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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  Still Happy - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By LS - October 2 - 12:56 pm

  66,000 miles.., still going strong. Nothing new to report. Still very impressed with the engine/gearbox combination. I service the car as per the manufacturers recommendation.. Got a clean bill of health during last visit to dealer, all recalls done. Everything, nav, sunroof, climate control etc.., no problems, working well. Overall, love the look and acceleration! The car is holding up and I am happy.. still no complaints.

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  Worth reading - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By John - September 28 - 12:50 pm

  Let me start by saying that I think any new car review by owner needs to be prefaced with "What car were you driving before you bought this ?" Everyone has their own standards by which the judge a car. It would be helpful to know where the owner is "coming from". In my case, I was driving a 97 4Cyl Camry with 101K miles. I have owned the Sonata for 3 months now, and so far I am really pleased with all aspects of it. Initially I felt that the steering was a little bit of a slave to the road, pulling either way depending on which side of the crown I was on. But that has worked itself out after the first month. This is a great car.

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  All in all very nice car for $$ - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By shop74 - September 27 - 2:11 am

  I have owned a Lexus, Acura and Volvo. This car compares to the Japanese luxury brands as far as the drive. It is very smooth feeling and saves gas. Great price!!! It doesnt drive like the Volvo did in its good days. I really only missing my sunroof. I upgraded to leather and alloy wheels. You should too the cloth seats are cheapish and kinda hard to me. The ride is very loud and rough with stee The passenger side seat is kinda low to the ground. The gadgets on the car are nice. Everything wraps around the driver which is NICE and luxurious. The backseat and trunk are very spacious! Way more exciting than the Honda Accord or Altima- BORING. I do like this car only time will tell if it lasts

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  Giant step up for sonata - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By carguy2011 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I could not imagine a bigger step up than the one the Sonata took with this new 2011 model. Attention getting looks from everyone. The new style rivals cars twice the cost of one of these. The SE model stands out when compared to the GSL and LTD. Paddle shifters. Really. Dont need them but adds a sporty feel for sure. 18" wheels and low profile tires complete the racy look of the SE. Ride is stiff and sporty feeling on the SE so if your worried about ride quality then stick with the LTD. SE models are hard to find so take note. No long trips yet but MPG good for big car.

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  So Impressed - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By oxford u - September 26 - 10:00 am

  My Brother was so impressed with mine, he bought one the day after I brought mine home! Smooth quiet ride, plenty of power, great gas mileage, and the best warranty in the business

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  Incredible Surprise - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By ftessina - September 26 - 8:46 am

  Never thought I would even consider, let alone buy a Hyundai. Read online write-ups and reviews of Sonata, Camry, Altima, and Impala. Liked all of the cars, but Sonata was by far the least expensive with more useful features than the others. Smooth, strong and quiet acceleration with the six. Handles better than reviews led me to believe. Gas mileage is great. Lots of interior room. Weve owned a Lexus, 3 BMWs and traded an Acura and this car held its own with all of them at a much lower price. Tremendous Value! Not the flashiest car, but no better car for the money.

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  A truly desirable car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Dror - September 25 - 3:10 pm

  With the very low price and a full array of features and extras it simply makes this car to be one of the most desirable cars on todayÂ’s market. Safe drive - 5 Stars award for the front crash on both passenger and driver sides, also one of the few who earned the 5 Stars ratings for side impact tests. Powerful acceleration with smooth touring on low fuel consumption while maintaining high speed cruising. Amazing road handling for a low priced car. IÂ’m able to take sharp ramps on 55 mph while other cornering behind and crawling on the 25 mph mark; ESC computer controls superb the wheels and the car speed when careless driving is involved

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  Full Option V6 - 2007 - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Bijan - September 25 - 6:26 am

  Nice car for the price, but still a lot of space to improve on design aspect without real additional cost, e.g. suspension! Engine is nice and powerful, but not as quiet and fuel efficient as competition. Brakes are excellent, but no way in comparing handling or refinements of this car with BMW 5-seires, as advertised! I believe it has better value for money than 3.3L Azeras. You are not really upgraded with a Toyota or Honda! Next step is a BMW, Luxus, or Mercedes! Engine noise when you look at it at ilde with hood open, seems more than one expects from such a beautiful piece of engineering! Cant feel the difference Solar Glass is supposed to make! Functional, but not beautiful dashboard!

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  Hyundai Replaced the Bad One - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By esperandrich - September 24 - 5:33 pm

  See my previous reviews. Hyundai replaced the car that pulled to the left with a new car which has no problems. Actually I had to find the replacement but Hyundai was cooperative and I am very happy now. I cant go into details because of the agreement I signed but Hyundai was very good about it and I would buy another one.

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  My Sonata-one problem - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Dave - September 24 - 2:53 am

  Love the car. It is fantastic except for one thing. THe leather seats which look great are killing my back Make sure you have a good back for them.