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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  Love it! - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By LeLace - October 29 - 2:00 am

  This was not my first choice, but after a couple of months of driving it I am MORE than pleased. I am told it looks like an expensive sports car from the rear and that the rear seat is comfortable for adult human beings! It is fun to drive, easy to park and nice to look at! The number of features that come standard are wonderful for the price.

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  Just bought the Sonata - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By ZenStyle - October 24 - 10:00 am

  At first I wasnt sure if I wanted to go from a truck to a 4 door sedan but after test driving the Sonata, I realized rather quickly how incredible these cars are. I have a 2.7 engine so it gives the get up and go that Im used to. Handles very well and gives the feeling that the driver is in control. I also would like to add that Ive been driving trucks for years and swore that I would never drive another car again, partly for safety and partly because of the way a truck handles, but looks like that has now changed and I couldnt be happier.

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  Great car - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ed Stevens - October 24 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great car. Put a lot of miles and no problems. bumper to umper warranty has bee excellent and the Dealer is great

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  It rattles, but its pretty - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Donnamo - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I had trouble with the cruise control when I first bought this car. Had to press HARD on the brakes, and it still rolled into traffic from a stop. After having it towed to the dealership twice, they fixed the problem. The dealership is unable/unwilling to fix the rattle in the passenger door.

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  Best car Ive ever had! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By kelley9 - October 23 - 5:04 pm

  Ive had my 2011 Sonata Turbo since February and I love it. I could not be happier with the performance, features, look of the car and the great customer service that Hyundai had offered since I leased my car. In addition, the warranty and unlimited roadside service is the icing on the cake. I would recommend the Sonata - or any Hyundai to all of my friends and family. I leased my car from Temecula Hyundai - no pressure, great customer service, great follow up - if you live in the San Diego area I would recommend visiting them if you are in the market for a new car.

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  good for first car out of college - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Erica - October 23 - 1:55 pm

  I bought this car when it was 2 years old. It had 30,000 miles on it. when I use standard leather cleaner on it the brown comes off the leather. The paint job could be better. It rusts easily. I have had a stop lamp switch replaced twice on it. Both sun visor have busted and needed to be replaced. at 116,000 miles the crank shaft busted into 2 parts and needed to be replaced. This car goes through tires very quickly. The way the tires sit on the car makes them wear down. Overall not the best car to buy. I think this company makes low quality cars. I will try to go with a Ford or Toyota next time.

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  great car - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By peter1 - October 19 - 10:00 am

  the car is fun to drive looks good not noisy inside great on gas

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  Best car Ive owned yet. - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By Nick - October 18 - 6:46 pm

  Got a great deal on the SE V6. Extremely comfortable, very roomy even in the back seat. Love the safety features you get that are standard that many other manufacturers charge extra for. Great trunk space. Love the sound of the stereo, especially XM, with the exception of the readout...could be better as it truncates the info. MPG in city driving is so-so at this point. Great power, smooth ride. I just wish it had a sunroof, but I couldnt argue with the deal that I got. As I stated, best vehicle Ive owned yet!!

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  Overall - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By gefforts - October 18 - 1:35 pm

  We all have our opinions of our own Sonatas, for myself even after an accident, which I had Hyundai fix completely because I wanted no issues and it was major damage. I have no problems at all in a yr and one month of owning the car. My own issue and an issue, major for some and minor for many is the map update for the Nav. system. They completely lied or didnt know that you had to pay 200 plus dollars each year IF you wanted the update. Many people dont care/have bigger issues with the car or do pony up. To me its the principal. [non-permissible content removed].

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  I had a surprise! - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Silvia - October 17 - 4:40 pm

  My husband chose this car for me, and I was not quite happy because I wanted a Toyota. Today, seven months later, I am so grateful, because I love my Sonata, its so nice to drive, I feel so safe in it and so comfortable that my next car will be a Sonata.