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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  Good car for smart price - 2000 Hyundai Sonata
  By Vadim - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Good car for smart price

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  Quick little 4 Cyl. - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By pat - July 31 - 12:23 am

  Every thing about this car is better, the trunk has more space and even with more HP than last years model this car still get between 32-37 mpg. on the highway.

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  below expectations - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Bob Slobbins - July 29 - 2:00 am

  The standard equipment list and aesthetics of the Sonata were what led me to choose buying it over the base model Accord. After 12 months of owning it, I have just a few complaints. I needed new brake pads and front tires at 15,000 miles of mostly city driving. The wiper fluid pump and front headlight fuses needed replacing. And the window trim is already peeling. Also, Ive averaged 17 MPG in 95% city driving with automatic.

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  Great gas mileage - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By gorpot - July 28 - 7:56 am

  Bought car at the end of June. Have 4,200 miles on so far. Have had no problems, except once in a while on a warm day, the gas tank must get an air bubble or some type of vapor lock in it, because I have had three times when I went to fill it up with Gas, I could not fill it up. It would be about 2 or 3 gallons from being full. Dealership is no help in this issue. However when I can fill it up, Gas mileage has been excellent. Always over 30 MPG, except the two times I used Gas with Ethanol in it, and my MPG went down to 28. So the answer is use 100 percent Gas, none of that Ethanol crap. Lets DRILL DRILL DRILL. Wife also loves the car. Seems to handle very good. Sound system is nice.

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  Excellent upgrade from an Accent - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By zornundo - July 27 - 1:36 pm

  We bought this car to replace one of our 2006 Hyundai Accents. Were very impressed with the interior size as well as the interior furnishings and finish. I picked the four cylinder for the highway mileage and havent driven enough yet to get some good figures. Im very pleased with this car so far and can see myself fighting with the wife to see who gets to drive on a given day. The five-speed automatic transmission is great. Drives and shifts smoothly. It will tend to downshift while going uphill at highway speeds, especially with the cruise control on. You have been warned! I suppose thats one of the trade offs for the EPA 32 mpg highway.

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  Good Car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ted B - July 23 - 8:50 pm

  Great Car. Good fuel economy. Great power for a 4 cyl. Everything is great except for the drivers seat. I wish that the front part of it could be adjusted to a desired hight.

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  2011 Sonata SE/ Very vGood Car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jim Lang - July 23 - 7:00 am

  I have enjoyed driving this car, it is responsive and the handling is excellent. However the new adaptive values automatic transmission has been a problem. Dealer claims the transmission adapts to your driving style. That has not worked out too well for me or my sister who also owns a 2011 Sonata. My car wants to accelerate when it down shifts from 4th to 3rd even when your foot is off the gas and you are coming to a stop. My sisters car has a rough down shift from 4th to 3rd and feels like you are stepping on the brake. Dealers are blaming the customers driving style, they should take a look at their transmission programing/operation.

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  EBST DEAL AROUND - 2000 Hyundai Sonata
  By DAND214 - July 19 - 2:00 am

  Was nery impressed with the quality and thevalue. Went to buy a Honda after driving the Sonata, we were sold. Has been great good performance and good milage. i will be buying another Hyundai, you can take the high price image cars and junk them, if Im going to race I need a race car not a wanabe.

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  Wow - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By George - July 18 - 4:16 pm

  This my first Hyundai.I looked at Camreys,Accords and Altimas.But I fell in love with the Sonta. I drove them all and after my test drive in the V6 Sonta it was no contest. It has plenty of power and a ton of extras that can,t be beat. Its a ton of car for the buck.It handles great,rides smooth and quite at 85. Would liked to see a little better gas milage around town but it still not bad 18.5 per gal not with the preformance you get.

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  My Sonata - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Tina Elliott - July 16 - 6:13 pm

  I loved my sonata. I love driving in it. It felt like I was driving an expensive luxury car. Sad to say, somebody hit me in that car and totaled it. But I will say that that car saved my life! Will I by another one? Yes!