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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  Why the major depreciation - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By playadave - July 14 - 11:20 am

  I am extremely happy with my 06 LX Sonata except the depreciation. List on this was $23995 and now trade-in is $14900. WOW! I paid $19K but still a 21.5% in the first year. Never-the- less, plan on keeping. Ride is a little rough, performance is great, reliability is great, interior design well that has been beaten around the bush.

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  the Accord of the new Millenium - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By dp10 - July 14 - 10:00 am

  My family bought this car this year upon my suggestion. Price, warranty, quality of the car and standard features combined to make a very compelling argument for the Sonata over the Camry, Accord, and others. JD Power rates it best in their IQS study. The Sonata is the best value in its class!

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  Just bought it. - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By MarkV - July 11 - 8:40 am

  Runs great, sounds and feels great. Few points deducted on interior of the LX for little things like the incomplete audio controls on the steering wheel (seek/skip), and the placement of the audio equipment, which is a good reach from the drivers seat. The interior is spectacular for the price but isnt luxurious as its more expensive competitors (accord, g6). Handling is excellent. Power and response is again, great for the price. Not a G6, but pretty close. Equal to the Mazda 6. And although it doesnt "feel" like it has the power of the malibus 3.5 it responds quicker. The "manual" feature is fun. Gas mileage isnt great in the class. Overall: Good car, but a great value.

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  A Lot of Car For The Money - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mike Budget - July 6 - 2:26 pm

  After a pleasant ownership experience with our 2007 Tucson, we traded for this Sonata after researching all the sedans in this general price range. This car offers plenty for the budget buyer, and rivals the usual suspects in MPG, options and quality. I saw the design of the 2011 model and it definitely turned me off. Way too angular and edgy, IMHO. This Sonata, to me, at a glance reminds me of one of my favorite cars, the Toyota Avalon. There is plenty of room inside, a HUGE trunk, and a peppy (if not tire-squealing)4cyl that seems to just sip gas. I wish the headlights did not have such a marked line between the light and dark, and the speedometer needs to be redesigned.Overall, great car.

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  Great Limited car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Alan Bankhead - July 6 - 11:43 am

  We looked at several autos and for the money and options and styling. GREAT The car was a dealer trade had a stiff ride. My dealer checked the air pressure. Was 38 psi should be 33psi. Now the ride is normal. Always check everything before signing.

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  A True Road Warrior - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ron - July 4 - 2:20 pm

  We have been following the improving Hyundai quality and value stats for several years. When we needed a daily driver, we decided on the Sonata GLS PZEV. It is not a sprinter but in the passing range of 60 - 85 it is quite surprising! My wife puts 120K+ miles per day on the car in high speed traffic. The safety features were paramount as well as the handling and mileage. With well over 30K miles, no problems and averaging over 28 mpg at speed, we are extremely pleased. The Dealership is better than my MB group. The styling is vanilla, but that is great given the number of speed traps on her route. Bluetooth and XM rounded out the package for her. She comes home with a smile on her face

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  scottsdale review - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By pokerman - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Car runs great. Sometimes engine seems to be working too hard

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  From a fun convt to a 4dr sedan - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By R Wild - June 28 - 10:36 pm

  Hated to give up my Sebring Convt bought new in 02 but after 100k it was time. (Ill miss it this summer) When I saw the Sonata on tv (Super Bowl ads, I was impressed. As follow up I looked at those on lots and at the Cleveland Auto Show. I love the looks and interior. The price was in my range so I bought the SE model. Its features are plentiful and practical. Bluetooth is great and Im glad the dealer did the connection. Not sure Ill use the "Paddle" shift. Gas mileage on 1st tank was 28.2 mpg, about 5 more than the convert, so Im glad of that. Still getting used to the features-- not sure XM is for me, but its a nice option. Hope the 18" wheels dont hurt when replaced$$$. Glad to Buy.

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  Awesome - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mastergolf - June 28 - 11:33 am

  I have just 2,500 miles on my car, but the Sonata LX 3.3L is great. Very impressed with performance and looks. Will cruise all day at very high speeds. 17" tires look nice but do contribute to more road noise in a otherwise very quiet car. Lots of good comments from lookers.

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  Nice, sporty, roomy, and fun to drive - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Kittykat - June 26 - 3:53 am

  Purchased my 2011 Sonata two days ago after looking and test driving Honda and Sonatas. Once I drove the sonata it was easy to choose the sonata. I love all the features that come with the SE and I added the Nav package and love it.