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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  You get what you pay for. - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By johng911 - August 14 - 11:48 pm

  I bought a new 2013 Sonata due mostly to its price and warranty. Ive only had the car for a few weeks and I am still forming an opinion about it.

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  Watch out Japan!!! - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Art - August 11 - 3:13 pm

  Im not one to make rash decisions, so it took many months (almost 3) to finally decide on the 07 Sonata. I looked at the Big 3 Japanese competitors - Accord, Camry & Altima, and I have to tell you, for the money, features and warranty, none of them even came close to giving me what Hyundai did at the price I paid. I have owned my car for over a month now and am so glad I made this purchase. The V6 engine is so smooth, and can definitely "pop" your neck if you have a heavy foot. I continue to get nothing but compliments telling me what a beautiful car it is. If Hyundai continues on this pace, I will definitely buy new one in a couple of years.

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  the poor mans jag - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By racecar7d - August 11 - 2:00 am

  they lied about the horsepower. The blower switch for the fan broke. Rides nice and smooth. Good highway mpg. Good Brakes. Overall this car is great for the price, stylish and looks just as good as a jaguar.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By HY_Lover - August 7 - 6:56 pm

  This car does everything I need and more. It is by far the most stylish and technologically advanced car under 30k. Why anyone would waste thousands more on a Toyota or Honda with half the warranty blows my mind. Do yourself a favor and get to your local dealer and drive one ASAP.

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  Reliability issues - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By epastrana - August 6 - 9:40 pm

  I bought a 2.0t Sonata on November 2012. Since then the car had been 4 times at dealer for two issues that until today had not bee corrected. First, panoramic roof rattles no solution yet! Second, a/c stops cooling at idle. (at shop at this moment) Lets see.... Also a/c smells funny terrible during acelaration. No solution yet. Car has now 6k miles and is spending a week monthly on dealer! No fun... Hyundai does not reply comments on his site.

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  The best deal around! I love it! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Clint - August 1 - 7:33 pm

  So far the car has been excellent in the 3 months I have owned it. In my opinion it is the BEST bang for your buck out there. If you are looking into buying an Accord, Camry or any other "midsize" sedan, do yourself a favor and test drive the Sonata. Its a better car for less money. The engine has plenty of punch to it for a 4 cyl and it gives a very quiet, smooth, and comfortable ride. I love the way the car looks too. It truly is "a Hyundai like you have never seen before".

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  Please Fix Brake Pad Problem - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jane - July 31 - 1:16 pm

  I live in New England and purchased 2009 Sonata.Great winter performance. With only 15000 on the OD my Service Mgr. told me the brake pad backer plates are rusting and the corrosion is reducing the space between the pad and the rotor creating a potential safety problem of possibly glazing and having a brake loss or dragging and locking or burning. With the bumper to bumper warranty expired the the repair cost me $160 out of pocket. I was told the problem could re-occur. The expense is a minor irritation but the Prospect of losing my brakes on the Interstate or having them lock-up on an icey road is terrifying. Whats the big deal about a re-design of the pad. An alloy that doesnt rust.

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  Lexus, Camry, Accord in trouble! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By TBK - July 30 - 8:13 am

  I had the car for 2 month with over 3000 miles. The Car Rocks. Found New joy driving with manumatics. Traded 07 Lexus GS 350 due to on going brake problems and Lexus refuse to buy it back. This is far better car and its $24K cheaper. It was an even trade. Lexus is basically an over dressed Toyota and charge $24K premium for the name. Good car but not $24K better. Lexus, Toyota better get their act together or they will go bankrupt. I lost all the faith in Lexus and Toyota. Sonata Rocks. Car is stable, solid and handles better than GS. Little noisy but I have $24K reasons to compromise and I still save on gas. I am Hyundai loyal owner for life. Soon, Equus, Genesis coupe conv is next buy.

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  Hooked on Hyundai - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Bryan - July 28 - 9:13 pm

  After dumping my mint condition 98 Lincoln Continental, I was worried about adjusting to a smaller engine. No worries now! No adjustment issues, Sonata is more quiet with a smoother ride. Paid a little extra and got the 10 yr bumper to bumper warranty. Upgraded raido to Eclipse GPS through dealership and love it, would never own a car w/ out one. Im getting 24 - 26 mpg on the hwy, but am doing 80 mph. Ill have a good laugh at the Honda Accord buyers when they take their cars in for service when their 3 yr warranty runs out! Parents dumped Cadillac for the Azera, sister dumped Civic for a Sonata, too. Stop hesitating and get one.

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  Love this car -- - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By lakings173 - July 28 - 7:46 pm

  If youre considering buying this car... BUY IT. You will love it. Im not just another driver, either. I know cars and test drove 15 before I picked this one. The only thing youll hate - the door/seatbelt chime. I live in Los Angeles and average 22 mpg on streets, 31 on open highways.