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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  Super Buy for the Money - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By soccerbear - July 28 - 1:10 pm

  Bought the Venetian red limited (only option was tan leather interior) and have 600+ miles on it...love the look and the overall solid feel of the car. Did a mountain of research (Altima, Fusion, Malibu, Taurus, Accord, Passant, and Camry) but only test drove this and a Malibu...no comparison overall...the styling and all the standard features (great buy) for the price got me. Long bumper to bumper warranty was also a big factor. Voice rec system and I are at odds sometimes but overall a very nice feature that gives you options when you are driving at a high rate of speed and want to dabble with the nav or phone. Have no negative comments of note! I look forward to driving it everyday.

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  Super value - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By fallball - July 28 - 11:36 am

  Purchased a limited 2011 Sonata one month ago after viewing several new cars at the auto show. We have not regretted our purchase one bit. We looked at the Acura TL and TSX but got so much more car for the $$ with the Sonata. Great new design, drives great and gets super mileage on REGULAR gas not the premium gas Acura or Lexus require.

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  The 2007 Hundai Sonata. - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Eva Kay - July 27 - 11:26 pm

  I have nothing but praise for this car. Despite it being a 2.4L, it drives close to a V6 with great pickup and acceleration which is great with todays gas prices. It is well built, comfortable, looks good and has many interior features for which one usually has to pay extra. Also important to me is good peripheral vision and the roominess it provides which is one of the biggest reasons I traded in my 2004 Honda Accord coupe with only 9K. I am very glad I did. That is one sweet driving car!!!

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  Chronic Engine Seizures - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Alex Kennedy - July 24 - 8:53 pm

  All you need to type into Google is 2011 or 2012 Hyundai Sonata engine seizure and see all the complaints and class action lawsuits! DO NOT BUY THIS CAR or you will be sorry.

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  good car except door handles - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By Steve H - July 23 - 8:17 am

  Just wanted to add my experience to the list. Have had 2 outside door handles break off. Owned maybe 20 cars in 45 years, never had one door handle break off until this one. Have trouble reading the clock in the daylight.

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  DRIVE THIS CAR before you buy! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Chad - July 22 - 3:36 pm

  This car has blown me away from day one. This car is more comfortable, quiet and refined than my Altimas and Maximas ever were. The V6 makes this car a very quick sedan, and it stays composed at all times. At 80mph on the highway, its nearly silent. When you factor in the performance, VALUE, refinement, all the standard safety features and the warranty - this is the only car to buy.

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  pimpn is easy - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By nathandi - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I did a lot of research before buying this car. You simply can not get all these features for the price anywhere else. I purchased this lx loaded from a dealer in NC. I dont know how reliable the car is as I have only put 2500 miles on it so far, but the warranty surely makes me feel good. The fact that the bumper to bumper warranty runs out at the same time most people pay the car off is a big plus. Ive never had a car warranty last as long as the payments. Overall the car rides and looks great. If you are simply looking for a big name then this is the luxury car for you.

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  One Solid Car! - 2017 Hyundai Sonata
  By Bo S. - July 21 - 3:07 pm

  This is a second Sonata (old one is 2012) I own besides an 2003 Elantra (commuter) and a 2017 Santa Fe Sport. Yes, Hyundai cars are so reliable and we keep going back buying them. When I looked at a 2017 Sonata Sport in blue, instantly I fell in love with because it has the luxurious feels both inside and out. With the deep discount offered, I couldnt pass it. The OTD price was slightly over $19k. Currently I have over 2k miles on it and I get average 34.5 MPG of mixed highway and back road driving. On highway, I have seen highest 41.1 MPG without using Eco. This is Sonata Sport with 2.4L engine with Value Edition Package ($950) which has sunroof, 17" aluminum tires, side blinkers, butt warmer, automatic trunk open, and push button start. There are so many bells and whistles that came with and I am still learning. Due to the sport suspension, the ride is a little stiff but is very quiet. Turning on a tight corner is so easy and I get the feeling that it glues to road. Hyundai, youve done it again!

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  Sonata- 9 days 500 miles so far - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By ALAN L - July 21 - 2:00 am

  After 25 years of Camrys the Sonata comes awfully close to the quiet ride. Tested well on the infamous Long Island Expressway-windows up can hardly hear the trucks. The engine is soft,smooth and the ride quiet Its peppier than the Camry but slightly less smooth gear shifting. The seats are comfortable. Its beautifully designed handles great and the mileage on first tank is over 26. Music system is better than Camry almost as good as the upgraded JBLs Best of all coming loaded with PEP2 and Homelink except for no 6 cd changer and rear AC vents it cost 18,100 which is 3000 less than I paid for the XLE 8 years ago. GREAT CAR

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  Very Dissapointed! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By scottg - July 15 - 3:16 am

  My 2011 Sonata is not even a remote competitor of Honda, Toyota, or Ford. I received my car with a defective door latch and terrible rattles in this door dashboard and console. The drivers side door pillar has a scratch. Several weeks later, my front drivers seat started to fray at the seams. The vanity mirror does not open, and rattles have reappeared. I sat in the back seat for the first time and folded down the rear seat center console only to find a deep 5 inch scratch across the cup holder! Hyundai needs to slow down and identify how these quality control lapses occurred – as this is NOT quality. It would be nice to try restoring my faith in your product- which is rapidly dwindling