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 buy, nice looking - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By wbaker - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Bought my Sonota to replace a 1994 Sentra. Great buy for the money. Have 1600 miles on it. Only problem is with the paint on the roof and the dealership will fix it w/my 3000 mile service. The problem occurred b/c of condensation from the plastic cover thats on it for transport. Everyone thinks its a Jag. Sharp looking and surprisingly fast. Switched from a 5 speed to auto with this car and was worried I would lose power.

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  Changed Attitude - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By sirjohn113 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  When my wife & I had our first baby, we went car shopping to replace my old sports car. I looked at the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Ford Taurus, Acura & Lexus. We were floored at the average prices on the sticker. My father in law recommended Hyundai, I always thought Hyundais product was not as good as the other makes, but was I wrong, weve had this car for almost 2 years, & I can definitely say that Hyundai has improved its product by leaps & bounds. I am a very satisfied Hyundai Sonata owner & I didnt get sticker shock either!!!

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  Issues - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Shawn - May 3 - 11:40 am

  Anyone else notice these issues? Tire noise! Steering gets quite heavy above 60 mph. You have to work on it to keep it going straight on freeway. Suspension a little too stiff.

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  Best car I ever drove - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By Joshua - May 2 - 11:13 pm

  I purchase Hondas and Acuras all my life. Had bad experience with transmissions with my Accord and Odyssey. I had to replace transmissions four times. when I complained and didnt want to pay, they gave me a nasty attitude. I told them I will never buy Hondas again. they didnt care. When time came I did test drive many different cars but fell in love with the Sonata. It was perfect for me. I never thought in million years I would buy a Hyundai. I have it for a week now and still in love. Great price and mileage. up to 29 MPG mixed driving.

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  Wonderful Buy! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By audhep79 - May 2 - 7:46 pm

  I traded in my Toyota 4Runner, with the hopes of looking for a more fuel economical car. With all the recalls that Toyota has, I looked to Hyundai and test drove the all-new Sonata. I was sold on it immediately! The car handled like a dream, was roomy and the MPG was just phenomenal! I got 38 mpg on the way home from the dealership, and it hasnt gone below 30 mpg for city driving yet.

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  Incredible Car! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By LHC08 - May 1 - 10:20 pm

  I am obsessed with this car! It looks incredible (people are always staring, in shock that its a Hyundai-just as I was when I first saw the car!) and it is so fun to drive! The inside is roomy and comfortable. The trunk is also very large. I have never owned any car that wasnt a Toyota, but once I drove this, I had to have it! I definitely recommend paying a bit more and going for the SE model! The dealership gave me a great deal and I am excited every time I get in my car!

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  Warning - Burns oil. Destroyed engine. - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By brigitbardot - May 1 - 5:44 am

  I bought a 2012 Sonota to replace another. It had regular 3000 mile oil changes. I bought it to NTB for the last one in June of 2014.The sticker said to get oil changed at 58,000 He said it would be fine at 62000.No problems. I heard some knocking at 63000 so I had it towed in, I have a warrahty so I did not want to risk it, No oil light . No burning, No indication of oil issue, I thought it was a belt. I take i They told me it had burned through almost 4 quarts of oil and it killed the engine. Mild weather Light driving, Reasonable oil changes a little past oil change date and this? The extended $1000 warranty wont cover it . They want $5000 to put new engine. Beware

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  Happy Owner - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Artie Dee - April 30 - 10:00 am

  I love the way it looks style wise and it handles beautifully.The trunk has ample space, especially when to put down the rear seatbacks to give you more cargo area for longer items.I am very happy with its pickup and passing ability.A great car for the price and especially the warranty. That really sold me on this car. I figure if a car manufacturer gives you such a long warranty period, that means they trust their car to have less performance failures.

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  Fun, performance, and great Looks !!! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Scott - April 28 - 4:56 pm

  I have had some of the worst vehicles known to man - Intrepid,Taurus,Astro. I Really needed a car, but none really interested me until the Sonata. I knew nothing of Hyundai until I checked the web, and the reviews were outstanding. BUT when I saw it, I knew I had to have this car. The quality and attention to detail is outstanding as was the price. The interior and trunk have lots of room. We love this car, and will probably get another Hyundai for my wife. Drive one - it handles like its on rails and pulls hard (if you get on it). The warrantee is second to none.

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  09 Limited V6-NAV - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By fscot - April 28 - 4:06 pm

  Preferred the Sonata over the Accord, Camry, Altima & Malibu - the much lower price was icing on the cake. Ride is silky smooth, and exceptionally quiet. The new interior is fantastic beats all the competitors. Great car!!!