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:

• 

  What a "steal" - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By El Don - August 28 - 3:40 am

  After test driving the Camry and Accord, I was unable to find a $5,000. difference. I found the Sonata to be equal in most comparable aspects except perhaps mileage (17.26 mpg in city). I feel after purchasing my Sonata for $19,761. I can buy a lot of gas with the savings. The luxurious interior incl. leather, auto driver seat, multi use rear view mirror, arm rest console, automatic power door locks (need to be activated) and a HUGE trunk are my first impressions. Hyundais superior warranty is great for me and those who like to keep their cars a long time.

• 

  better than the accord or camry - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By springer - August 28 - 3:40 am

  I am very impressed with this vehicle. It sells better than any other vehicle at our dealership at Enterprise Car Sales in Midvale, Utah. I researched this car for 8 months before making a purchase and I am very happy with my decision. It rates better than the accord or camry. 2006 is the first time this has ever happened!

• 

  Awesome - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Tony Areias - August 28 - 1:20 am

  Hyundai has really become one of the best auto manufacturers in the world

• 

  A very nice car at a fantastic price! - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By AALSHERRI - August 27 - 3:10 pm

  I tested the Toyota Yaris and the Camry before I purchased a 2007 GLS I4 Auto. The I4 is easy to maintain and service (change parts/spark plugs, etc.). It will save you money over the V6 in the long run. The I4 is powerful and economical. The engine compartment is well organized and the quality is high. Quiet at 70+mph on "a smooth" pavement. During my last trip, I got 37 MPG (over 90 miles, speed 60-65 MPH). This is great for an engine during the break-in period (70+mph expect 34+mpg. Mixed expect 30+mpg). 800+ miles with no problems or strange sounds.

• 

  Cant Beat it for the $$$ - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Budgetman - August 25 - 10:00 am

  I bought my LX a week ago and I love it. I looked at Accords and Camrys but for $5K less I got a vehicle as good or better than those. The car is a pleasure to drive and the dealership is the best new car experience Ive ever had.

• 

  Hyundai like Sunday - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By konosur - August 25 - 12:44 am

  After looking for a car that was reliable AND stylish I found no better sedan than the Hyundai Sonata. I have owned toyota camry and nissan maxima in the past. I bought it new in Dec. 10 and have put 14k miles on it so far. No issues, just oil changes. My favorite things about the car is its sporty feel, sexy styling, roomy interior. It is super smooth and quiet on a smooth road, but a little rough on a rough road. Overall, the build feels luxurious and more similar to entry-level luxury cars than an economy car. The door gives a solid "thud" when you close it, the frame feels solid and safe, and the suspension is firm yet comfortable. Im really impressed with this Hyundai.

• 

  Worth every penny - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jemon - August 24 - 4:00 am

  The drive is very comfortable and smooth. I love the interior and all of the included upgrades. The warranty won me over all of the other cars in its class.

• 

  Best Sedan on the Market !! - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Whoa! - August 18 - 12:50 am

  Just bought the car a week ago. Very nice interior and moderate exterior styling. After researching many cars including Camry, Accord, Altima, and Passat, Sonata came in first on every thing on my list. Gas mileage is great getting above +35mpg on highways!! Interior w/ blue lights are luxurious at night. Very quiet and smooth ride makes me wanna drive all the time! Overall, Very satisfied with my Hyundai Sonata !

• 

  Entry-level lux at a great price - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By emorse - August 16 - 12:53 am

  After 40 years of stick shifts, I was ready for a car that was comfortable and fun to drive. While not a performance car, I still look forward every day to my 50-mile round trip commute. In fact, it seems short now, since I enjoy driving the car so much. Its had no problems and I expect it to be reliable for many years. I have about 11,000 miles on it, and the ride is smooth and quiet.

• 

  One of the best balanced Midsize sedans - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Moocow1 - August 15 - 8:50 pm

  This is the car to get if you want an extremely cost efficient mid-size car. Hyundai improved the interior majorly over the original 2008 model. The seats are more comfortable, the controls are almost perfect. The engine and powertrain are great with a 5 speed auto matched to a PZEV 2.4L. This is certainly not the most sporty car, but it has plenty of power for a 4 banger. Highly recommended over almost any other mid or compact sedan.