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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  Great car! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Amy - June 15 - 4:06 am

  This is definitely a car to have! Very underrated in the public - its wonderful!!!

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  NICE CHANGE - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Stephanie - June 14 - 12:43 am

  I used to be a van owner. I was ready for a smaller car. I test drove many cars, and found for what was standard on the sonata, the ride, and price the sonata cant be beat. I remember when Hyundai first came out and they used to be compared to the Yugo. Hyundai corp. has made great strides and changes to the point when I look for cars I will be looking for more Hyundais. And lets not forget about the warranties what a selling point. I intend to keep my Sonata for a while.

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  Great Car - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By gorpot - June 9 - 5:42 pm

  Bought at end of August 2011. Have 10,000 miles on it now, No problems yet. Love the exterior design. Interior design is very nice. When the weather was still warm I was getting 37 MPG on the highway, and 27 MPG around town. As all cars do,the MPG have dropped off in the cold weather. One of the best new cars I have ever bought. Just wish I knew where the dip stick is located to check the automatic transmission fluid was located.

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  Not so good - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Joe - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Back to the dealer for a new radio couldnt see screen. Electric window fails to open and close cant find nothing wrong keep checking.4 Cyl very sluggish car feels heavy for the engine

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  Fun car to drive - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By duey65 - June 7 - 10:08 pm

  I bought a 2012 2.0T limited after two months of reviewing and many test drives. The Sonata in my opinion is the best car in its class for value. I love driving this car although the ride is a bit harsh. (stiff suspension and low profile tires). Its quiet and comfortable on the highway and the heated leather is nice on a cold Minnesota morning. The one thing I am concerned with is the mileage. The car has 1500 miles on it now and my mileage has been getting progressively worse. I started with 29 mpg combined and I am now down to 21mpg combined. I Drive 104 miles a day round trip to work and I have had to go back to driving my Saturn which gets 40+. Love my Sonata but cant afford the gas.

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  very well done i am very happy - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By joe - June 7 - 3:50 pm

  I am very pleased with the limited v6 the handling is very good hyundai did a excellent job with the 09 sonta limited those that have the models that are under the limited should have test drove the limited you would have been sold on it this car is very well put together with a very good ride and excellent gas mileage i am a premium gas man and my mileage is 32 on the hwy nothing to complain about this excellent car

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  Excellent Value - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Cirdan - June 6 - 11:40 pm

  Traded in a 2002 Chevy Trailblazer for a V6 GLS. After 15 years of SUVs and pickup trucks, the Sonata handles like a Porsche (okay, not really). Still, the handling is crisp and the V6 winds up nicely. I drive in the Mountains a lot, and this car moves right along on steep twisting roads. Mileage (25mpg for first 1k miles) good for a V6. Bottom line - this is a VALUE purchase. There are better cars available, but not even close to this price. At some point, the Honda/Toyota brand just isnt worth it.

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  Great Car - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By jtrager3414 - June 6 - 2:11 pm

  I just purhased a 2012 Sonata Limited 2.0T with the navigation option, and it is a great car. I replaced my 2003 Honda Accord V6 with only 31,500 miles on it (also a great car). The new Sonata is fun to drive, with excellent build quality. The interior is very nice. The Sonata shifts just as smoothly as my V6 Accord, and has many options that the Accord didnt have (but then it is 8 years older). Its 2.0L Turbo engine produces 274HP with 268 lb-ft of torque from 1750 - 4500rpm. The 2011 BMW 535 Twinpower engine is only good for 300HP, and it is a 3.0L engine? Something doesnt seem right there! Perhaps it isnt a twin-scroll turbo, and is loosing power at the interface to turbo?

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  Lack of interior colors. - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Anthony - June 5 - 6:10 pm

  I like most everything about my new Sonata, but I didnt really get the color I wanted. I preferred the Natural Khaki, a beautiful light green, or the Dark Cherry. However, these colors, for some reason, were only available with the light beige cloth, which looked like it would get dirty very easy, and which illuminated the interior. So I had to take an exterior color that looks pretty boring grey, to get the darker [grey] interior.

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  Best Value Sedan - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By WWeronko - June 5 - 2:00 am

  After careful analysis of all sedans in the Sonatas price range I determined it is by far the best value. It is 2-6 thousand dollars lower priced then other comparable equipted vehicles. It is very peppy and comfortable. It has a tight steering and good road feel. This is my second Hyundai and I am very pleased with the realibility and quality of these fine cars.