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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  Noisy on all but smoothest surfaces - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By itsme - November 27 - 8:23 am

  The Bad: The tires make a lot of noise, unless you are on very smooth surfaces. 198 hp engine, but feels like much less at lower speeds. The suspension does not feel refined--edmunds must have been testing the car on very smooth roads. But the car sure looks good.

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  Amazing Value for the Money - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ike - November 26 - 10:46 am

  My son has a 2006 Sonata which has been completely bulletproof, so when gas prices forced me to begin looking for an economical 4cyl, I started with the 2009 Sonata. Opening the door on the GLS for the first time, I was amazed at the beautiful, classy, high- quality interior that, yes, reminded me of a Lexus. The test drive was even more impressive; unbelievably quiet and smooth at 80mph, smooth-shifting automatic, little wind or road noise. I still test drove Accord, Camry, Altima, even Corolla, but none compared. I bought the Sonata because I liked it the best, not just because it was thousands of dollars cheaper.

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  so far, so good - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Iowason07 - November 24 - 1:26 pm

  Very nice ride, quick, quiet, comfy. MPG could be better, but might improve with more miles. Light grey interior looks great, but is hard to keep clean. No problems at 3000 miles. Many safety features and standard features that are options on other makes, plus the warranty, sold me on this car. I also think it looks better than the competition. I just hope gas mileage improves to EPA ratings, especially with fuel prices going sky-high.

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  hyundai value second to none - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By dblg - November 22 - 2:53 am

  Excellent build quality combined with luxury options brings this vehicle to a level second to none. Why pay more for Camry & Accord when you get the same degree of quality and I have owned both. Love the power on the V- 6.By the way this is my second Hyundai.I own a Elantra 5-door GT dubbed it the red rocket and that car is a winner too! Go Hyundai.

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  Great Value! - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Elewis3752 - November 21 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Hyundai and I was happy with the tiburon but it was to small for my family. The Sonata is not a fancy car but it is a family car. Its the perfect car for my wife because its handles well with enough power to pass when you need to.

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  2011 Sonata SE - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By John N - November 20 - 8:23 pm

  Unbelievable impressed. Style, MPG and value with good pick up and nice ride. Was considering a accura TSX and this car is same size with nicer styling and MPG. Also 5K cheaper which is another plus. Tech features of keyless, blue tooth, IPOD, 18 inch wheels are great. Looks like a combo merced and Lexus. Just hope long term the quality holds

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  2009 Sonata SE - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By MBashore - November 20 - 4:16 pm

  Overall, I really enjoy the car. The only thing is the dashboard squeak when it is cold outside. I notice when it warms up, there is no dashboard squeak. The interior of the car is nice, but the outside (besides the front) is a little plain. The 4 cylinder does not really have too much power taking off, but while on the highway, if you press down the pedal, itll give you the power you need.

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  Goes from A to B - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Todd - November 20 - 2:20 pm

  Im disappointed in the gas mileage of the V6 -- I get about 23 MPG despite driving probably 60/40 highway/city. But its a smooth ride with zippy power. The interior is conservative but refreshingly intuitive control- wise. While the car floats along fine and has all the basic bells and whistles (love the sunroof, wish it had an iPod port), it could use greater fuel efficiency or benefit from a hybrid engine someday. In all, a good getting around car, nothing more.

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  Previous Maxima Owner - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By kytoepro - November 20 - 4:30 am

  My previous three cars have been Nissan Maximas. And while I have been satisfied with the ride and dependability of that car, I felt like I wanted something different. After reading all of the reviews and having test drives of some pretty good competitors, I chose the Sonata turbo. To me, the interior is as nice as the Mercedes C300 and nicer than the Lexus IS250 that I tested. The price was unbelievable for all of the options that I got (Limited, Turbo, nav system, Nitrogen filled tires). My purchasing experience was excellent and the warranty is great. I have had the car three days and it performs beautifully. I am very pleased with my purchase.

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  I LOVE this car! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By MW - November 19 - 9:36 am

  I bought this car used in December and have fallen in love with it! Why dont American car companies build cars like this? The gas mileage could be a little better. I am averaging 18 in the city and around 26-27 on the highway its much better than my Buick. The 3.3 v6 is very powerful more than youll ever need. Its also very comfortable and roomy. It drives like a dream at any speed. The only problem I have had is the power seat recliner broke. I certainly would buy another Hyundai car.