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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  bump, bump, bang, bang - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By lenstang - September 23 - 3:00 am

  I did my homework when it came to buying this car.I read reviews on line and in magazines. I asked owners about their cars. I compared prices. I thought I did a good job. I test drove a couple of Sonatas also. So I should have been happy with the car. However I didnt get to test drive the cars over bumpy roads. This car makes the worst noise over bumps I have ever heard. Every wheel on this car just bangs over almost every bump I hit. I did have the dealer check out the car. They said there wasnt anything wrong. I took one of the service guys out for a ride. I really couldnt demonstrate the noise. The roads in the area are smooth. I would not recommend buying a Sonata.

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  Exactly What I Wanted - First Review - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By Kyle - September 22 - 10:30 pm

  I am writing this review after having the Sonata for one week, I will add another review at a later date. I got a steal on this car - ended up getting it for $4000 under MSRP. I upgraded from a 2002 Sentra, and have been very surprised by how nice this car feels. I feel safer while driving it, and it performs well. I am happy with the 4 cyl., esp. when considering the savings on gas. The interior is nicely laid-out - not cheap like other base models. It is well put-together and feels solid. It drives as good as a Camry or Accord, but costs THOUSANDS less. Decent enough dealer experience as well - they let us barter and we got more for our trad-in because of it.

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  Sunroof Noise - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Donna - September 22 - 3:43 pm

  I just traded my 2002 Sonata for the 2006 Aquamarine V6 GLS with the 17" wheels, sunroof, etc. Its a beauty. The only issue I have is the noise from the wind when the sunroof is open. Its a lot louder on this car than my 2002.

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  Excellent Car Excellent Price - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Misty386 - September 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is great not only does it have style it is a nice running 4cyl, good on gas, comfy for passengers, and lots of trunk space. Definitly would suggest it to anyone.

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  hoping hyundai is worth it - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By bill43 - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I have owned two camrys, the last one for eight years but had a lot of electrical problems with it for the past three years. I needed a new car but I had to buy a more affordable sedan with a v6, I was surprised to see the great styling inside and out of the 2002 sonada,even more impressed with the v-6 shiftronic ona car under $20000, placement of controls and large stereo buttons. My beef,and Im sure many others was the usual b/s games the sales people play. Id rather they go to a no hassle policy like some dealers and post a realistic price on the windshield instead of having to play a game with the sales creeps.

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  Great But - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Monroe - September 19 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this 2011 Sonata LTD Turbo a few weeks ago. Rides great, looks fantastic, (venetian red) but, it drifts to the left. Took it back to have alignment checked and repaired, was out of specs. But now still drifts to the left but not as bad and seems to do it only/mostly when accelerating. Will change lane in 1/4 mile. Dealer stated that its due to the front wheel drive "torque"?? Awaiting meeting with factory rep. This is not one that falls in the recall for steering column problems. Thats why I gave it a 6 in "fun to drive"

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  Love it! - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By amyhobbit - September 17 - 12:06 pm

  I absolutely love this car. I owned a 2000 Hyundai Elantra until I literally killed it. I didnt like the look of the new Elantras so I looked at the Sonata. I LOVE it. Its safe, reliable, beautiful to look at... I cant say enough good things about this car. I put 4500 miles on it in 3 months. The XM is a lifesaver in traffic (I live in DC). I really cant explain how safe I feel in this car. The warranty is fabulous. We go on a lot of road trips and the new car hasnt let us down yet. Its roomy enough for me, my boyfriend, the cello and the great dane.

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  I love this car - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Lovelylisa - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this car on the 3rd of Feb though I havent been driving it very long but I this cars performance. The warranty I got is the best ever!

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  No Brainer - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jack - September 15 - 4:16 pm

  This car was among the most fun to drive of the mid-sized sedans. When the safety features, warranty and value are considered this was the product for us.

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  I Get Many Compliments - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Larryissmart - September 14 - 10:00 am

  I get only positive comments and compliments from friends and family. Two friends (so far) now want to go out and purchase a Sonata. Very attractive European styling. Fit and finish are excellent. At a distance, appears to be a much more expensive car. Engine is quiet and smooth. Rear seats are comfortable enough for two large adults. Dealer was excellent and not at all pushy. You cant find a better bargain than the Sonata. The best vehicle purchase I have ever made.