Hyundai Sonata Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.48/5 Average
3,413 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 2861 through 2870 of 3,413.00
  • Very pleased - 2000 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    My wife and I have owned our GLS for 2 years now. We have had absolutely no problems. We are very pleased, to say the least. We were looking at the Camry and Accord, but opted for the Sonata. We could not be happier.

  • Great Car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    My wife and I bought this car because of the reported fuel economy and so far it has not disappointed. The first week of suburban driving we have achieved over 28 mpg, truly amazing for a car of this size. Having come from an Acura TL, we bought the limited as we wanted all of the bells and whistles that came with it including the navigation/backup camera. In comparison, I found that the steering is overly sensitive and the seats are a touch hard, but those are my only complaints. I am hoping that this car will be as reliable as my TL was. Having driven only 500 miles, I cant fairly rate the reliability.

  • Sonata Update - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    Have had this car going on 6 mos now. Have a little over 3000 mi. Have not had any problems to date. I was waiting to update my review until I had driven it in the snow. It did not disappoint me. The traction control & ESC seem to do just what they were designed to do. And the Shift Tronic feature is helpful, so you can use engine braking to slow the vehicle down on slippery roads. This car continues to impress me. Im averaging 32-33 mpg. If I get "Sporty" and use the Shift Tronic a lot. Ill drop down to 26-28 mpg. I honestly cant think of anything I dont like about it after 6 mos.

  • very impressed - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    Love the smooth and powerful 4 cyl. Most impressed with the new interior design and quality. This vehicle matches toyota and honda in all respects for significantly less money.

  • Happy with this car - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    Considered and then bought this car on advice from car-nut friend who reads all the magazines, etc. I dive a lot and have been very happy with the car. No problems at all.

  • 2nd Hyundai and Im loving it all day!!! - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    I decided to upgrade my 2012 Eco Hyundai Sonata to a fully loaded 2015 Hyundai Sonata. Although I could afford a luxury car any day, Im happy with Hyundai so Ill stick with the old saying, "If it aint broke, dont fix it". I love the car so far. Its smooth, quiet, and Im not picky. As long as I can drive to the commuter lot for my job and travel, then Im ok. Its a plus that I have the panoramic sunroof and heating and cooling seats. Thank goodness that my boyfriend is a car enthusiast, otherwise, I would not have known that I had these features. Overall, this was a graduation gift to myself, I recently received my Masters Degree, so I"m happy with it.

  • Youve got to drive it to believe it. - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    I bought this car after driving it just once. Its built with quality, comfort and affordability in mind. You cant find a better car for the money, you can count on it. It drives smooth, quite and the V6 has plenty of power. No problems since I drove out of the dealership. I got to tell you, Hyundai has come a long way.

  • 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    I was looking for a car that had better gas mileage. I traded in a 2008 Jeep Liberty and i have no regrets. I test drove a Sonata and feel in love right away. I have been getting about 47 miles on the highway when you the cruise is set. The standard sound system is very good and the cloth seating is comfortable. I have been asked three times what car that is at stop lights. I really love the bluetooth and the ipod connection. get this car and stop wasting your time with others.

  • Sonta LX - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    I love this car!!I looked at every car available in this price range before buying. I must say for the money you cant get a more luxurious car. Mine is fully loaded with leather, sunroof, etc. In fact it has every option available on this model and I got all of it for under 21,000. The ride is exceptional and very comfortable. You would never know you were riding in a car that sold for under 25,000.

  • best buy - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    I bought my GLS 2002 in November I drive 100 miles a day and has absolutely no problems. The car performs better as it ages.

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