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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  Excellent car for the Money!! - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By Susan - May 26 - 3:26 am

  I had owned a Hyundai Sonata 2007 but unfortunately totaled my car in an accident in December. I just loved that car and my heart broke! I didnt have to think twice about what car I would get. I went straight to Atlantic Hyundai and purchased another Sonata 2010. I got a terrific price, $2500 off. The interior of the car has improved and the sound system is great. It feels solid when you drive it and gives a smooth ride. The features on the steering wheel are great too and have improved from the 2007 models. It feels like a sturdier car. I LOVE IT!!!

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  oil burner - 1990 Hyundai Sonata
  By bns - May 25 - 2:00 am

  This car has always started for me and has been reliable. But for some reason the engine has become a OIL BURNER. I feel that this pre-mature for a car that only has 93000 miles. Perhaps the 4 CYL engine was not appropiate for the Sonata. The power windows dont operate very well.

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  Great Car - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By pappy - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Great car, Very glad we bought it.

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  Great car great price - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By jeff329 - May 25 - 1:33 am

  I purcased my new Sonata to replace my 06 Elantra that I totaled in an accident. I decided for more room and comfort and would never consider anything but a Hyundai. The ride is comfortable and there is so much room. The dealership is great I can not say enough about the whole Hyundai experience quality and price all rolled into one.

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  A+ Auto - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Happy Ownner - May 23 - 12:13 am

  Our first Hyundai--bought it after reading great reviews in the press-- had rented one for two weeks of driving and became convinced we wanted one. Great value! Service at our dealership has been fabulous--and we had an oil change at a dealership while on travel--and again, great service. Weve had lots of helpful follow-up from Roseville Hyundai--we even drive the hour to take it there for service.

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  Sonata is Value - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By GoldenO - May 21 - 4:53 pm

  The first things that jumped out to me on my new 2008 Sonata was the construction of the vehicle. Everything was tight and in place. Quietness was second. It is quiet, smooth and responsive. Last but not least is that it is bringing me 30-32MPG and is fun to drive. Not bad for a car that had a 3K rebate and has a 5 yr bumper to bumper warranty and has all the safety features out there!That folks is value!

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  OUTSTANDING - 2001 Hyundai Sonata
  By KPORTER - May 18 - 2:00 am

  What can I say....drives and looks great, I give it a 9 in comfort. Hallmark Hyundai is a great dealership and Skeeter (our salesman) was a pleasure to work with...A fantastic product at a killer price. We test drove 5 other cars, that were 2-3 grand more than the Sonata and wanted the Sonata, HANDS DOWN...

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  Sonata or Benz..........SONATA! - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By PrincessChantelle - May 18 - 2:00 am

  ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY LOVE IT!!!! DID I SAY I LOVE IT? IF NOT...I LOVE IT! We owned an Hyundai almost 10 years ago and swore I would NEVER buy another one. I asked my husband where he bought his crack from when he even suggested it! Moral of the story? NEVER SAY NEVER. The new reputation, warranty, the smooth ride, the price, and the appearance won me over. I couldnt be happier. It also helped to have a sales rep who rocked!

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  Mama is Happy so am I - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By Steve Page - May 17 - 8:00 pm

  I purposely did not buy the car with a turbo. Turbos require closer attention to oil changes and should be idled before shut down to cool the turbo before the car is turned off. This is my wifes car and all she wants to do is drive comfortably from point A to point B and not think about the car. This is the perfect car for her, stylish, comfortable, safe and easily controlled. Lots of room in the cabin for her students and all the books and paperwork she carries with her. Plenty of room in the trunk for trips to see the kids and grandkids and most important of all.... she is happy with the car. She has the Limited with the Ultimate package with the 2.4 L engine and 6 sped trans. I liked the car so much that I bought myself a 2016 Sonata Sport with the Tech package 2.4L with 6 speed trans. All I can say is I love my car also.

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  The Sonata - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Hammerhead - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Great Car Nice features roomy interior under powered smooth ride and quiet interior and great price