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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  Love it but some problems - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By ashlex - June 7 - 3:30 am

  We bought our sonata less than 2 weeks ago. And honestly we love the car .... but some problems that come standard on some sonatas. Center console makes rattlling noise. Bad shocks on the rear suspension. Also the mode button on the weel was getting stuck. All those parts are going to be replaised by the dealer. But other than that we love the car. And i just wanted to say all that for the people that a going to buy one of those cars. The onlything i didnt like so far is that the car tends to slide from stop on snow but thats why there is the stabiliy control. The red colour ROCKS. Didnt score perfect only because no car is perfect.

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  Disappointing... - 2000 Hyundai Sonata
  By Kristy-) - June 6 - 2:00 am

  Careful when considering the purchase of a Hyundia. Read the warranty restriction very accutely. At 60,000 miles be prepared to pay upto $1500 in basic service maintenance to keep the 100,000 miles powertrain warranty effective. (Timing belt must be replaced every 60K!) I have owned 3 hyundias Tiberon, Sonata, and an old Excel. It might be a great value up front but carefully calculate longterm operation costs and depreciation.

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  Great Car - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By MK1 - June 5 - 10:00 am

  We purchased the car after many weekends shopping other dealers like Honda, Toyota, and Nissan and opted for the Hyundai. Not only is it a great looking car with many options that the others dont offer on the base models it is less expensive. The warranty is great! Unfortunately at the rate I drive I should have over 100K miles on it by the 5th year. Which means the extra 5 years on the 10 year warranty will be wasted. This is an awesome buy if you only drive 10K miles a year. We got the V6 model and it has a lot of get up and go with little noise. We have traded in a Mercedes C230 Kompressor and I do not regret it in the least.

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  Glad I bought it - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By larry - June 5 - 12:10 am

  I bought this car as a replacement for our gas guzzling minivan. The biggest draw was the standard safety features. My wife and I looked at the competitors, none of them offered comparable equipment for anywhere near the same price point. The engine is strong and works well with the 5 speed auto transmission and while the handling may not be a best in class sports sedan it certainly is acceptable for my everyday driving needs. I have owned an accord and still own a camry, both are good cars but this is the first hyundai I ever considered buying and so far I think its worth it. I would recommend this car to others.

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  Oh Yeah - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By KennyMac - June 1 - 6:46 pm

  Incredible car. We just love it. Handles like a dream, and room for plenty of sets of golf clubs in the roomy trunk. And lets face it people, the car looks sexy. I think the Accord and Camry folks better keep an eye on their rear view mirror cause the Sonata has the pedal to the metal and is passing fast.

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  best car ever - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By parker1409 - May 31 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the finest cars i have ever had&and at a great price!

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  A great Car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Steve - May 30 - 9:20 pm

  After driving this automobile over 6000 miles I still havent found any serious problems to complain about. The rear suspension could use some tweaking as the car doesnt handle wash board roads or pot holes well. I drove the car on a 2700 mile trip on interstates, US highways and in city driving. My overall mileage was 31.7 mpg. I have driven the car at over 100 mph and found it very stable. I find the seating comfortable for long trips. I find the acceleration excellent, when needed. I generally drive very conservative, from a stop light I keep the tach below 2500 at each shift and on the road run on cruise control at the speed limit and let the world roll by.

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  Beautiful Sonata - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By joyrood - May 29 - 10:00 am

  My husband tried to talk me into another brand car but I just loved the looks of the 2011 Sonata. It rides and drives so nice that you forget you are in a small car as we have always owned SUV. We are so happy with our beautiful Sonata.

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  Best car owned to date - 2001 Hyundai Sonata
  By Redstone - May 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned the car for two weeks. So far I cant find anything wrong with it. If I ever do my 100,000 mile warrenty should cover it.

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  My Sonata Sienna - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Tina Sarotte - May 27 - 2:20 am

  I call it my sonata sienna because I really loved the looks of that van but when I discovered the sonata I was really impressed! I forgot about my sienna and went straight for the sonata. I purchased that for a steal deal I bought it for $24,112. And the sticker was $27,445. My payment is $347 a month for almost a limited. Not bad. Ive had no problems with it at all and Ive already had for two months. Its roomy, stylish, reliable everything a mother wants in a vehicle. I was a van mom but forget Chrysler, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Dodge, Kia all of them I love my sonata and I recommend it to anyone. Trust me:)