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:
Showing 2711 through 2720 of 3,413.00-
2001 Sonata - 2001 Hyundai Sonata
By daver3 - July 16 - 2:00 amNo hastle ownership good performance with 5 speed man.
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Another Car of the Year? - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
By Hyundia convert - July 15 - 2:10 amWell-known Auto Mags such as Car & Driver compared the new Sonatas exterior to Mercedes-Benz CLS-class. The comments about the interior, they stated that it was "quickly homing in on Lexus-level fit & finish". I was immediately impressed with this car in so many levels: excellent build quality, lots of features, best MPG in its class (35 hwy), and plenty of room (classified as a LG vehicle). It also has the highest crash rating with loads of safety features- ESC, anti- lock breaks, & 6 airbags. Plenty of cup holders (I counted 8- plenty of room to hold a cup of coffee when you forget your mug from the day before. I purchased the car with XM, Infinity stereo, blue tooth and NAV.
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UC Purchase - 1998 Hyundai Sonata
By aliasname - July 14 - 2:00 amThe exterior ressembles many larger, nicer vehicles, that cost more money. That means affordible style to me.
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Good but also disappointed - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
By rich31791 - July 13 - 12:56 pmLike the car very much, except for the 6" crack in the front windshield. Had the car for 3 months and dealership said toooo badddd, same as Hyundai. Drove a Ford for 10 years, no cracks. Drove a Plymouth for 10 years, no cracks. So which parts Im going to have replace in the next 6 months. Just love their great so called warranty.
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Lovin it - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
By Vince - July 13 - 4:36 amI love this car its the second new car Ive had Toyota camery 91 it was small and had very little power 2.2l, but this Sonata V6 is great.
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Last hyundia I"ll ever buy - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
By torres123 - July 10 - 10:00 amSo I got this new when it first hit the market back in April. I wanted to wait a while until I left a review. Im so happy I did! So about two months ago the light in the instrument show a key keep lighting up. So I replaced the batteries in the remotes. Before I replaced the batteries the car wouldnt start at times. I thought maybe its because of the battery. Little did I know it was a bigger problem. So the car been in the shop twice. They replaced the the starter remote and keys. So I went to pick it up, and within two days in wouldnt start again! So I called consumer affairs to report my problem. It took 10 days to get back to me. Can somebody say lemon!
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Wow! So this is a Hyundai???? - 2001 Hyundai Sonata
By Dallen47 - July 10 - 2:00 am2 years ago, I wouldnt have even looked at one!!! Good marketing raised my curiosity. All I can say is WOW!!! Test drive revealed a well made, quiet and peppy vehicle. I bought the 4 cylinder and took it to Florida. 33MPG??? Im in heaven. Only flaw was a distorted side view mirror. One trip to the dealer and it was fixed- free!! Every time I drive it (wifes car), I marvel "I cant believe this is a Hyundai. Now have 13,000 miles and its still as tight and quiet as the day I bought it.
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Most Good, with some quirks - 2017 Hyundai Sonata
By JWL - July 9 - 1:20 pmPros: smooth drive train, great seats, overall pleasantness Quirks: engine isolation not the best - small engine vibration noticeable, stereo drops iphone bluetooth connection fairly often, wanders down the road a bit at 75+ (vs. prior Volkswagen Passat), regular stereo a little tinny - no speakers in front doors, only on dash, trunk has to be slammed, lots of little chirping noises and songs, using navigation with apple carplay means not listening to the radio (the limited does not come with built-in nav unless additional option package selected), stereo to me seems a little complicated (again, compared to VW Passat). Overall great car and happy with it, just a little quirky.
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kudos hyundai - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
By anish - July 9 - 11:10 amgreat car, very quiet, has a nice and clean feel on the inside, smooth ride,very spacious front and rear seats, gr8 lookin headlights, lots of trunk space. it is an excellent car for families with need of space and who are on budget.
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Love my new Sonata! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
By shetryed2 - July 6 - 8:06 pmI traded in my 2008 Sonata SE for this new 2011 Sonata SE. What a difference! The 08 Sonata was a good reliable vehicle. The new on is all that plus beautiful to look at with additional features (Bluetooth, IPod jack, 18 in tires, keyless entry) that make this a real pleasure to own and drive. Definitely a great decision, to upgrade to this vehicle.
