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:

• 

  Fantastic Value - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By JPP - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Fantastic car for the money. The SE looks fantastic and after 6500 miles on it, I havent had a single issue. Ive experienced a 3-4 MPG difference between the the car computer vs. real world, but still getting very good mileage. I have driven Hondas, Toyotas, Lexus and the car quality of the Sonata matches them.

• 

  Dumped after 6 months - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By shabadoo25 - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I had one of the initial positive reviews of the Sonata on here. Now it has been replaced with a 2010 TSX Tech. There was no one major reason why, but here is the list of minor ones: cheap interior, bad leather seats, creaks and rattles, rough ride, poor color choice for hot climate (black), road noise in cabin. The Sonata is a great car for the money, but I thought it best to sell while the resale value was highest as I didnt see myself having it long term. If its not your kind of car, try the TSX Tech. Not as many toys, but far superior on the interior and far quieter. Gas mileage is very comparable as well.

• 

  Impressed - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Joe - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I have own this Limited for 6 month with 6000 miles on it. I have received numerous positive comments from strangers. It is fun to drive, great mileage, at any speed. The electronic gear is impressive for a car of this price and i particularly enjoy the Bluetooth feature and the ease of using the controls. One problem has been keeping the front and rear window shields clean. Ive tried numerous produces but continue to have a haze that is distracting in sunlight. The horn is not loud enough to be heard in noisy conditions.As a skier I not sure if a ski rack can be added and find my bike rack just fits the trunk still allowing me to open the trunk without the bike mounted.

• 

  Fantastic GLS!! - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By pkteacher01 - January 29 - 2:05 am

  I purchased this 2010 vehicle recently and I have absolutely no complaings. I am use to driving a mini-van and love the comforts of the size, storage, and power. Due to gas costs I looked for a smaller vehicle with the comfort of a minivan and one that I could afford. I absolutely love this car. This car has so much power to be a 4 cylinder and the gas mileage is fantastic. The technology and comfort is amazing. This even has cruise control--on a standard! Rides like a dream, quiet, and even on bumpy roads it is smooth. I love my car and you will too!

• 

  When the new one comes out I am buying!! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Drew from ND - January 28 - 7:06 am

  I have had my Sonata for a little over a year now. I have traveled all over the U.S. with it as it is now showing 56,000 miles. I absolutely love this car. Its powerful, the warranty is great, and I feel like I have nothing to worry about when I drive down the rode. I have owned both Accords and Camrys. This car is just as much of a car at those others which will run you about $5,000 more for the same options. I will definitely buy another Hyundai. I am hooked and stand behind it.

• 

  Poor gas milage - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By jenkins170 - January 25 - 9:18 am

  I purchased a 2013 sonata new last year and have been fighting with hyundia and the dealership ever sice over gas milage. Advertised is 24 to 35 with 28 combined. Best I ever got was 23 on a flat stretch of highway through ohio. Down to 10 in the hills. But according to hyundia and the dealership that is operating within specs. Would not suggest to by this at any cost

• 

  Good but has its flaws - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By xj220 - January 23 - 3:40 pm

  I have way too many good things to say about this car that it wont fit here, so I will only discuss the bad things. #1: the ride is on the harsh side. Wheels are 215/55/17, which do not belong on a family sedan. Need to bring them up to 60 series. #2: I have yet to find a perfectly comfortable seating position. Maybe its because my previous car had bucket seats and wasnt leather, but who knows. Oh, and the lumbar support is a joke. #3: CVT. I may get used to it over time, but right now Im not a big fan of it. Look it up on wikipedia.com if you dont know what it is. Other gripes I have are in the Suggested Improvements sections. Dont get me wrong, it really is a great car!

• 

  One Year Review - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Tomalot - January 21 - 6:23 pm

  I have now owned my 07 GLS for a little over a year with zero problems. After 13,500 miles it drives like the day I bought it. Great mileage--I get between 28 and 31mpg on every fill up (mixed driving). Hyundais commitment to quality for an excellent price with a great warranty is almost too good to be true. Plenty of power for a 4 cylinder, smooth ride, and all the safety and features you need. No wonder it is a top 10 best selling car in America.

• 

  Lots of car...not lots of cash - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By CV - January 21 - 6:13 am

  Wanting to recapture my sportier car days, I was hesitant to look at "family sedans", but when I actually dove the `06 Sonata, I was amazed at how much this car had to offer. Ive had it for only a week and I just want to be out driving. COmpared to its competition, I think that it more than matches up, especially when you figure in cost and never mind the warranty. Most of all I can put the three kids in the back instead of taking the "family truckster" mini-van everywhere. If youre looking for a car that is fun, roomy and you also need to pay the rest of lifes bills, this is the car for you. Hyundai has really stepped up with this car, from now on they are the one to watch.

• 

  Love It - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By LanceB - January 18 - 9:56 am

  I am a big man to the tune of 63" over 300 lbs. I have plenty of room in this car. It is fun to drive and the controls are very handy and laid out very well. This is the first vehicle that I have had in 15 years that was not a truck or SUV. Other than it sits lower than what I am used too it has been a great car so far.