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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  Very Nice!! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mark - March 29 - 4:26 pm

  After having bought many new cars and "lemons" I switched back to Toyota 5 years ago. I had a 4-door pick-up and decided I needed a sedan (more practical. After initally negotiating for a 2006 Toyota Camry V6 I came across the new 2006 Sonata. I nver completed negotiations with Toyota as I wound up leaving the Hyundai dealership with a new 2006 V6 silver Sonata and it is AWESOME!!! My congrats to Hyundai and building a quality vehicle that looks good and reacts well to driving condions. Also, kudos to the fact they offer so many saftery features as standard whereas Toyota charges $200 just for Carpeted mats!!

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  Own a 2005 Sonota needed a 2006 - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mgardne4 - March 28 - 12:23 pm

  We have found the 2006 Sonota to be an excellent car we own a 2005 and this 2006 is much nicer. More room interior, and very bolb exterior. Gas milage has been great 33-36 mpg mostly highway some city. Much quieter than the 2005 seems to have a little more get up and go. Very Happy!

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  2006 sonata - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By 2006 hyundai sonata - March 27 - 7:40 pm

  This is the 2nd sonata ihave owned and just like the other one NO PROBLEMS. Only this 2006 model is way better than the 2003 model.Rides better handels better roomier and quieter. The only thing i can complain about is the EPA gas mileage. It does not get what it says. Overall it is EXCELLANT and i can vouch for that.

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  A car that I have been waiting for... - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By corknight - March 26 - 6:33 am

  I heard a lot about this car even well before it came out. I used to have preoccupation with Hyundai that it only sells cars at a low cost with below par quality, but not anymore. I bought this car, actually my mother, about 4 months ago, and I am completely fascinated with this car (GLS V6). Its got lot of horsepower and has very attractive interior and exterior design. I was very surprised about the engine, because it is very strong and at the same time, very quite. Also, its interior is very roomy. I am about 6 feet and I have no problem sitting in the back. I really want to recommend this car to those who are looking for a mid-size family sedan. It is a car that you dont want to miss.

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  lovemycar - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By lovemycar - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I love my Sonata. Id buy Hyundais for the rest of my life now. It looks great and feels great. Ive put more miles on my car then usual in the last 6 months (almost 15,000) but it still runs great. I have a little spot on my trunk where there is rust. But thats covered in the warrenty so I dont have to worry about that. I checked out the Camrey and Altima and the Hyundai had more this standard for less money.

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  Excellent Car - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Alvy - March 25 - 10:00 am

  As a 17yo, Im very happy that I was able to purchase a Sonata. I love the fact that people think the car is a Jaguar, and that I can beat all those Cavaliers racing between stoplights. And the best thing about the car is that I can still make my monthly payments and have a great car.

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  Outstanding contender among midsize - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Emile Banks - March 24 - 5:16 pm

  I typically only buy high end luxury vehicles, Porsche, Mercedes, Lexus, Jaguar and BMWs. This vehicle was purchased for my employees to use in my business. Since driving it I having second thoughts about making it a company vehicle. It looks great, drives well and has wonderful gas mileage. The interior is comparable to the luxury cars I am accustom to driving. Recently, while out of town, I rented a Cadillac CTS. The preferred the interior to my new Hyundai. i wasnt always a believer, but I am now. Great Job Hyundai, great job!

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  Problems - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By L Morgan - March 24 - 5:13 am

  I have owned my 2007 Hyundai Sonata for 2 weeks. After a few days, I realized that when I turn on the rear window defroster there is a lot of interference with the radio reception. Also, some of the defroster "wires" dont work at all. I took the car to the dealership. They confirmed the problems, but didnt repair them. They are currently "talking" to Hyundai to see what they will do. This is ridiculous. This is a NEW car with major problems and Hyundai cant decide what to do. For me, the only option is for them to replace the rear window. I think I made a BIG mistake by purchasing a Hyundai.

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  Love it! - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Love It - March 22 - 8:40 am

  This car looks good, and runs great. Very spacious, and well worth the money. I would recommend this car to anyone. I have a honda accord, and paid 5000.00 more than the Sonata. I find the sonata drives smoother than the honda. I never thought I would want a Hyundai, but I must say the Sonata changed my mind.

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  2011 Sanata SE - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By 2011Sanata - March 21 - 1:03 am

  I love this car. I test drove the Limited and the SE and liked the SE a little better. It does have stiffer (sportier) ride but, the feel of the of the SE was just better for me. I think the seats are different too and I liked the feel of the SE. Plus I paid about the same price for the SE with sunroof/navigation package, as the Limited would have cost. I would recommend driving both before you buy. The proximity key is an amazing feature especially for this price range. Car is fun to drive. All around a great car with an amazing warranty!!!