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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  I love this car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By mrsk - October 3 - 9:33 pm

  The 2011 Hyundai Sonata is a Great!! We rented a car about 3 weeks ago and it happened to be the 2011 Sonata, We fell in love with it immediately. We decided to buy one 6 days ago. Its great on gas and the exterior is perfect, so many people stare and some even ask about it. We are so pleased dwith this product. The basics that come with the car are unreal. If we would have purchased another car in its class we would have payed extra for little things like the ipod connection and bluetooth capability, etc. The only thing I would love to change is the horn. It is very weak. But that is such small issue for all the good that this car has to offer. We are so satisfied and the $$ is right?

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  Happy with my Sonada - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By NC driver - October 2 - 10:46 am

  This is the quietest car I have ever driven. It exceeds all the good things that had been written. If you are looking for a car thats built solid and looks good, you will be happy with the 2006 Sonata.

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  Poor mans Honda - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Vince - October 2 - 9:10 am

  For the price is a very good car, but after 1875 miles my driver side window strated to squeak when going up or down. Other than that its very good.

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  Hyundai quality - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By Hector - October 1 - 11:46 am

  I like the quality expressed in the "feel" of the car. The SE 6 cylinder engine is very responsive. The transmission is fun specially with the manual feature. The radio sounds excellent. The seats are comfortable. This is a good quality car, solid.

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  Love it so far--you need one - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By joefech - September 28 - 6:10 am

  I never thought I would have a Hyundai sitting in my driveway. Happened to see the commercial and thought it looked nice. The more I found out about it, the more I liked it. Car has lived up to all my expectations so far except gas mileage is low (mine has averaged approx. 22.5 mpg 80% highway) Build quality and driving experience are excellent for a car this price. Wouldnt have bought the new model without the warranty.

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  This is Hyundai not Honda or Toyota! - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By e1700 - September 22 - 10:20 am

  It offers a lot more than what I expected. It drives really smooth and quite and spacious room front and back gives less tried for a long trip and everyday track with my kids or friends. I usually paying 28.5mpg an average but Ive got once for 30.8mpg its a awesome mpg for the size of the car. Wonderful design of interior and exterior it look as much as sharp enough and storng. It has a great acceleration on highway one of my friends says "it drives better than Lexus ES330!". I like the stereo sound system its dynamic sound. Sonata got #1 crash test from NHSTA too. I totally satisfied with this Sonata and truly truly recommand to everyone.

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  Sometimes I just want to go on a joy ride! - 2017 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mike - September 22 - 12:03 am

  I was coming off a 2015 Sentra and I never really liked it all that much. I mean it was a great car and had good gas mileage but never loved it. I was just driving by a dealership and decided to stop in to take a look at a Sonata because someone in my neighborhood has a 2015/2016 one and it always caught my eye. As soon as I got on the lot I saw a Blue Sonata Sport, took it on a test drive, instantly sold. First, pricing makes this a very affordable car giving you the most bang for your buck in this class. The model I got has the package with the sunroof, leather seats, etc etc etc. Second, I am 64" 280lb former football player so its hard finding something I feel comfortable in... I fit perfect in this. Easy to get in and out, plenty of leg room, my head isnt right up against the roof, even with the seat back (not even all the way) rear passengers still have leg room. Infotainment system is pretty good. No complaints here. Compatible with Android Auto and Apple Car Play, which my neighbors brand new $50k Acura MDX doesnt have and they are a bit jealous of that ha! Now to driving, in regular driving mode its a little sluggish off the line but I have zero problems getting up up to speed quickly or passing someone. Now if you want to have some fun, throw it into Sport and pop it over to sportmatic shifting and go down some winding back roads. Now its nothing like the Lancer EVO I had in my younger years, but steering and suspension is nice and tight and very responsive. Allows you to accelerate out of tight curves without any body roll and nice solid grab on the road. Bottom line, this is a great car all around. You wont see it featured in the Fast & Furious franchise but it is fun to drive and you shouldnt have any buyers remorse either.

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  I made the switch... - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By John Jones - September 21 - 7:06 pm

  I have only driven Honda Accords for the past 20 years, but this new Sonata really surprised me! The SE trim level has the appearance of a much more expensive car, and the hybrid seats are a great choice in our hot Florida climate. Ive had the car almost a week now, and Im thrilled with it - the Bluetooth has been seamless, the push button start has been kind of fun, and it just "feels" really nice. This is an incredible value at just over $20K - no need to pay $30K or more, and the warranty cant be beaten.

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  So far VERY GOOD! - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By fishinjeff - September 21 - 11:42 am

  I have about 4000 miles so far and over 3 months of use. So far I love this car! I have the 2.4 Limited FULLY loaded and it is sweet! I have seen as much as 42 MPG, but average using ECO mode is about 25. This car is the smoothest, least expensive car I have driven. I have nothing bad to say about it and I typically am very picky about my autos being a former auto tech.

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  What a buy - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By David Baker - September 19 - 5:03 am

  I could not believe how well the Sonata drive, rides , and feel. I would not even look at a hyundai 10 years ago maybe not even 5 years for that maater. But with Camry and the Accord being out my price range, I test drove sonata and was shocking surpise it had as much horsepower and more safely features and a much much better warranty.I was able to get the sonata limited for less than I was going to pay for the base camry with icthing cloth seat.its a really great car to drive thanks Hoover Hyundai, ill see you in 3 years when i get my Azera