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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  As Advertised so far - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By bgz9130 - November 19 - 4:03 am

  The first 2500 miles has been everything it was advertised to be. Good Quality, gas mileage along with adequate power and eye catching styling.

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  Good, Solid, Fun - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By turboyy - November 18 - 1:36 am

  I have 20,000 miles on my new Sonata. Its been a great car to drive so far with no major issues. Ive obtained fantastic gas mileage (37mpg) by combining the ECO mode, cruise control and a nice long highway. The paint is sexy and durable. The fit / finish is solid without any noticeable defects. Ive been completely satisfied with my service crew as well.

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  Do not buy - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By unhappyowner - November 17 - 3:10 pm

  I have a 99 sonata. The reliability of this car sucks... I cannot remember a 3 month time span that this car has not been in the shop for something. The airbag light comes on 1 every 6 months, the oxygen sensors keep going out. There are 3 of them. Now after 60000 miles, the wheel bearing in the back tires have gone and it cost over 300 to replace the bearing as they do not sell only the bearing. It is the whole wheel mounting. And since it is front wheel drive the rear bearings are not covered by the power train warentee.

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  Not a bad car. - 2018 Hyundai Sonata
  By Michael Perillo - November 14 - 9:11 pm

  Dot believe the EPA figures on this car. Ive had 2 straight Sonatas, 2.4 engine. I get 16 city, 31 highway, always on ECO. THe car is comfortable, reliable and attractive. It is quiet. It gives you a lot of amenities but those darn mileage figures wont increase.

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  Sonata is fantastic - mpg over 30!! - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Dan C - November 14 - 9:50 am

  My Sonata is the SE V6 model. This car is really amazing. The V6 rolls down the interstate at 75-80 with no effort at all. Have just gone by 13k miles. Once this got to around 12,000 miles, the fuel economy was almost unbelievable. Now averaging over 30mpg with set @ 75mph!! Handling is great. Seats are really comfortable. If theres better performance coupled with fuel economy in a V6 with 250 hp, Id be surprised. We bought this over the Accord, Camary and Malibu and so for have NO regrets at all!!

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  Crappy, Crappy Car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ron - November 13 - 5:41 pm

  Hyundai makes absolute junk! I have a 2011 Sonata where the engine completely failed at 61,000 miles with ZERO warning. A quick Google search let me know I wasnt the only sucker that got stuck with one of the worst engines since the Internal Combustion engine was developed. Let the Buyer beware! Buy this heap at your own risk. You will regret it. I hope the company goes bankrupt.

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  I love Hyundais - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By pwedding - November 11 - 9:23 am

  I traded my 2009 Sonata in for a 2011 Sonata, it had 15,350 miles I love the Sonata I read everything i could find on the new Sonata, and got a very good deal, plus a loyal customer discount of 500.00 and they paid off the 2009 with money left over. I love the engine and handling looks are impeccable, the paint job on the new Sonata is better than the 2009. The only thing i dont care for is the different tires I miss my Michelin tires a lot quieter. MPG is great I tried it at 70mph with a/c on and cruise got 43 MPG. Also got the dealer option of the 5 year oil and rotation for $150.00 if oil goes up thats a deal

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  Totally Awesome - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mike in MD - November 8 - 8:20 pm

  This car is very smooth and powerful. It has a much nicer appeal than accord or camry. You cant beat the price and quality and warranty. I love everything about this car.

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  Very good car - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jim - November 5 - 11:03 pm

  This is our second Hyundai after having 2 prior Hondas. Our XG350 was a better travel car, but our V6 Sonata handles better due to a less soft suspension and has 50hp more. Love the GPS and Bluetooth, as well as the standard 350 watt Infiniti sound system. Our onboard mpg computer pegs in-town at 22mpg, and generally 31-32 mpg on a flat, straight highway like I- 20. 5 year bumper-to-bumper and 10 year mechanical warranties will probably go unused.

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  Its a Dud - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Bob - November 5 - 3:36 pm

  Engine replaced at 34,000 miles, transmission replaced at 51,000 miles. Hyundai corporate unconcerned about keeping me as a customer. At least they were replaced under warranty. Totally unreliable and no fun to own anymore while I wait for the next failure.