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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  power to burn - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mel from chicago - December 18 - 6:56 pm

  I only have 2500 miles on my sonata SE V6 so far but all is good. I traded a 2003 Corolla Le in for it. I loved the Corolla but wanted something a little bigger with more horsepower with good MPG. So far the Sonata has given me everything I asked for. driving around Chicago in stop and go I get 23 MPG on the freeways at 75 MPH i get 34 Mpg. Cant complain about that. When you stomp it, it zooms past everybody. I like that feeling of being able to pass quickly. The ride is excellent and road noise is a minimum. Ergonomically everything fits and performs well, and the fit and finish is good. No complaints and wouldnt hesitate to buy another one.

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  First 2011 Sonata sold - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By First buyer - December 18 - 5:00 pm

  I just purchased the car 2 days ago so my review of the car is with only a couple of days of ownership. I bought the Limited model. I love the new design and have had many compliments on the beautiful looks. The inside is as nice as the outside and looks great. The leather seats are of superior quality and the keyless ignition is wonderful. The standard bluetooth connection for my cell works great as well and the gas mileage is wonderful and I am averaging 25 miles per gallon on my first tank. The 200 HP engine has plenty of power and the car handles like a dream. I cant believe I got it for 26K. No down side at this point.

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  Great Car for the money - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By blair - December 18 - 5:53 am

  With a little over 1000 miles in the first 4 days of owning, I have no real complaints. Bought a Limited 4cyl with navi and I am driving it 80 miles a day each way to work and back. Car is quiet, comfortable, and generally a pleasure to drive. I am seeing 32 mpg with a mix of driving. Navigation is a little hard to work depending on what you are trying to get it to do but I am sure that is just a "learning curve" thing.

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  Satisfied - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Bill in WV - December 17 - 10:00 am

  We love our 2002 Sonata LX. It would be hard to find a bette buy for the money. After a year we have no complaints.

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  Hyuandai Sonata - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Roslyn - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I love the standard features that are included with purchase.

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  Poor Gas Mileage - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mike - December 16 - 11:56 pm

  The highway/ city gas mileage has averaged 17 mpg over the course of 12 fill ups and a recent (3/2/07) highway fuel consumption test performed by the dealership revealed 16 mpg. Ive filed a complaint against Hyundai with the Better Business Bureau but Im looking to take this issue higher up. I drive the 06 GLS 3.7 liter V6.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Maureen Shea - December 14 - 8:10 pm

  This car is amazing for the price. have owned many from Jeeps to Hondas to Audi. This Sonate is smooth, its quiet and has great pickup. The interior is roomy and comfortable, the trunk is huge! Only concern is snow/ice - it is not as good as can be in those conditions.

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  Best Buy - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By James - December 11 - 4:06 am

  I bought the Sonata in December and although I have not driven it for too many miles I am totally convinced it was the best buy of all the mid size sedans I could have bought. Engine performance is excellent; acceleration is super and driving is quiet and responsive. Thus far I have not noticed any problems with the car as delivered.

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  Great Car! - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By Carrie - December 9 - 3:56 am

  I am a mechanical engineer and did extensive research before buying a car. I keep my cars for 10+ years and wanted something with longevity. My previous car was an infinty G20t and I thought I wanted the new G35, but I simply could not justify spending $35k on a new car, when I am planning on going back to school next year. The Hyundai is SO comfortable! I LOVE THE SOUND SYSTEM~! I wouldnt call it the sportiest car, but at this point in my life, Im enjoying a softer ride. The warranty and features are UNBEATABLE for the cost. I am so pleased I was able to get all the features of a luxury car for so much less! I bought my new Sonata through Costco and got a great price.

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  Great car for the money - 2018 Hyundai Sonata
  By Allanj60 - December 6 - 10:45 pm

  Great!