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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First Impression - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
By PenguinBriar - March 2 - 1:16 pmReally liked what the SE brought to the table over the GLS or Limited. I like to feel the road, and I do with the SE. I test drove 2009 Limited (6 cylinder) and thought it had the flu. No guts and sloppy feel. Even though the new SE doesnt have the same HP, it FEELS like it does and the ride in the 2011 is MUCH more responsive. The styling isnt even in the same league as the previous Sonata. There are a lot of professional reviews that should be read.
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Value, Value, Value - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
By zudnic - March 1 - 4:20 amI have had this car for about ten weeks and am pleased. This car is an excellent value. The GLS model comes with all the bells and whistles standard, including USB, Bluetooth (both phone and MP3/Pandora capability), steering wheel radio controls, manual-override 6-speed transmission, etc. And Hyundai Assurance and the 100k mile warranty. It is comfortable and smooth to drive. Well-built. My quibbles are in visibility - the B-pillar is chunky and the rear visibility is horrendous. I also quibble that you cant disable XM, forcing you to flip through all three stations on the wheel. If you want leather or a sunroof, go for a higher package but you cant beat the GLS for the money
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Cheap Asian beer can, you will regret - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
By PABLO - February 28 - 8:45 pmThe car has no torque, the engine is programmed to always keeps low rpm, not fun to drive,wrong transmission,on the fwy at 75 mph the rpm is 2050, you get foot pain from the gas pedal if you drive more then 30 min, when you accelerate it hesitate, then it go down 2 speed and it rev. THE REAL LIFE MIX MPG IS 20. shady company!
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Better than the Accord - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
By Heussen - February 28 - 10:00 amBetter in everywhere. Not just by more options for the money but Quality! Better interior exterior design! Smooth ride with sports car performance! 0-60 under 6.7 seconds!
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"Takes a lickin and keeps on tickin" - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
By Susan - February 26 - 4:53 pmDont be scared to put miles on this car. I bought my car used in December 2010 with 14,000 miles on it. During a heavy rain 5 years ago my car died in a flooded low point of an intersection in the city. I would wait a couple minutes, start it, itd jump a few feet & die. I did this until I got out of the water. I had water to my knee caps! I bailed water with an insulated shopping bag to lower the water and managed to drive home an hour. Vacuumed water, even drove it the next day 2 hours away, but on way home had some problems - more electrical than anything else. Took it to Hyundai - after a few days got an estimate of $14,000 to replace the computer. Took it to local auto shop who did all the repairs needed for $9,000. I now have 142,210 miles on this baby and still get 38 mpg on long trips. Its still comfortable and a pleasure to drive. Ive never had problems other than from the flooding. Im shopping for another used car and am most certain I will buy another Hyundai Sonata!
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Watch for price add ons - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
By emlod - February 25 - 10:56 amThe dealer added $3500 price to the sticker price and said he was doing me a favor taking $1000 off the total. The car is OK but the rude is very harsh and the handling does not justify it. The car is OK but I think i would have done bettter with something else. Dont pay the rediculous $3500 add on. This will be temporary as it is a car in demand. Wait and it will drop off. Maybe the dealer did this on his own. I dont trust Major Motors in PA, I expected more. The drive they gave you proved nothing. Avoid Jeff Butler in sales.
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Various Concerns - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
By Richard - February 24 - 2:40 amHad to replace automatic on and off light sensor did not work when purchased. Carpet had to be replaced because of rips. After car warms up transmission shifts very roughly between 1st and 2nd gears and sometimes between 2nd and 3rd. I was told that the transmission was an inter active unit and would soon smooth out after the break in period. The car has over 6000 miles now and nothing has changed since the day I purchase it. Also it emits a foul rubbery smell from the heating or air vents. Smells like air coming out of a tire. If steering is turned to quickly to either lock position car will cut off. Bought to the attention of the dealer the shifting concern but was told this is normal
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Pleasantly surprised - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
By Stevenbek - February 23 - 12:56 amAfter only driving Honda/Acura the last 20 years I was hesitant on the purchase of a Hyundai. I started out in the market for a used car around $18k. I was looking at 07 Accords with 30K miles but was tired of the same old thing. After countless hours of research I said why not at least test drive the Hyundai? I can get a brand new basic model for about the same money as a used accord. I was instantly sold on the 2011 model. It offered all of the features I wanted with better gas mileage at a great price!
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I Love This Car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
By Carol - February 21 - 2:40 pmI previously owned a 2002 Elantra. From day 1 I was impressed with Hyundai. In 3 years not one problem. My previous American vehicles sure cant make that statement. Decided to move up to the Sonata for a larger car and a few more options. This is THE car. The ride is so smooth and quiet. Rides better than Buicks I test drove. Friends have commented on how tight this car is. Very comfortable seating. May be a 4 cyl but has lots of zip and good freeway power. And the look says CLASS! Hyundai warranty and backup on previous model and the new have sold me. I travel alone and the roadside benefit means a lot. The price alone would sell the car but once you drive it you are totally sold
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my sonata - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
By thomas gutierrez - February 21 - 2:10 pmI bought my sonata in nov.05,am very happy with my car and hope that this will help others in desiding on what to buy.overall the auto is a good buy and performer.smooth ride that of a more expensive auto,comfort for me is good,sound system is great large trunk,plenty of window vewer.