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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  Part on order for four months - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Gordon Goodman - April 3 - 10:00 am

  I really liked this car until the center console started to drop down and obscure my vision. It turns out it is a defective design. Four months later, my part is still on back order. My dealer and Hyundai Motors are totally helpless. This only reminds me that while the car initially looked good and drove good, in the long run a consumer depends on the dealer and customer service. The dealers excuse is that they are selling so many Hyundais they cant keep up. The consumer affairs people are powerless.

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  Great Value - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By jsmit86 - March 31 - 10:53 pm

  My last vehicle was an Infiniti G35, so you have to know that this vehicle impressed me. No, it wont out race or out handle the G, but it cost 14K less, and gets over 40% better fuel economy. So far the car is excellent. The 198 HP GDI 4 Cly is more than adequate. If you are worried about no V6, drive the car. Most drivers will be pleased. (If it is still an issue, wait for the Turbo.) The car is actually slightly smoother and quieter than my G35. It also handles surprisingly well. While this is not a sport sedan, it handles better than Accord, Camry, Malibu, and Fusion SEL. The interior in the Limited is much better than other competing cars. Great head liner.

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  Watch your spare - 2016 Hyundai Sonata
  By walter arnold - March 31 - 5:54 am

  no spare tire only a repair kit(

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  Sweet Ride - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By GS - March 30 - 1:30 am

  This is my 5th Hyundai purchase and I have to say this car really is a great vehicle. It is SO MUCH car for money!!

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  2007 Hyundai Sonata review - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By WAYNE - March 29 - 7:06 pm

  I love his car. I feel like I got Toyata/Honda quality at .85% of the price. Tight, smooth ride. Great controls. I suspect that, like Toyata and Honda, Hyundai is heading upwards in price in the upcoming years. Buy now! The older HYundais, like the 2000 Sonata I also own, are.lets face it, pieces of expendable junk. I get the 2000 repaired and, two weeks later, some "check engine" light comes on and Im in for another $500. But starting in 2006 Hyundai seriously Uped their game. Now this is a car I can live with. Remember how we thought Toyota was a piece of Japanese junk back in 1980? Thats the path Hyundai is taking. Before 2006...junk. After that 90% Honda quality at 80% the

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  I love my hyundai - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jerry - March 28 - 3:23 pm

  Ilove the way it handles and holds the road. The brakes are awsome on this vehicle. The transmission is perfect it shifts up and down, like a standard shift.

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  Thank Goodnesss for Hyundai - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Anna - March 27 - 3:43 pm

  I went from a 05Silverado C.Cab to something more economical and easier to drive. Tired of American vehicle unreliabiliy. Finally a foriegn car that is affordable! The car has everything I could ask for at$18K. I seem to feel a little rough shift from first to second gear but otherwise no problems.My husband is 64" and my kids are also tall, so we needed a car that would fit us all with the seat all the way back. Very comfortable,quiet and smooth ride. highly recommend this vehicle, it is impressive.

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  The car of my dreams! - 2016 Hyundai Sonata
  By Lisa Crumpton - March 27 - 11:42 am

  The Sonata is comfortable ,fun to drive and a great value!

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  Its OK for the price. - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Fernando - March 26 - 3:43 am

  Great styling inside and out. Great safety features for any vehicle class. Good color options. 4-Speed SHIFTRONIC Automatic is fun, but it has some lag. Handling is OK but could use some improvment. Seems to need the electronic stablity control all the time. Steering definitly needs to be more responsive. large cabin space is a plus. It feels like a larger car,unfortunatly it drives lik one too. Projection style headlights offer good lighting at close range, but are lacking at moderate distance.

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  Great Car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Doug - March 25 - 11:30 pm

  Well I have never been as happy with any new car as I am with this one. This is one great car. I cant get this car away from my wife nearly often enough. The V6 is spectacular, loads of power and very smooth. The manual shifting option is great in the mountians especially for passing. The front passenger seat could be more comfortable though. All in all a great car for the money. I am considering buying one for myself, as we like it so much.