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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So Far, Very Happy - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
By Dixie - February 25 - 7:26 pmI purchased the car earlier this month (July, 2008) and Ive been very happy with it. The dealership included a full tank of gas with its delivery. I literally went 10 days in 3/4 of a tank of gas. That totaled about 375 miles. The tank is 16.9 gallons and dare I say one would get 500 miles on a single tank during highway driving. The Sonata is the first Hyundai Ive owned since I bought a Scoupe in 1993 in Southern California. That car had the best paint job Ive ever had in a car. I love the XM Radio in the Sonata. So far, its all good.
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Want to Love it. - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
By Brian Allen - February 25 - 1:56 amI purchased the Sonata Eco with the tech package. I am a 64" tall and weight around 240. I purchased this car because I felt the vehicle fit me well and was built with quality. I have owned the car for about 6 months and have liked it but not loved it. My main complaint is with the driver seat. I am still not comfortable in the seat, though it is getting better. When I drive it for an extended period (up to a 1/2 hour) I get out with upper back pain. This has been very frustrating. I have loved MPG I am getting with the vehicle. If I have the vehicle in ECO mode and drive conservatively I can get 40 mpg on the freeway. I purchased the vehicle for around 24K the price dropped to around 23K a couple of months after I purchased it.
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Suspension Noise Trumps Everything Else - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
By kurt - February 21 - 8:40 pmI bought this car used with 11k miles on it. It has the option premium package with moon roof, automatic lights, trip computer, electric seat. Got a great deal and now I can see why: this car is fine on the highway and if that is all you basically do then fine, buy it. But if most of your driving is in town, on any road less than perfect then forget it. It is one constant busy, bumpy, and thunky ride with every imperfection in the road transmitted through the inferior suspension put into this car. After a week of this nonsense I finally had enough and took it back for another car. Fortunately, the dealer allowed me to trade it without penalty. Be warned, this car is terrible on city streets
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A best buy for the money..... - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
By Ledfut - February 18 - 10:00 amOur 2003 LX has just passed the 10,000 mile mark and is thus far, flawless. For the amenities and features of this model, youd pay five to seven thousand more. It carries two to four passengers in comfortably and securely.
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I love my Hyundai Sonata! - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
By Anne Short - February 18 - 10:00 amI have only had my Hyundai for 11 months, but I really enjoy driving it. The price was right. (I was looking for a nice car that I could afford to pay cash for, and the Hyundai fit the bill. So far I am completely happy with my Sonata.
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Great Car, 2nd Review - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
By bdemick - February 17 - 7:33 pmI have owned the vehicle for 9 months & 16,000 mi. and it is still a great car! No problems, great ride & handling, good performance from the 4 cyl. engine and on highway trips over 37 mpg! Love all the standard features and a warranty that shames Toyota & Honda and many more. If all the vehicles in its class cost the same Id still pick the Sonata. What a bonus that its thousands less!!
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The best on the Market - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
By bmyers - February 17 - 2:00 amI have been looking for over a year for a neew car. Always said I would not buy a foreign car. Well never say never, This Sonata is the greatest deal out there. Did my research on it and got it $3,000 below sticker price.The standard equipment is optional with all others.LOVE IT.
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Hyundai Sonata got it! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
By sgruberk - February 13 - 9:53 pmI traded my Mercedes E class for this car. I have had 2 Mercedes, 2 Lexus and 1 Toyota and our current 2nd car is a Toyota Highlander. Other luxury cars are better but not worth the money. Toyota, well, I did notice lack of quality in recent models and I did not even consider due to recent recall fiasco. I researched and test drove Honda, Mazda and Subaru. Two things made me hesitant with Hyundai: Design and Resale value. Resale value of Sonata now on par with Honda. Design: it turns peoples head and give thumbs up. I never had that with Lexus and Mercedes. Sonata is loaded with features. Little features like LED ambient lighting that I had with Lexus GS. 2011 Sonata GOT IT!
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Real Deal - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
By rick - February 12 - 9:06 amTraded in my 02 gls - accel, handling MUCH improved, although the overall ride may be marginally compromised re: smoothness. But, safety features + solid fit & finish w/ all the modern amenities make this a no brainer in this class. Style has grown on me - wife commented it was a "snazzy" car. For the $$ you cant beat it.
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Overall happy with purchase - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
By Jimmy - February 11 - 8:33 pmI like my Sonata, and I am happy with my purchase. However, I am not happy with the fuel economy. I have had this car for a month now, and I average about 18 mpg, even though I do mostly highway driving. I have to fill up my tank after about 280-290 miles on an 18 gallon tank. I am now thinking I should have gone with the four cylinder, but I do not regret getting a Sonata.
