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 Car - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By gorpot - February 6 - 12:40 am

  I have had this car two weeks today. Great car to drive. The exterior is great looking, and they also did a good job with the interior and its layout. I had a 2009 Sonata I traded in. I think this car handles and drives better then the 09 Sonata. Milage on the Highway with the cruise set at 71 MPH was 37.5 MPG. My mileage around where I live(country and city combined) has been 29.7 MPG. The mileage has been about 3 MPG better then I was getting with the 09. Bluelink is fun to play with, but I will probably not keep it after the free trial is over. I do like the Bluetooth setup for my phone, which is only a tracfone pay as you go model, but it linked up OK with the bluetooth.

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  Couldnt be happier! Perfect sedan - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By ksmith18 - February 1 - 4:23 pm

  Coming from a 2012 Hyundai Elantra Limited, I couldnt be more thrilled with the Sonata! Purchased in July 2014 and I nearly have ten thousand miles on it. This car is absolutely gorgeous. Very comfortable, especially for long drives or sitting in traffic. The audio system is awesome with the Pandora connect and the XM radio. The heating system is great, and the heated and cooled seats are the best! Heated steering wheel has been a plus in this cold New England winters! Plenty of room throughout the whole car, including the trunk. I get countless compliments on this car, and people always tells me it looks like Im driving a BMW. Very stylish and dependable. LOVE this car!

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  happy camper - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By american mike - January 28 - 11:23 am

  great car for the price,paid 18k cash but was able to barter in many upgrades in power options and protection package etc... have 500 miles on it and very pleased so far. I was very skeptical about hyundai,dont be!even with gm employee discounts and rebates they beat malibus price and I like the sonata better. built in u.s.a. hurray!

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  my new car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By abby - January 28 - 4:46 am

  i love the way it drives its so smooth

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  dont buy this car! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By 56man - January 28 - 12:06 am

  Please keep on getting those tired old Camrys & Accords; because I really like having the best looking car in the neighborhood. I really feel smug about all those extra features that I have and they dont. Took my boss for a ride and he said "my 04 BMW 535 doesnt even have some of this stuff" ha! So keep on buying those other cars and IÂ’ll keep on looking like the smartest guy in the neighborhood. Oh yeah, makes me look like I got bucks too. (DonÂ’t tell people how little it cost!!!)

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  PERFECT CAR! - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By jeffgranados89 - January 27 - 6:36 am

  Great car by far! i have owned around 14 cars or so. By far this one is the best one that i have ever had.Drives amazing,looks beautiful and sound system is great!And of course is pretty fast. Turbo kicks in very good.The only bad thing Gas mileage,the material which the interior was built feels pretty cheap but looks very nice.Did have a Recall but Dealership fixed it with no problems. Has push start and other great things. The amazing thing is that Hyundais vehicles have warranty for 100,000 miles or 10 years so if anything would to happen they will fix it. I currently finished my lease and traded it back in.But i am working on getting another one either that or a 4 door genesis.

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  My first and maybe last car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Joe Vasquez - January 27 - 4:13 am

  I did it. I went out and got a new car. After spending hours in many different makes and models, I couldnt get the Sonata out of my head. The price was great compared to other competing sedans, and the safety records sold me. Having a two yr old son, I jumped at the chance for a safe vehicle. The cab, whisper quiet. The body was beautiful. I got mine in cinnamon with the beige cloth interior. Very classy. I have owned it for only 4 days, but I never felt anything like this. Im weary on approx. gas mileage, sticker said 20hwy/30 city, but I read instances of lower than what was claimed by manufacturer. Other than that Im loving it. Ill keep you updated in the future if anything changes.

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  Good car, with caveats - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By bdbarth1 - January 26 - 11:18 pm

  I purchased this car new in December 2009. Two years and 44,000 miles later, Ive got mixed feelings. I commute 65 miles per day (90% hwy) and routinely achieve 33-34 mpg. Its large, comfortable and has been largely trouble-free except for a repainted hood (flaking paint) at 30K and a transmission failure at 39K. Both repairs were covered under warranty. The rebuilt transmission theyve installed seems fine, and Im cautiously optimistic about the cars future. That being said, a new transmission at 39K doesnt give me much confidence. Im very meticulous on maintenance, so Im hopeful thatll pay off.

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  2012 Hyundai Sonata Battery Problems - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By slpinnv - January 26 - 7:06 pm

  Car is a good value over all but Ive had several issues with the battery going dead. Hyundai has replaced it twice since I bought it. They do not seem to understand why its constantly going dead perhaps it Henderson Hyundai service not looking to closely. Not sure why myself but it is frustrating to go for the weekend on a trip and come home to a dead battery. On board bluetooth sound is horrible and I quit using it all together Bluelink needs better navigation tools. Doesnt seem to provide accurate addresses even after speaking it several times.

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  Near Perfect Car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By larrye98 - January 26 - 11:03 am

  Would have given it a perfect rating but the ride is not perfectly smooth. Limited is supposed to be the "luxury" model & it is. The features are awesome. The ride isnt totally smooth, maybe its the roads I drive on - but I was expecting a noticeable difference vs my last car & theres a difference, just slight.