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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  Impressive! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By befink - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive only driven my new Hyundai Sonata SE for a few days now, but the only thing I can say about it is: IMPRESSIVE. I love the style, both exterior and interior, the ride, and most of all, the PRICE! Looks like its time for Toyota and Honda to take a back seat to Hyundai! When I went to the dealer I was undecided between GLS or SE, but as soon as I rode in the SE, I knew that was the one. SMART KEY/Push Button Start, Paddle Shifters, Dual Exhaust, Chrome, Leather Seat Bolsters, etc. Amazing! I live in a rural area, and drive only 20 minutes to work, and right off the lot Im getting 28 miles to the gallon. I just cant say enough about this car.

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  Looks Great! Drives So So - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ed S - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I have my Sonata for 6 months now and still find the styling inside and out to be a real eye-catcher. However, driving the car is a completely different experience. I have complained to the dealer twice in 3000 miles about the poor shifting and jerky acceleration during normal driving. The transmission slips and jerks on most upshifts. The road noise and handling can certainly use improvement. Too much tire noise and car tends to wander. It does, however, get excellent gas mileage both around town (28 mpg) and on the highway (36.5 mpg)

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  3 year review - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By gd3 - September 1 - 11:31 pm

  Bought the Sonata almost 3 years ago and now have 55k mostly highway miles. Travel about 80 miles/day for work. The cloth seats are some of the most comfortable non leather, non premium seats Ive used. Nice thoughtful interior. It has so many upgrades that have trickled down to a base car over the years. The ac and heat are fine although climate control would be nice. The XM is a feature that I use regularly and enjoy. I have done nothing to it except regular maintenance and a new set of tires. I average about 30 mpg going 70-75 on the highway.

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  Great Car - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By luisruvi - September 1 - 10:07 pm

  Very solid car, and all problems since Ive owned it have been taken care of free of charge. They were only minor. Sagging mirror, but likely due to a cd case hanging on it. Dead battery. Seat issue. I even got a free rental for two of the fixes. I have been really happy so far with the car. Very spacey and quiet. And even though it is cheaper than most other cars, looks more expensive in some areas compared to others I have looked at.

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  I wish the experience was better. - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By Tony Johnston - August 31 - 6:21 am

  I will never buy a Hyundai Sonata again. From the first month I own the car, it has been in out of the dealer twice a month. The greatest problem has been the engine,currently waiting for a replacement engine, then the tall lights and cant forget the front end problems.

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  Review number 2, found a problem. - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By deking - August 30 - 4:03 am

  I love everything about the car except the disply controls on the dashboard. My recommendation, dont attempt to do anything except change radio stations while you are driving. The controls are much too confusing and hard to use for my taste.

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  Extended warranty rap - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By dedempsy - August 29 - 7:25 am

  The car has 40k on it. The car has run flawless, but the gas mileage is only about 27, 28 on the highway. My 2002 accord would get 32mpg. Early on I was displeased with the dealer oil changes. The oil always looked dark gray after changes. I do it myself now, and it looks fine. My wife took the car in for a brake switch recall. She gets the normal hard sell on the dealer maintenance. Hyundais have very expensive 40k checks. $298-$598. The rear brakes are totally worn out at 40k. They said that was very good. I have never replaced rear pads with less than 80k. Tires needed replacing at 35k. I will not by another Hyundai. Cost to own is too expensive. I will stick with my Hondas.

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  Love at first sight - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By RDSC - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I went to our one week old Hyundai dealer to buy an Elantra for my wife and ended up trading off my Lexus ES- 300 for a loaded Sonata! There it was just begging me to take it home; I couldnt resist. It is not as sporty nor as powerful as the Lexus but I am not 20 anymore so those things are not as important. This car just looks and feels right. Except my wife didnt win.

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  2006, The year Hynudai got serious - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Marc - August 27 - 7:03 am

  I never thought I would own a Hyundai but the 2006 Sonata has completely changed my opinion of Hyundai as a car manufacturer. Not only is the interior and exterior craftsmanship of the vehicle top notch, it doesnt come with a price tag that will give you sticker shock. I have had the car for almost two months now and I absolutely love this car.

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  07 Sonata limited - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By r2dot2 - August 25 - 9:03 am

  Got this car 2-19-07 and like it. The ride is smooth. To date I have gotten 19+ MPG. The only problem I have is the ESC light indicator comes on when not touched. The dealer is going to replace it this week. I would like the front seats to wrap more around my body (had a VW Passat before - seats felt great.) These seem too shallow. Also the dash material seems not very smooth and when I wipe the dust, it seems to push it into the dash not off.