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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  dependable,reliable, and inexpensive to maintain - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By Chris - July 1 - 3:32 am

  I bought the car used in 2010 with 30,000 miles on it for $11,000. So far with regular maintenance Ive had to do nothing but brakes, tires and a battery. I now have 156,000+ and still amazed on how well it runs. I still get 34 mpg on the Hwy and 28+ mixed driving. It was driven daily to and from work 100 miles round trip for 4 years and then recreational driving after retirement for 2 years. Throw in a round trip cross country loan to my daughter , multiple heavy trips to Home Depot, good in the snow, brakes stop on a dime, only had to use the ESC once on an abrupt lane change to avoid an accident ( kind of freaked me out how the car took over) . Everything works as well as the day I bought it A/C, transmission, water pump , power steering etc.

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  Warranty is not as good as I thought - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ed - June 30 - 12:30 am

  The car seemed OK and when I drove it for a while I got home and looked under the hood. Most of the fluids where not at the proper level. I topped them myself rather than drive 40 miles back. The engine luggs at 40 MPH when in top gear. Suspension handles bumps in a way that feels odd like the tires are bouncing over the bumps. The dealer claims an oil change is needed every 3000 miles and the company backs this up but when I first got the car they said 3000 only for severe use. Now they say everything in the US is severe. I had 2 mechanical problems with a tire pressure detector malfunction and a brake problem. Their "best warranty" did not cover anything.

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  living the dream - 2016 Hyundai Sonata
  By Karen Borinstein - June 29 - 9:05 pm

  I love the car I chose. I am very frugal so to me I spent more than I wanted. Love the safety features but wish you did not have to purchase packages to obtain them. I guess you pay for the quality you get. I am happy every time I get in my car to go somewhere. It is a joy.

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  My first Hyundai wont be the last! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Tom B - June 29 - 6:52 pm

  I was on the fence about Hyundai until I read about the Sonata and how it was built in America. So I bought the first V6 Sonata LX fully loaded to arrive in San Diego and paid invoice! Had to settle for Black as that was what came in. To this day I have ZERO regrets! The car is amazing and looks fantastic. It has really held up great with just a few oil changes and 30K service. Ive replaced the tires and front brakes and thats it. I highly recommend this car to anyone. The only downside is gas mileage..typical driving will get you about 19 mpg if you really drive it light around 23mpg... I see it averaging close to 30 mpg on a long highway trips.

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  Update - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Frank - June 28 - 10:06 pm

  Now have over 27000 miles on my 06 Sonata and still love this car. It has been bullet proof so far. What impresses me the most is how smooth and quiet this car is. Except for the noise that comes from water spray on the undercarriage when it rains, this car is extremely quite. My friend owns a Lexus LS and this car is nearly as smooth and quiet as his car! Power is very good for a 4 cylinder, but is noticeable slower with the A/C running. ESC is great in the snow. Overall mileage has been 24.9 mpg with about 31 mpg on highway. Way more car for the money that with Toyota or Honda. Only issue is poor resale value. But that should improve as more people discover Hyundai.

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  Excellent value - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By sprinty - June 28 - 6:23 pm

  I was skeptical about purchasing a less known name car. The car has performed wonderfully and I have experienced no mechanical problems. The Hyundai people are great for roadside service and questions. I do not work for Hyundai, but I truly am impressed with the warranty and ride. The mileage is great. The car gets up those mountain roads with ease. I would buy another one any time.

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  Better than expected - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Smithey - June 27 - 2:20 pm

  I bought the vehicle knowing it was a good vehicle because of the hyundai brand. I never thought it was going to be a smooth driving as it is. The ride is amazing it turns heads when i drive by, and i love all the features, well worth the money!!!

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  Rear Brakes - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Miller - June 25 - 10:05 pm

  My rear brakes need replaced at 21,000 miles. Dealer said it was from rust on rotors and caliper pins sticking. Also they said it was because of driving in bad weather. My wife drives this car and very seldom when roads are bad. Replacing pads and resurfacing rotors at 21,000 miles is ridiculous.

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  Great Car - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jocelyn - June 23 - 7:36 pm

  I have had my Sonata for about a year now and love it. The only problems that I have had were my brake lights went out (covered by a recall) and my visors would not stay up, apparently this is a common problem. But when I took it in to the dealership today, there were no questions asked and my car is fixed. Air conditioning is awesome! I live in Scottsdale and it gets HOT! My car is black and it cools off in no time. The pickup is great, and it is a very smooth ride. I have XM capability, just havent signed up for the service. And of course, the safety features are awesome. I think most unexpected was if there is an engine fire, the inside of the hood drops and smothers the fire!

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  Traded in Camry-Sonata compares - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Barry in Florida - June 22 - 11:30 pm

  Have the Sonata for two months. Im past the 1000 mile break in period. The car has a solid, sportier feel than my previous car- a Camry. On a recent 500 mile trip, the cars trip computer says we averaged 31.2 mpg. Thats with two adults and luggage. This was interstate driving.