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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  New Car that is horrible - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Clara E. Schrand - April 29 - 4:36 am

  I have had my Sonata since May 09 and it has been towed 4 times. The first time the day after I bought it would not start. Second day after they fixed it would not start. Third time about 3 weeks later I was driving for about 15 minutes and the car died would not start back up. The fourth time 3.5 months later problem with transmission put it in Drive and it will not go any where. I asked for my money back and they said no. So I have a brand new car that is not reliable. Stress when driving always fear that you will break down.

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  Still love these Hyundais!!! - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By dr d - April 28 - 10:46 pm

  This is my 5th Hyundai, and they havent let me down yet! I think this one has been the most fun to drive though! I love the v6 power, the soft leather seats, the excellent sound system, the dual chrome exaust, the rear lip spoiler, sporty wheels, and the sporty ride! I got the Platinum Edition, and I absolutly love it!

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  Pretty awesome! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By James - April 28 - 11:26 am

  Dont believe the poor mpg rating from those other reviewers. Theyre crazy. Im getting 30 mpg with a 50/50 mix of city and freeway! And easily over 35 on freeway. I love all the features: the bluetooth, heated seats, autodimming mirror, excellent cruise control system, smooth AND rather quiet ride, beautifully blue-lighted interior, lots of digital gauge info, nice sound system, sunroof, super gas mileage, push-button ignition (way cool), leather seats (could be a little softer), XM radio, and the occasional gawks and nice comments about the good looks of the vehicle. Oh, and I paid under 25K!

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  Second Day - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By gary - April 28 - 11:06 am

  I just picked up my new Sonata GLS in slate blue yesterday, and will admit that I bought it to save money, having traded down from a G35 with 95k miles. I looked at compact cars and quickly discovered they were too small. Then looked at the Accord Camry and Sonata. Found the Accord in cloth uncomfortable and in leather too pricey. The Camry was an excellent ride and very comfortable and decided to shop Sonata against it. I found the Sonata with virtually the same ride, a bit less comfortable with a high level of content and great layout and space. The clincher was the price - a full 5 grand less than Camry. Thought I might have 2nd day remorse, but enjoyed cruising with AC and the XM today.

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  So far so good - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Tom - April 26 - 9:36 pm

  Very nice car, V6 is powerful and quiet. Reliability is a little to new too rate but appears to be very good. Best value out there.

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  Sonata is a hit! - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By jb - April 23 - 8:56 am

  I have owned several makes and models, this fits most of my needs.

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  The Best Deal - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jigo - April 23 - 2:56 am

  I am very happy with my new car. Ive been driving a 1996 Cavalier over the past 9 years until I decided lately to get a new one. Over the past 3 weeks, Ive been researching and thinking of getting either a Camry or an Accord. But last night, my decision finally zeroed on to the Sonata after reading the reviews and the consumer ratings online. I am very impressed with the design of the car. The engine is very quiet and the ride is very smooth. I bought mine today, Dec 31, 2005 at $3900 less than the MSRP. The good ratings combined with the best price helped me decide for this car.

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  What a bang for the buck! - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By troy Clark - April 19 - 10:00 am

  This car is by far a great deal for the Dollars. We have a 1994 Hyundai that has ad no troubles at all in 10 years! So, we are back to try this one out!

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  great car for the money - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By ccatt - April 19 - 10:00 am

  just a great car overall

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  easy choice - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By jonk - April 19 - 8:43 am

  i needed to make a quick decision on a car and after testing the mazda 6 and ford fusion - this was hands down a no brainer decision to pick. It drives really well and love all the features, great pickup and smooth drive. xm radio, heated seats, sun roof ... what more do i need