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:
Showing 3021 through 3030 of 3,413.00-
All optioned 2002 Sonata LX - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
By Walker1 - June 4 - 10:00 amExtremely reliable car. No problems yet. Rides very well, climate control is excellent, a very nicely complimented automobile. I would highly recommend it over the Camry which is $6000 more. The dealer is always happy to help us in any way and is courteous. We only had a problem with their finance man, and we got an apology and $$ from the dealer to resolve his rude manners. We are quite pleased at 6600 miles. The car could use a tad more HP for the sport minded. It has 181 and is peppy, but 181 is still 181.
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Better than the Bug - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
By SMCS - June 4 - 10:00 amI recently decided to leave the world of backyard mechanics behind and move up into a stylish new car. A recent 90,000 mile death of a Ford made the Hyundai warranty attractive, almost as attractive as the car itself. Just over 3,000 miles on it, loving every minute of it! I put a few complaints in below, but only because they asked.
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great car - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
By David - June 2 - 12:23 pmso far so good it seems like a great car
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Great Car! - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
By AndreaCarrot - June 1 - 10:00 amVery comfortable and affordable. This car looks expensive but isnt! With a warranty like Hyundai offers- you cant go wrong.
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Sonata - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
By Scott thomas - May 31 - 8:23 pmThe sonata was a dependable roomy car that served me very well
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simply amazed.. - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
By USCtrojanMan - May 29 - 9:36 pmI must say that Hyundai really did it with this one..I needed a reliable car that was comfortable and classy and the sonata was a natural choice. The car has been treating me well/
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Needed Good Gas Mileage, But Not Small - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
By joval - May 27 - 3:33 amWe live in the Fla. country, almost an hour to go to a city, and take a 340 mile trip every month. We needed good gas mileage but needed a car that was roomy inside, had folding 60/40 back seats to a large trunk . We also wanted to spend the least amount of money and still have a reliable car. The Sonata won out on all counts. Roomy car inside, especially with the camel interior to brighten it up, is quiet, handles very well, and has good acceleration to pass on two-lane highways. We now have 1021 miles on it. At steady flat 60 mph we got 42.2 mpg avg, at 75 mph, 35.5 mpg avg, and at 55, 44.5 mpg avg. Measured highway and city 1st tank avg. 28.28 mpg, second tank avg. 28.69. Overall pleased.
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FUN RIDE - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
By Marcus - May 25 - 4:16 amThis car continues to exceed my expectations while driving it over 14,000 miles and having and driven many cars (Saabs, Honda, Benz E300 and BMW 530i) in US and Europe. Quick when accelerating in semiauto mode and tracktion control off. On the twisties and highway the SE drives close to recent BMW 530i without sport suspension. Its similar in size to its Japanese competitors but ouclasses them in performance and value even though has a small V6 3.3L engine. Ive opened her up to about 135MPH and though less stable than 9-3 Saab and overpriced German cars (mostly air dynamic issue), performs very solid and better than V6 Accord. Nice car!
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Great drive for a great price!!!!!! - 2017 Hyundai Sonata
By Edwin E. Salas - May 25 - 1:46 amKnow that if you are on budget and want the best bang for your buck. This car is worth taking a good look at. Great ride and preforms very well and a phenomenal warranty!
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LOUD chattering, ticking, and groaning engine - 2017 Hyundai Sonata
By Melanie - May 23 - 12:09 amI purchased the 2017 Sonata in February; the car had 5 miles on it when I drove off the lot. At 150 miles, the engine became loud, especially upon starting up when cold. The engine chatters and vibrates and seemed extremely loud for a new car. The engine block also had corrosion spots on it. I took the car into the dealer and the service reps kept it overnight, told me they checked it out and there was nothing wrong, and they cleaned off the corrosion nad told me that was nothing to be concerned with. At around 300 miles, I discovered a defect in the passenger window and took the car back into the dealer. I again told them about the loud noise and that is did not sound normal; the engine knocks and certainly does not sound like a brand new car. They checked it out again and told me the noises are "normal" and that there is nothing wrong with the car. And of course they told me not to worry because if there is anything wrong, its covered by the warranty. My car now has just now reached 3000 miles and I will be taking it in the for oil change. The engine seems to be louder; I was standing near another Sonata that was idling and one could not even hear it. My car is LOUD chattering, tinny sound, and when accelerating there is a groaning sound. It sounds like a a very old car. I drive very conservatively and at the speed limit, mostly in town, and the gas mileage I have gotten is not as advertised; the current "fuel economy" listed on the dash is 17.9. I got the car for its great gas mileage. Has anyone else had similar issues? I would like the dealer to replace the entire car. I dont want them to "repair" or replace the engine because it is a brand new car and should not have such issues, and if they start "repairing" it so early, it will certainly not be a new car.