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:

• 

  Wow - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By formerToyOwner - January 23 - 6:06 pm

  Ive owned 15 sedans so far in my life and this Sonata is the best, period. I cant believe I can get all of these safety features and "options" at a price $5000 lower than my previous Toyota. There is absolutely no reason to buy Toyota anymore. Everything works perfectly and I LOVE the A/C. Its colder than my freezer in the summer heat! It handles well, gets admiring looks from neighbors and can seat five people comfortably. The build quality is really awesome. I now believe the Consumer Reports story that Sonata is the best quailty car in the USA. I just wish I had a bit more money to get the V6. I hear thats even better! Bye Toyota!

• 

  Lots of tire noise! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By itsme - January 18 - 2:43 am

  Hit a road that isnt perfectly smooth and youll think youre driving an Excel not a Sonata. Far too much road noise compared to other cars in this class. It has the same tire noise level as my 2001 Ford Focus. I had Dynamat insulation installed under back seat and fiberglass insulation put inside the car above the wheel wells and two layers of yoga mats in the trunk and it did nothing to reduce the tire noise. Has anyone tried other tires? Im thinking of getting Michelin Primacys.

• 

  3 years, 3 transmissions - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By lbcsd - January 12 - 2:34 am

  I purchased my 2009 Sonata in August 2008 and am at 58,000 miles am on my 3rd transmission. My car has been in the shop 6 times since purchase, 3 times for over a week. I got a lemon! Hyundai corporate has been horrible to work with not helping the situation one bit! I had to search for a dealership that would provide a rental car without me having to pay. I have contact Hyundai with each repair and have received little to no responses. I am researching lemon law rights, but think I am out of luck unless I need one more transmission - which might happen! This is the first and last Hyundai I will purchase!

• 

  Smart Buy - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Floridaowner - January 10 - 10:00 am

  The extensive warranty, five year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance, FREE oil changes for as long as I own the car. Finally, the price. I had only seen them from a distance and read about them on the Internet. It wasnt until I test drove one that I became convinced. You can not beat Hyundai when you combine the price & warranty. I was a loyal Toyota owner for ten years. Toyota could NOT put me in a vehicle with this kind of comfort, space and features for 17k.

• 

  its not a lexus - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By melvyn Shindler - January 10 - 2:56 am

  Its an excellent value for the money. The body style is the thing that first called my attention to this car. I have noted that, over the past 5 years, so many other makes, foreign and domestic, have copied all or parts of the body style. The engine has been extremely reliable as have the braking system. There were some front end suspension problems which have been corrected under my warranty. Warranty is excellent.

• 

  Terrific Car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Matt - January 9 - 11:20 pm

  The car is smooth riding, very quiet, and has a lot of pick-up. Accelerating is no problem in this car, as it gets up to high speeds with no problem. The steering is good, although there is a little bit of understeer at higher speeds.

• 

  Most car for the money... - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By jmfbr - January 9 - 7:10 pm

  After a lot of research among mid-size sedans including Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Maxima and Mitsubishi Galant, the Sonata just couldnt be beat. With side airbags standard, a V6 engine and decent gas mileage, I couldnt imagine paying more money for less car. I even bought-up to the model with the sun roof for under $18,000. It drives like a dream -- having heard on a website that the motor didnt have a lot of pick-up, I was concerned. But it has more than enough for me. It looks like a much more expensive vehicle, has a smooth ride and is very comfortable. After one month of ownership Im still pleased.

• 

  Best Deal Out There In Midsize Lux Sedan - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Dave - January 9 - 5:46 pm

  Wow, just got this car home today! Its the V6 Limited model with navigation, which was the only option. The Limited model is fully loaded with just about every feature you could want. There was a $1,000 rebate on the car which was icing on the cake, because its already under priced in my opinion for what Hyundai is giving you. I havent owned the car long enough to discuss reliability, but Hyundai has come a long way in the past 25 years and Im sure it will last me a long time with regular maintenance. What an amazing vehicle! Perfect interior ergonomics, extremely quiet even at 80 MPH, very fuel efficient for a V6, and very fun to drive! The 2009 Sonata refresh is a home run!

• 

  Hyundai Sonata 2006 - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By sselfe - January 9 - 4:03 pm

  Theyve come a long way! Ive driven Camrys for 21 years and this car is better in both performance and fit & finish. The buying process was also much easier and far less aggressive than Toyota. After 2500 miles, my only disappointment (?) is that I dont get 30 mpg with the air conditioning running constantly--not that I REALLY expected it.

• 

  Decent Car - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By BBuff - January 8 - 10:00 am

  All in all this is a very decent car. It is roomy and comfortable. Satellite radio and sun roof for a very affordable price. The gas mileage with the 4- cylinder is great and performance is at least adequate. The road noise is louder than I would wish, and there is a big THUMP when you slow down as it shifts into first gear, especially when you first start it, at first I thought the brakes were catching, it is such a sudden phenomenon. I love the warranty, but having said that, quality-wise, it doesnt compare to my previous Toyota or Lexus, but then, it didnt cost nearly as much as my Camry or Lexus.