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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  An absolute MUST buy! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Proprioceptive - April 28 - 1:43 pm

  It was down to a Malibu, Fusion, and Sonata, and we went with the Sonata. You cant beat the combination of a huge interior, great gas milage, safety, and the best price in the market for what you get. I love how nimble the handling is and how quick the 198HP engine is. We got an amazing deal on a GLS with popular equipment package. Right now the only gripe I have is with the drivers seat. It seems like they could have made it a little more comfortable/ergonomic. It isnt too bad, but I guess Im nitpicking. We love that the trunk actually opens all the way when you hit the FOB button. The ride is pretty solid.. kind of a mix between the plush Camry ride and the sporty Fusion ride.

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  Would not buy again. Looks good-eats gas - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mario - April 24 - 12:10 pm

  Have driven the car 11,000 miles and gas mileage average is 19.9 MPG (for the 11K miles), sticker said 20 City, 30 Hwy. Rust spot by the sunroof, paint starting to peel around stone dings. Carpeting already worn by drivers left foot rest. It is reliable, the new 235 hp engine is fun to drive, except lagging acceleration in passing. Had to replace horn, it had gone dead. Dealer does not keep promises for service. Had to call Hyundai to schedule service by dealer, since service manager would not return calls. Other offerings offer greater value in this price range. Was looking at the AZERA, sharp looking car... but after this experience, will go somewhere else.

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  Love it - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By toysax - April 24 - 6:26 am

  Finally got my car fri. The steering took 1 hr to get used to. Drives great feels great. People ask questions and gawk at it. Some problems getting my phone book downloaded to bluetooth. But I found way to do it anyways. Build quality is great. Design great. Drive is great.

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  This is a Hyundai? - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By R. Feeny - April 22 - 2:00 am

  I have owned new Acuras / Hondas for the past 13 yrs... I went out looking to purchase a used Accord and during my search I saw this really sharp looking car, one that I could not readily identify. Hyundai has come a long way... For the money, std. features and warranty nothing else comes close. I purchased a 2003 GLS on 1/25/03. Its only been one week, but I am very happy with the car.

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  My first Korean car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Michael Davis - April 14 - 12:30 pm

  I have considered buying a Hyundai for many years. I am sorry that I took so long to do it. I am so impressed with my new Sonata, that I am considering going back and purchasing another new car with them. The Sonata blows the Toyota out of the water as far as standard features and the price difference is enough to make you switch brands. This is a great vehicle and it has enough amenities to make you change to Hyundais for life. The front seats are different to adjust until you get used to it. My sugggestion is to go with the power seat option.

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  Great car for the price! - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By K johnson - April 11 - 4:14 pm

  Tried all kinds of sedans, and the Sonata had the most features and space for the price. My husband is 6 3", so having head and legroom for him was a must.

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  Great Car For the Money - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jason - April 11 - 2:30 am

  I bought this car after many months of Research. I looked at the obvious candidates, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Altima. All the cars were good, but the Sonata had something the others could not match, Value for the Money. The car runs strong and has PLENTY of get up and go (0 to 60 in the 7 second range). I have had the car now almost a year and in that time only a few very minor things have gone wrong. First the Windshield Washer pump went out, no biggie. And Second some of the black out tape around the doors on the passenger side came off and has had to be replaced 2 times now. Other than this NOTHING else has gone wrong with the car. I would HIGHLY recommend this car.

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  Buy it - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By Elwood P Dowd - April 8 - 2:52 am

  Bought it new in 13 and after 90,000 its still a great car. Replaced the brakes all around and put on tires, other than that have done nothing to it. Gas mileage has been excellent 20s around town and mid to upper 30s on the road. Have gotten over a little over 40 once but consistently 35+ MPG if you will keep it under 80. Good acceleration and rides very well. The sound system is just ok but overall this is a great car!

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  Everything great but - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By James13069 - April 7 - 4:40 pm

  I purchased my sonata this month early June. everything went great. great pricing for the car you get.

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  My first non-American...2 months in - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By brainmist - April 4 - 10:46 am

  After 20 years spent almost exclusively behind the wheels of Fords and other mainstream American autos, I hit my limit on providing endless vehicular life-support: it was time for something new. After a bit of research, I decided the Sonata best suited my limited budget and high annual miles. On paper/screen, it looked great..but would it meet expectations? In some ways, yes. This is a heck of a car for the price, with lots of features standard, and some nice additions in the plus package (like the auto-lights, trip computer, etc). But shockingly, my new 2007 4-cyl gets measurably worse fuel efficiency than my 1999 or 1993 6 cyl Tauruses. So much for that stereotype! economic