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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  Great Value - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By Tempo - June 12 - 7:26 pm

  Special factory rebate caused me to consider the Sonata over a used Honda. The car rides great, has comfortable seats, is quiet and decent fuel economy. Although this is the entry level sedan, it has most everything you need, but, get the popular equipment package listing for $650 for the power drivers seat and other goodies. 28 mpg mixed driving fuel economy on the first tank, 35 mpg highway driving on the second tank. Check it out!

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  Nice car, Good Price - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ed - June 12 - 5:56 pm

  The Sonata GLS with sunroof is a very nice car. The steering has very little feedback, the springs "bong" each time I back out of the drive, the AC works well and the engine is pretty responsive for a 4 CYL. The dash is generally fine, the trunk is large. Nice car for the money.

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  A great value for the $$$ - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By merlot - June 12 - 10:00 am

  The car is now 17 months old and has performed perfectly. I have had zero defects to have repaired/replaced under warranty, which is the best available. The car for considerakbly less than $20,000 is a first rate "buy". Gas mileage is consistantly 22-24 MPG, combined city/highway driving. Bought this car because we had a Santa FE LX that my wife was driving and have had perfect performance from it we bought the Sonata.

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  A great car - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ken - June 8 - 7:46 pm

  This is my second Hyundai, my first being a 2004 Santa Fe. The Santa Fe gave me excellent service, never a problem in 4 1/2 years. I always loved the way that car handled and rode but the Sonata is even better. The mileage around town and short trips is staying around 26 - 27 MPG, pretty good for a car not broken in yet. Everything about the interior is well thought out and logically placed. Hyundai does a very good job in everything it does.

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  Hyundai over Accord - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Dan C - June 4 - 12:03 am

  Bought a 2009 SE V6. Spent a lot of time narrowing the search. Came down to the Honda Accord. Then just for curiosity, stopped @ a Hyundai dealerships and drove the Sonata. Quieter, more creature comforts for less $$, and a warranty thats best on the market. So far have only 500 miles. The first fill up, got 31 mpg. The car really is amazing how smooth and responsive. Youre at 80 mph and unless youre paying attention, you wouldnt know it. The SE really is a great handling car for a family sedan. My other driver is a Mustang GT. The Sonata isnt a GT, but its almost as tight in the corners Give the Sonata a fair shot. Youll be amazed.

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  My new Sonata - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By lman - June 1 - 6:36 am

  I have had my new Sonata Limited for one week now, silver with black interior.Can not say enough about this car!The looks, outside and in, is a head turner.The proximity key is fabulous, sound system much better than my azera which had 11 or 12 speakers.The gas mileage is excellent so far, 23.5 MPG which is 100% city driving.Will give update in another month. So far, way to go HYUNDAI!

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  Switched from American - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Tate - May 27 - 10:16 pm

  Never thought I would do it but I finally bought my first non-American car (although its built in America, so I dont feel as bad). I love this car! Roomy, beautiful styling, gadgets galore and the warranty to back it up. How could I choose otherwise. A little more road noise than I am used to going from a Buick, but I think different tires will quiet some of that once they wear out. Bought mine on memorial day and looking forward to many years and miles!

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  Is Camry & Accord worth an extra $4-8K?? - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Paul - May 24 - 7:26 pm

  I took the "Hyundai Challenge" and became a believer. I first drove an Accord and a Camry and after driving the Sonata there was no way to justify spending an extra $4 to 8K for a car in this class. The Sonata is a great car, smooth ride, solid feel, and looks great. I went with the LX with the moonroof and 6 CD player package. Comes with leather, heated seats, V6, shiftable automatic, and loads of safety features. Taking advantage of the rebate I got the car for $21K. Did all the negotiating for the car thru email and was extremely pleased with the experience and the dealership. I am hoping Hyundai will now live up to Honda and Toyotas quality and durability - time will tell!

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  A Plethora of Bad Experiences - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By Hari Jay - May 24 - 4:46 pm

  Do not buy this Car !!! A couple of months after I bought this car , the check engine light comes up when I was driving home from work. I take it to hyundai and they replace the High Pressure Fuel pump. At the same time I noticed there were other recalls for my car and had them check the engine for trouble. Hyundai gave it a clean bill of health. Fast forward 3 months , I`m driving down Ontario 4012 , suddenly there is a loud metallic knocking sound from the front and the car dies. I have it towed to a mechanic close by and he tells me the Engine is out and I will have to replace the Engine. I take it to hyundai and they tell me the car is out of warranty ( 140k Kms) and they wouldn`t do anything about it (Cooksville Hyundai Mississauga). Long story short , I spent 5000$ to get the Engine fixed and traded it in for a new vehicle. Very sour taste in my mouth and will never buy from Hyundai as long as I live.

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  Another solid performer in its class - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By SevenBizzos - May 24 - 1:27 am

  After owning an Elantra for 125k miles with no issues (until it met a guardrail), we moved up in class and picked up the Sonata Limited V6. So far, its been an excellent choice. Our MPG has ranged from 33 on a highway trip with 100% fuel, to 23 that was mostly suburban traffic with E10 winter blend. I think thats a fair number considering the engine displacement and size of the vehicle.