Hyundai Sonata Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.48/5 Average
3,413 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 3351 through 3360 of 3,413.00
  • Great car - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    I traded a 2007 Elantra for a 2007 Sonata and I could not be happier with my choice. I looked at pretty much all the option packages and the Limited Platinum Edition was by far the best value. The fuel efficiency is not that great, which is not unusual for a car with such a big engine.

  • 2011 in 2010. Perfect. - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    This 2011 is great. The 6 speed auto with overdrive torque lockup makes this an interstate veh. First 300 miles is getting a strong 36 mpg on two lane roads. On the interstate it just wants to fly. 40 plus MPG at 73 MPH 2200 RPM. The prius has a .25 drag co. and this has a .28 drag co. and I can tell driving it the sonata just wants to go! It trues out like an arrow! I am 62" ... very comfortable car. Turning the steering wheel quarter to half an inch brings immediate tracking response.

  • Great value, warranty - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    Very attractive styling, comfortable seating, drives/controls well. Calibrated the speedometer - right on - have to watch the speed, as it easily goes 80.

  • Waited to review til Id driven a whole year... - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    The Sonata is a VERY cool ride. I stumbled upon a red 2011 SE Sedan in May, 2010... only to find out shortly after that the Turbo model was available. I wanted it immediately. The first time I saw one, I test-drove it and knew it was love... but didnt buy because I wanted it (again!) in red. Didnt want a dealer to find one, order one, etc.; I resigned to keep my original purchase. But, in November, 2011, during a routine maintenance visit, it just so happened that a 2012 red Turbo was on the sales floor. Bought it the same visit... no test drive, even. Have never looked back (pun intended!) and still love it! Sporty clean lines, liquid handling, and the torque is just plain fun!!!

  • Its about Time! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    I researched this car for 4 mos. before buying, only regret, not buying it sooner!! I was raised in a family of (american)auto enthusiasts, and used to really love driving. Havent since 1980...UNTIL NOW!! Its fun to drive, avg. 30mpg, smooth quiet luxury sedan mounted on a sports car frame. Got the GLS 4cyl 4spd auto. 10,000 mi in the first 3 months-no squeaks, thumps or any problems!! Love it, took my mom back to the dealer a week later & she got a Hyundai too!

  • A good bang for the buck. - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    Love the sound system...wont have to replace as I have done in other cars I have owned.The 4cyl. motor has plenty of power and gets good gas miledge.Had two strangers comment on how nice it looked and were blown away on how inexpensive this model is.Handling is good and brakes are excellent!

  • The best buy you can make - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    I have purchased my Hyundai Sonata V6 about three years ago. I got it with 46K miles on and today it has about 178k miles on it. I have never had an issue with this car. My only issue was that my starter died out of nowhere and it was a pain getting it fixed but other than a new starter, lots and lots of oil changes, tires, and fluid changes. I have never had an issue with this car. It is still a very quiet ride. I feel like this was a deal of the century. Anyways, my next car, I plan to purchase a Hyundai sonata again.

  • Well then - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    Warning to all those thinking about purchasing a Hyundai Sonata 2011, there have been a large number of recalls because once you hit 85,000 miles+ the engine will fail. I just had it happen to mine. They never sent me a recall report on anything except the break lights. They informed me they are not sure of how long it will take to repair it since theyre not making the engines fast enough. Thankfully, since it was a recall, the Hyundai dealer is paying for the repairs which can cost up to $6,000. They are amazing cars, but the engine failure was a huge disappointment.

  • Great Experience! - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    When I decided to by the 2015 Sonata SE, I read the reviews here first. I summarily dismissed those that were very very subjective. I have owned and driven 4 Hyundais for the last 15 years. I have had nothing to complain about except the sun visor problems in the 2006 Sonata. I very much enjoyed the 2013 with no complaints at all. I now have the 2015 Sonata. The ride is superb (for me). my wife and I both have back problems and found this car to be very comfortable. Granted, it doesnt have the smooth ride of my Lexus, but it also doesnt have the price tag. You get what you pay for. Hyundai has yet to disappoint me, which will make me continue to purchase Sonatas until they do.

  • Nice Car! - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    It is a very nice car! I have been driving for more than 10k. no problem!! very reliable. Better than pedal Camry :)

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