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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  2004 Hyundai Sonata LX - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Baldy - February 11 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Sonata for 1 month now and I am very impressed it. It is the most smooth riding and quite car I have ever been in. I am getting 30 miles per gallon. There is enough power for me. I read people thought this car needed more power but so far I dont think so. The interior is very nice and well appointed. I love the sunroof. The fit and finish of the leather interior is gorgeous. I would recomend this car to anyone. People thought i bought a Jag.

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  Amazing car for the price! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Amanda - February 10 - 9:03 pm

  I just love my new Sonata. I went from a Jeep to this and I thought it was going to be hard, but the Sonota is so amazing! Great comfort in the ride, stylish design, and great gas mileage. I have only had it a week but I know that I am going to be pleased with it for a long time! We were debating between the GLS and the Limited. I recommend getting the Limited because of the extra features.

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  Hyundai fan - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By John - February 9 - 11:46 am

  I replace my 2005 Chevy impala with this car. My car payment went down $ 100 a month and I feel I got a better car. It 175 hp vs 200 it fills as quick and the rides better. Gas mileage on Chevy 16 to 28 / Hyundai 21 town 33 at 75 on highway. Love the ride and the head room Im 6,3 lot of room in back for the kids the dealership treat me like I got a BMW. I sold Hondas for 6 month and Hyundai has them worried if I didnt know it I would think I was diving a Honda accord. And not the Honda accord vp this car way better.

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  throttle and tranny problems - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ned - February 8 - 10:16 pm

  I have 30,000mi. Since about 5,000mi. the transmission sometimes kicks down two gears when lightly applying the brakes. results in a startling heavy thump & deceleration. the throttle has stuck open both on the open highway and in town resulting in scary moments. Had to throw it in neutral and shut the key off then turn the key back on without using the starter, throw it back into drive . engine started back up like nothing ever happened. Doesnt happen often but when it does WOW! dealership has no clue to the cause. said no one else has reported that problem. Wish it had outside temp info. other then this, what a great car ! handles like a sports car, gets 31mpg in cruise from a V6 250 hp

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  Love it! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Shuale - February 8 - 4:16 pm

  Picked up my car on Saturday. I love it...still trying to adjust to the color though. I had to settle for Harbor Gray but I really, really, really wanted Silver...lol. Because its a newly released model/style the availability of color combinations and options are limited.

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  our third hyundai - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By fishcop - February 6 - 9:36 pm

  After looking at the accord and Camry we again bought a Hyundai. this our third hyundai and as a someone with a family who is middle class I really cant see buying anything else. This car is fully loaded with navigation, voice command, sunroof, xm stereo, etc. A comparably equipped toyota or honda was priced over 5k more. After two weeks we have been very pleased!!

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  A Bit of a Rough Ride - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Frank - February 6 - 9:16 pm

  Bought it last month ... put 1500 miles on it with two out of state trips + local driving. MPG=20/30 ... I traded up from a 2000 Elanta ... the bored out 2.0 engine is needed for this car because its 550lbs more than the Elantra. Thats only .1L more on each cylinder to give it 2.4L. It works as a wanabe 6cyl. I like the car even though it rides a bit stiff and takes the bumps & cracks a bit rough ... accentuates the pot holes ... OUCH!... needs a bit softer suspension ... I had the Michaelin tires on the Elantra also ... they stunk & wore out in less than a year ... maybe changing them would also help the ride! Would have been nice if they threw in some rear splash shields. Great Deal !

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  Great Car - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Scott - February 4 - 3:06 pm

  After much research, this is by far the best car in its class for value, quality, warranty, and standard features. The ride is excellent, tight road hugging suspension and great handling. The 2.4L engine is surprisingly strong and much easier on gas than the V6. Interior is quiet, very pleasing to the eye. All electronics are well placed and easy to see. Leather seats are very comfortable. Exterior has great lines with chrome accents and the cocoa metallic finish is beautiful in the sunlight. The 17" wheels and low profile tires are a great accent. Trunk space is huge and rear seats fold down with access to the trunk. Nice headroom in rear. Great savings with CARS and rebates

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  ENGINE issues . - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mohammed Khan - February 4 - 7:15 am

  2015 Hyundai Sonata >>>>>>>THE WORST NEW CAR EVER. DONT BUY. (ONE START TO POST THIS). NEW CAR has 7k miles NEW to replace engine.

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  2011 SONATA GLS 88K MILES EMVINE SEIZED - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Melissa - January 31 - 8:07 pm

  Besides the countless amount of recalls. Two weeks ago driving in the highway the car engine seized no warning signs at all. Thank goodness i was able to get the car off to the side w 2 children in the car. The warranty doesnt cover it because Im the 2nd owner. Which is frustrating bc the internet is full of the same compliant. Damn even the mechanic said it was the 4th one he seen in a month same issue. Obviously its a defect Hyundai should stand up and help their customers. Car is sitting at dealers and I still owe 2 more years