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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  What is it, seems used - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By lost no help!!!! - September 2 - 2:03 pm

  Car received as new, missing standard parts. motot and glove box repaired without my ok. motor is hard to start! dealership/Hyundai do not back this car, why? BIG MISTAKE TRUSTING THEM, THEY ACT MORE LIKE BULLIES IN GRADE SHOOOL. Look elseware, I feel ripped off or worse (fraud).

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  Follow up -Reliability unknown - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By matt8265 - September 2 - 3:56 am

  This looks to be a super car and Ive bought 10-15 in the last 15 years including Toyota and Honda. There is NO doubt in my mind that this car is by far better than the Toyota for value, safety and features.

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  Pleasant Surprise - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By akabud - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I recently had the steering recall done (no problems found) and was out of the dealership within 30 minutes. Two days ago, I received a letter from Hyundai Corporate apologizing for the inconvenience of the recall. In that letter was a debit Mastercard with a preloaded amount of $20...good to use anywhere Mastercard is accepted. This is the first time in 45 years of vehicle ownership and dozens of recalls, that any manufacturer whose cars that I have owned, responded in this manner. I just turned over 4k and had my first oil change done at the dealership. I was further surprised when I found out that there was no charge for the first oil change. Small detail, big customer smile! Love my car.

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  Thank you Hyundai! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By cargirl - September 1 - 7:26 am

  I researched for months before the final purchase. We have owned many vehicles in the past, 7 Toyotas. I have now changed my opinion and have become a believer in Hyundai. The Sonata was built with alot of thought and it shows. If your in the market for a new car you should do yourself a favour and take it for a spin. Your bank account will be glad you did!

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  Glad I looked - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Tom S - August 31 - 12:00 pm

  After months of considering a Volvo or Lexus and on the day before I was going to buy a used S80, I saw a new Sonata on the freeway. When I got home and checked the reviews online I had to try it. What a blast to drive! It had most of the amenities I wanted far more interior and trunk space than comparable cars. I spent less money for a new car than I would have spent on a used one plus it has this great warranty. It turns a lot of heads and everyone I show it to is impressed. I only have 3000 miles so far but there has not been so much as a rattle.

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  So Far, So Good - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By twistykat - August 30 - 5:00 pm

  Beautiful vehicle! Lots of power and lots of extras. The MPG seems (is!) less than advertised, and the when you take you foot off of the accelerator there seems to be a lot of drag in the automatic transmission - not sure if that is a feature or a bug. Overall, we are very happy with our Sonata. Time will tell as far as reliability, however the car feels solid so we dont expect any problems.

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  Excellent Buy! - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mike K - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. It has an elegant look and great style. It runs like a top and has been very dependable so far. I like the shift-tronic feature. Great car graet price.

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  Great Sedan - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By NoirCorvette - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy driving this car. It is fun and it has a lot of cool things that you would expect in a more expensive cars. I love the moonroof... and the faux wood paneling. The car looks very good in Blue :)

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  Sonata - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By hisliving - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Great bodystyle, 6 cyl moves out quite well, Everything seems tight fitting and good attention to detail. Only negatives..no cupholders for children in the rear on the std. model. TERRIBLE dealer experience-very unprofessional.

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  Improving, but needs more - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By dncb - August 28 - 6:16 pm

  While I only have 1400 miles on my 07 leather limited V6, overall it is a nice car on par with Camry & Accord but choose it because of better features for the buck than either. Minor, but nice styling changes since 06. A personal choice: I had them change out the 17" wheels for 16s for better ride with taller sidewalls since this is not a Corvette I plan to be pulling 6G corners with. The engine design is old school and the fuel mileage shows it. Hyundai needs to follow Hondas edge here in engine tech. Also, Hyundai needs to get into the hybrid market with a peppy Sonata hybrid in the 30-40 mpg range.