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:

• 

  Well done, Hyundai - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By j. l. robinson - July 4 - 3:40 pm

  Weve only had our Sonata (with automatic) about one month, but we are impressed. We took it on the road for over 1,300 miles and averaged from 38-42 mpg. It rides quietly and comfortably with excellent handling in both dry and very wet weather----no brake problems. The engine seems fully competent and responds well. All systems perform as advertised. Trunk space is wonderful and the fold-down rear seat backs provide a most spacious cargo area----big enough for us to carry an antique rocker----without sacrificing cabin quietness. Of course, we had limited time with the Sonata, but so far so very good!

• 

  sonata gls - 2000 Hyundai Sonata
  By mpw68 - July 3 - 2:00 am

  it is a good car alland all, very solid feeling, cruises at 85 with no problems very smooth and quite

• 

  3rd Update - Still Outstanding - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By John of Columbus NC - July 3 - 2:00 am

  After 10 months of ownership, I like this car more and more each month. Just returned from a trip from Columbus, NC to Leesburg, VA. 488 miles each way. Using mainly Interstate 81 I was able to drive at the 70 miles per hour speed limit. Computed my mpg using my hand calculator. I averaged 36.5 mpg on the trip there and 35.7 on the return trip. This is an outstanding car and no one should have any fear of purchasing one. My dealer is Dave Edwards Hyundai of Spartanburg, SC. Fair, honest and great service best describes my dealer.

• 

  The sonata for 2011 - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By bluep - July 3 - 2:00 am

  There is only one word great. After having 6 mustangs all high performance this car is one of the best I have had yet. It has all the power and all the quality I want. And getting 28 to 30 miles per gallon. Go go go go go Hyundai.

• 

  2011 Sonata 2.0 T Limited - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Patrick - July 3 - 2:00 am

  Definitely worth the wait for the 2.0T. The 2.4 is probably adequate for most, but the turbo is worth extra cost for those wanting more. Limited package is great value.

• 

  Great deal, great drive . - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By ROMY - July 2 - 7:13 pm

  Great HP pick up tight handling ,great gas mileage for a v6 .

• 

  good car but some limitations - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By carl12 - July 2 - 3:14 pm

  I bought this car used in 2010. I replaced a bmw 535. I was impressed how the car is built. It is pretty bullet proof. It is much quieter than a Honda and rides as nice as a Toyota model. My commute takes me 130 miles over two mountain passes in Washington. I carry between 2 and 4 adults. I average 28.5 mpg. Another carpooler gets 31 with his 6 cylinder Camry. So, that disappoints. The other issue is that the weight limit on this car is about 835 lbs. 4 adult men add up to that and if you add any luggage, you are around 1000 lbs. I mention this because during one drive on an icy I-90, flat road, I could barely hold the car to the road, semi trucks passed me.

• 

  Love it - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By TL - June 30 - 2:53 pm

  Ive had my car since September last year, and Ive put a little over 8000 miles on it since. Though its over 6 months old, it still brings a smile to my face when I walk out to it. What it boils down to, is that you cant get a better car for the price. The standard features beat the competitors in its class hands down, even at a lesser cost. Comfort, size, safety... all excellent. Not quite as "sporty" as the Accord, but more luxurious... so its a price I gladly pay. I tend to have a lead foot, as the saying goes, so my fuel economy suffers... but that aside, I dont feel I get decent MPG. Ive gotten compliments from, literally, everyone whos been in my car.

• 

  Excellent Value for the Price - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By deis - June 30 - 2:47 am

  We had a 2004 Sonata and the only problem I had with it was a battery during the 7 years that we owned it. Naturally when the 2011 was introduced we went to check it out and were impressed. I took my wifes advice and purchased all of the options which included the navigation package. The 4-cylinder engine on this car accelerates much better than the 6-cylinder Sonata we had before. The keyless ignition is great. The ability to open the doors without a key is very convenient so that you dont have to go searching for keys in your pockets or purse. I have read a very few negative customer reviews on the Sonata but overall most people are pleased with this car. It performs well overall.

• 

  Sonata99 - 1999 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ba1976 - June 30 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Sonata for a little over a year and for the most part its been a decent car however within the last 3 months I have had the O2 sensors reaplaced and the spark plug wires replaced twice as well as the transmission going out. Also my locks started locking when I start the car and unlock when I turn it off but my keyless entry quit working.Hey Lose a feature gain another.Think ill buy an acura next