 around town and 33 on the road. Could do better on the road if I keep it around 65 mph.

• 

  Good but not as great as I expected - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Karen - August 4 - 1:30 am

  Probably should have bought the 4 cylinder for the extra gas mileage, the 6 cylinder is good with a heavy load (people, etc) but not necessary when just one. Have had trouble with "flat" tires...looks like the car sat too long on the lot and this is an 09..tires were changed by dealer off another 09 and still seems to be a rough ride. (Lotta weight was put on the rims too). Great visibility, turns in tight areas well. Interior vinyl (dash/doors) can scratch easily--several nicks are showing up from objects that touch vinyl...Getting lots of customer appreciation "touches" from dealer and Hyundai corp....a very professional group! Getting alot of "lookers" at car..

• 

  A Great Choice For Your $ - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By Sean - August 3 - 2:00 am

  1 week owned. Researched for over a year and finally bit the bullet. Never thought Id buy foreign, let alone Hyundai. Looked for 09 but none left. Wife fell in love when we test drove. The trunk is huge. Interior is great, especially gauges at night. Standard sound system has 6 speakers and free XM (3 mos). Plenty of storage. 4cyl has great pick up. Childseat is a breeze to install with 3 point anchor brackets. Still on original tank of gas from dealer and weve been out everyday in it. Dealer even threw in dinner and heated seats. $1,000 rebate didnt hurt. Clearly beats Fusion and Accord on price and options for the $. Best overall value for your money.

• 

  Love this car! - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By newgnu - August 2 - 10:00 am

  My second Hyundai. First one a 2003 Elantra which I fell in love with from the start. The 2004 Sonata, with V-6 and leather has much more pep, is stylish, comfortable, and just down right fun to drive. Havent had it on a trip yet, but would expect good performance. The warranty is just icing on the cake!

• 

  WOW...what a deal on the new Sonata!! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Sonata - August 1 - 5:53 pm

  This car has it all from heated leather seats, electronic compass, great sound system , excellent interior and faster than most cars in its class with the aluminum V6. The gas mileage is excellent if you can keep your lead foot off of this speedy vehicle. Hyundai reminds me of the early days of Honda...the price of this Sonata is going up in the future. The quality is unsurpassed even by Honda.