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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  ITS LIKE DYING AND GOING TO HEAVEN - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By JC58220 - May 14 - 7:43 am

  Comfortable, great options, good dealer, sharp looking -- an eye opener on the road. Has come a long way and to boot the best warranty in the industry. I feel its the best deal for the money around -- recommend to anyone looking for a great looking car at a good price and unbelievable warranty.

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  Look for starter problems. - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By rebekahb1 - May 13 - 5:44 pm

  We just replaced the starter in our 75K mile 2011 Hyundai Sonata. We were told that the starter is a very common problem for this car, and sure enough, what presented as a possible battery problem that was difficult/impossible to jump turned out to be a starter. This is the first and only mechanical problem we have had with the car. Other than that, it is loud on the road and seats are uncomfy for me at 54", but it has been a great car. Just be prepared to shell out $500-700 for the starter.

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  Hyundai Sonata - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By bhud - May 12 - 1:28 pm

  We love it! Great Fuel Mileage!

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  Major safety concern? - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Rick - May 12 - 12:56 pm

  We have only owned the Sonata for 1 month. Although the test drive was fine, the the front passenger seat became very uncomfortable on a longer road trip. Also, I recently drove the car in the country after dark, and it seemed like a curtain descended half way down the windshield. I had to turn on the highbeams to be able to see if an animal was in the road, and even then, I couldnt see the sides at intersections. The problem isnt bad on lighted city streets except for not being able to see around the corner at intersections. The dealer said that the lights are normal -- but I didnt have this problem with the Nissan, Ford or Chevy cars that we drove over the past 25 years.

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  Tough to beat the 2011 Sonata Limited - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By ezsabatino - May 11 - 10:23 pm

  Love my new 2011 Sonata. Great value, great design, great ride, highly rated for safety and extremely well equipped. Getting about 37 MPG! And car has plenty of power for a 4 cyl with 198 HP.

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  I am not satisfied overall - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By bsonata13 - May 11 - 7:46 pm

  I leased this vehicle 16 months ago. The main reason to buy this vehicle is for better MPG. However, it is pretty disappointing to see low MPG (I get 22/28) average of 24 or less. They reported 24/35, and average is 28 MPG. Issues: I had to replace the blue tooth and speaker system twice and speakers are noisy, however it is covered under warranty. I have changed 4 tires already. They wore out fast and not sure why. MPG is biggest concern - I have asked for mileage inspection test twice, both the dealers gave wrong numbers, however, I am not sure how to prove them wrong. Overall it is not comfortable to drive Customer service - average Financial services - More than worst.

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  Look Out Toyota, Honda and Mazda - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Maurice - May 11 - 3:46 am

  I bought my 2006 Hyundai Sonata GLS June 16 and put it to the test. My car passed with flying colors on a 750-mile RT to NH. Trip average mpg was 31.5 - speeds to NH often topped 75 mph and the trip up was 30.5 mpg - southbound was 32.5 mpg. The 4-speed AT performed flawlessly and the Shiftronic clutchless manual is a breeze - downshifting automatically while upshifting is yours. Cabin soundproofing is excellent and the double-wishbone front suspension firm with a good ride even over the pothole-filled ramps to the GW Bridge. The 4-cyl,162hp engine has lots of zip, even up the long, I84 grades north of Hartford. RPM is 2.4k at 70 mph. Hyundai hit a homer with this car!

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  Left Toyota for the Sonata - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By Lennie - May 10 - 7:00 am

  I went to the Toyota dealership with every intention of buying a Camry, having had one for 10 years. I had already checked out the Sonata previously. After test driving the Camry, I came away convinced the Sonata was the way to go. Everything from the size of the trunk, the cloth on the seats, the style of the dash and the room in the back seat were superior on the Sonata. So I left a very good deal on the Camry and bought the Sonata and havnt regretted it yet. Took a 500 mile round trip already and got 32+ mpg. Ease of use of the controls and their placement a big plus. Car is tight and fun to drive. Great acceleration from the 4- cyl engine. I was hesitant to go Hyundai, dont be.

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  What, its not a jaguar - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By msarcuri - May 6 - 10:00 am

  We love the Hyundai. Its a great car for the money. Our daughter totatled a 2001 Maxima. Our outstanding Chubb insurance gave us $18,600. This paid for the new Hyundai with V6, sunroof, ABS and traction control. Car rides great and looks great too. I pulled up at my brothers and beeped and he looked and thought who is that in the Jag?

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  Sonata 2011 Ltd. 4 cylinder - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jack P. Scott - May 4 - 11:23 pm

  I purchased my 2011 Sonata Ltd April 17th, 20010 and left for a drive across Canada on April 20th. I have now about 6,700 KM and it has performed outstandingly. It flew over and mountains and runs like a rabbit on level highway. I received many unsolicited compliments on the design. They think it is a new BMW or Lexus. Extremely happy. Voice on GPS is only downer and I cant seem to change it.