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 Hyundai - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By Brian - June 17 - 11:03 pm

  This is my second Sonata and third Hyundai. I liked my 06 Sonata but traded up for a a 10 Tucson. The ride quality of the 06 Sonata waso much better than the 10 Tucson. Im a 38 year old male and decided I needed a vehicle with better ride quality, but I never expected the 15 Sonata to ride as well as it does. I love this vehicle. My ex had a 12 bmw 328 xi and I can only feel the difference of steering in drive/ride quality from his Beemer to my 15 Sonata Limited. Hyundai has really leaped forward! Very impressed!

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  Good overall car, some bad features - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By gofalcons - June 17 - 5:04 am

  Overall this car seems to be a good value. Fuel economy is excellent, i average 33.5 mpg on 50/50 mix city/highway. Few negatives though. 1. The driver seat is extremely uncomfortable. I could not find a good position no matter what I did. My legs and hips hurt after 3 weeks of owning. I need a pad on the seat and a pad on the lumbar to make driving tolerable, otherwise pain is unbearable. 2. Engine is rather noisy during acceleration. 3. Cloth seats and some interior trim cheap looking. 4. Bad sight lines. I anticipate getting rid of this car sooner than expected, it is just not comfortable to drive.

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  a better car than Camry or Accord - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By John - June 16 - 2:00 pm

  I like the PRICE, WARRANTY, PAINT JOB, PERFORMANCE, safety features, interior, exterior, QUIETNESS, design, interior features, options, 17in rims and the STYLING. I have never been this excited about getting a new car. Its a good family car, as well as, a single mans car. Classy yet Sporty. Very Practical.

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  Getting a new motor after 111,000 miles - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By Cindy - June 16 - 1:51 pm

  I loved the car since the day I bought it. Fun to drive and peppy. If you are a tall person (maybe over 58") then I would not recommend as it is shaped like a race car without a lot of head room. I am 53" so it was perfect. NEVER a days trouble out of it. UNITIL one morning I cranked it, let it warm up, and pulling out of my driving it just suddenly stopped. After cranking it back it had developed disease that sounded like a hammer beating a metal bucket. Towed it to the dealership and sure enough, the engine recall affected my car. Im getting a new engine. I plan on keeping the car...see what happens.

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  Nancys review - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Nancy - June 16 - 11:56 am

  This car is great, Hyundai has really come a long way, no, its not a perfect vehicle, but its far from junky and ugly for sure, I think its blowing Lincoln, Honda and Lexus out of the water now, but you never know, all in all Im very happy with my 11 sonata. :)

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  Simply Unbelievable - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By DeeDee - June 16 - 1:46 am

  WOW! I love this color! Was the first thing I said when I saw my Sonata onthe lot. Now I just say, "WOW, I love this car!" It rides like my grandmothers Cadillac, but handles like my Saburu did. When I first moved to Northern Virginia, I was always making U-turns. There was never a car that could make a U-turn like my Saburu, but now I have a Sonata. Hate to say it, but it is as good as the Saburu! The perfect combination of everything you want in a car! The feel of safety you get the first time you stop on a rain slick road. You know you have the right car, Plus, unbelievable trunk space.

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  uncomfortable - 2016 Hyundai Sonata
  By D. McFadden - June 16 - 12:41 am

  I have a Sonata Limited 4 cylinder. The seats are extremely uncomfortable after an hour of driving. Car is way under powered.

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  Toyotazilla - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Doug - June 14 - 12:20 pm

  My second Hyundai. Traded a 2006 Elantra for the 2009 Sonata. Feels like moving up from a VW bug to a Greyhound Bus, this car is large! Love the quietness, Michelin tires and great fuel economy.

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  Yes, I am still driving that Hyundai! - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By ynotbd - June 13 - 10:33 pm

  Toyota and Honda move over there is a new sheriff in town! Love it...great price and as the commercial says more interior space than a BMW 5 Series, great warranty and outstanding ride. I am very pleased and highly recommend the Sonta.

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  Vehicle - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Michael - June 13 - 2:43 am

  I love it, it has more power than my 2005 Hyundai Sonata and I put approximately 60K a year on the vehicle. With the five speed auto trans, it gets up an she goes.