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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  Great car with a great price - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By cableguy06 - May 8 - 1:13 pm

  For the money, you just cant beat this car. Have had it for 2.5 months with close to 8K miles. V6, leather, Infinity Sound, Power Roof, etc all for under $21K. Honda and Toyota couldnt touch this with a 10 pole! The ride, accelleration and ergonomics are great. I am imprssed with the fit and finish of the car as well. Would do it all over again!

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  Great Car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Fred - May 8 - 7:13 am

  Just finished a round trip to Indiana from Florida. Great ride and 35.8 MPG, all anyone could ask from this car. Car received many looks from other drivers.

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  Not A Bad Car For The MONEY - 1999 Hyundai Sonata
  By Bigkahunaxxxx - May 8 - 2:00 am

  My wifes Sonota has been a great little car. She has the std. 4 cyl with automatic transmission. Great Fuel Milage - 30MPG on Highway Trips. Seats get uncomfortable on long trips, could use a couple more inches of head room. No Mechanical Problems after 3 years! Good Car For The Money

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  After a month, I still love this car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Dave L - May 7 - 9:13 pm

  I have had this car a month and still love it. I test drove the Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, and Honda Accord (all 2010 models) in addition to the Sonata Limited that I purchased. I liked the Accord and Sonata best, and could have purchased the Accord XLE for about $23,800. The Sonata and Accord have much different drives. Ultimately, I paid $25,300 for the 2011 Sonata, because I liked the styling both inside and out more than on the Accord. Plus the Sonata Limited had a few more bells and whistles than the Accord. Several people have stopped me to ask about the car. I really think that Hyundai is becoming the Toyota and Honda of 20-30 years ago.

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  WOW! You Must See and Drive! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By nf1502004 - May 6 - 6:26 am

  I cant put this in words, but the 2006 Hyundai Sonata LX V6, has more cabin room then Toyota Camry or Honda Accord, has more horespower and tork, and more standard features for less money, as well as Americas Best Warranty! How could you go wrong, you cant it is a no brainer! Check it out for yourself. I wont ever regret this purchase and will not hesitate to buy another one for myself and my family members!!!

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  One Hell Of A Car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ronnie Harrison - May 5 - 7:13 pm

  I first saw the 2006 Hyundai on a T.V. Commercial. The body styling impressed me th most. It looked a lot better than the Accord & Camrys. The exhaust system isnt dangling underneath it as the Accord. Its not cheaply put together and it has nothing that takes away from its physique such as a cheap radio antenna protruding off the front end. Dollar for dollar, the 2006 Sonata leaps ahead of the competition. Hats off to the designers, Ive got nothing but compliments and that warranty is unmatched. Losing my Chevy Tahoe for the Sonata has been worth it!

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  Ford is the past! - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By Pam - May 3 - 3:56 pm

  Ive driven Fords for the past 25 years and I fell in love with the Taurus, however it had major engine, trans and elect. problems with poor warranties. Ive had the Sonata 5 days now and need to get used to the stiff steering of the Sonata, the body style of 2010 is bland, but the interior rocks with the XM radio, auto sunroof and roomy design. Great price the the car including good warranty. .

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  Hyundai Warranty - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By mmm22 - May 3 - 6:56 am

  This warranty is a joke. It is not more than a selling tool. The quality of the car is poor. I spent more money repairing Sonata 2009, V6 than at Honda 2002. At 64000 miles the alternator had to be replaced as result if front valve oil leak. Contacted Hyundai who refused to pay for the cost of the repair. Trust me do not buy Hyundai made cars. The warranty is useless. Quality of the car is not good, oil leakage seems to be a problem with the Sonatas.

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  Dont Buy This Car -- Head for the hills - 1990 Hyundai Sonata
  By Poopdeck90210 - May 3 - 2:00 am

  My 1990 Hyundai Sonata was a disaster. This car totally sucked. Every part of this car malfunctioned just after it went out of warranty -- including the battery and the stereo system. I spent more time in the service department for this car than I did going to the grocery store every week. *SIGH*

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  Catch 22 - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Blue Kaz - May 2 - 2:06 pm

  This is my second Hyundai (1st was 2001 Elantra). I have learned one thing: You either get a great car with your average annoyances or a piece of garbage. My 1st Hyundai was the latter. It was as useful as a paperweight with wheels, but this one hasnt been awful. I bought it because the price was right (kind of) but I got and extra 5y/50Km (total 10y/100Km) BUMPER TO BUMPER for $1000, so I figured whatever went wrong was their problem. This one is fun enough for me to drive (I practically live next door to work), is comfortable on road trips and has given me great gas mileage (26 city/30 hwy). Read the manual about the "break-in" tips and FOLLOW IT!