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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  Just brought home a 2012! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By 2012firstlook - June 29 - 12:41 am

  My wife and I were finally in the position to buy a new car. We were shopping for crossovers when my mother called me to tell me about the hail damage sale at the Toyota dealership. Thinking we may get a deal we drove a BRAND NEW Camry with hail damage that (white too, looked like a golfball) the air conditioning was inoperable on, was still priced out of our range. Disgusted, my wife and I decide "What the hell, were our lets look at a Hyundai" We were greeted and shown to the lot and just as the doors opened, there was a Sonata. We were in love at first sight. After driving the golf ball, and the Sonata within 15 minutes of each other, I had to have the car.

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  Easy to own - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By CTgal - June 28 - 9:14 am

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  GOOD CAR - 2000 Hyundai Sonata
  By KyCat - June 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new and have driven it for almost 3 years. It has had minor problems but everything was covered and fixed under the 5-year bumper-to-bumper warranty. Overall, it is a good vehicle and I will probably buy another. I feel sorry for anyone that has paid $25,000 or more for a Honda or Toyota with the same features as this vehicle because they have been robbed. I paid $17,090 "out the door" (which means everything was included in the price, such as taxes, tags, freight, processing fees, etc....)

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  2006 sonata gls v6 - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By johnnyo - June 27 - 10:00 am

  I am shocked at the quality of this car. I have gone from bumper to bumper inside and out and have found not one flaw in workmanship, paint, or fabric. This is my first car in my 53 years to have this kind of quality. The V6 is unbelieveable...tons of power! Gas mileage is great..higher than the sicker on the window said it would be. I always bought an American designed and built car. The Hyundai is made in the USA, but I can tell the quality design came from elsewhere...too bad Detroit, Hyundai is gonna sell a ton of these! John

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  Sonata GLS 4 cly Auto - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By JohnC - June 27 - 3:56 am

  WOW after test driving one for two days. I was sold...So I grab one and the 1st day I am having fun driving it. Great deal got it for under invoice and then 3k rebate A steel. Best buy for the $$$. You cant go wrong 4cly has plenty power.

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  Put $$$ wher their mouth was - 2001 Hyundai Sonata
  By ramjet142 - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 2001 demo model with am/fm cd player,4 speed automatic,power moon- roof & 11335 miles for $11995.After 1.5 hrs at dealer I drove home with vehicle Highly impressed with pep & performance Rides like its on rails at higher speeds(above 70 mph)and is very smooth below 70 mph & brakes on a dime.Several people have commented it looks Jaguarish Fantastic warranty will take care of any snafus. Fuel economy is lower than manufacturers quote(20 mpg avg.)but I drive mostly city miles with a lead foot.Stock am/fm cd player & speakers thump pretty well.Overall,I dont think you can get better quality&performance for the buck.

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  CamCorders, youre missing out. - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Matt - June 20 - 1:50 am

  If you drive a Camry or Accord, Im sorry. You shouldve tried the Sonata. If you had, you would be driving it. So much fun to drive, and its still fun even when speeds are of the legal variety. Love the MP3 player on the stereo, cruise on/off on the wheel. Make sure to check proper inflation of the tires, particularly if you have the sport package with 17" rims as I do. They dont always arrive properly inflated and that factor can affect the ride. Great car, for any money. For Hyundai money, its a dream!

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  Love this car!!! - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By Matt - June 20 - 12:00 am

  I have owned this car for just over a month now. It is my first new car in 10 years. I love the way it handles and the V6 power is just right. The limited has so many features included that you pay for in other models. I love the sound system (upgraded with the Limited package).

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  best buy - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By buffalo - June 19 - 2:46 pm

  Great car - looks really well made. Only minor observation the suspension could be stiffened. Happy I bought it.

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  A lot of Car for the Money - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Dan - June 19 - 6:36 am

  What a car! The only drawback (if you can call it that) is I was use to the V6 power of my 2006 Sonata; but the 4- cylinder is not far behind and it gets allot better mileage. The car is just fun to drive and the Navigation/Infinity Stereo system are amazing. I put allot of mileage on my vehicles (96-mile round trip daily commute) and love all the amenities like voice activated hands free blue tooth to my Blackberry and access to the 4,000 songs on my IPod. ItÂ’s a phenomenal car for the money.