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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  Update from 1/28/09 - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By cmwolff - June 22 - 7:51 am

  My Hyundai now has almost 30,000 miles on it. The engine knock has not returned, and they replaced the rear struts for me for free. All I had to do is mention it, and it was fixed. It seems to be getting better gas mileage all the time. I recently got 31.7 miles to the gallon on a 200 mile trip. Overall I am very happy with my car.

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  Who would have thought... - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By carfan - June 22 - 2:50 am

  I was going to buy the standby, you know, Nice Accord with all the extras (Camry was too squishy) and low and behold I checked out the new Sonata on a lark. The joke was on me because I drove off the lot in one - I loved it that much...

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  Not sure it will last - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Debbie - June 21 - 5:38 pm

  Purchased after my Camry was totaled. Comfortable, nice driving. Sun Roof rubber seal is off already, passenger window sounds very strange. Took to dealer, charged me 69.00 and says nothing is wrong. HATE the cruise control, it is awful! Will NOT hold speed up or downhill AT ALL. Has to be on FLAT highway to work mediocre.Got pulled over right after I bought it due to lousy cruise control downhill. My Camry NEVER did this. So though we like the car and drive it at 22000 miles in one year, still have reservations on it lasting. Loaded it up to within an inch of its life and drove a 2800 mile vacation in Utah and Arizona, got 35 MPG.

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  Perfect car! - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By mfunk - June 21 - 10:31 am

  After researching and test driving Honda Accords, Toyota Camrys, and finally the Sonata Limited, it was clear that for the money, I was able to get luxury with the Sonata that I wouldnt get with other 2. We have always driven Hondas (7 to date) and my husband was skeptical about going with a Sonata. However, I made the decision to get the Sonata and once the dealer agreed to my terms.....no $$ down, zero percent interest, and payments under $300 for the Limited, its was a done deal. I love driving the car and its super comfortable on road trips. The only negative to say is that the side door molding loosened and had to be replaced and the drivers side visor has had to be replaced.

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  Problems with 2006 Sonata - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Patricia Moline - June 19 - 8:06 am

  One year into ownership, I had trouble with the locks & the dome light burned out. The door locks would unlock & lock on their own. I have 18,400 miles on it now and the back drivers side back brake is bad. The dealership said Hyundai will not warranty the brake. The car is not yet 3 yrs old. I am the original owner. I bought the car new in Sept. 2006. I will be writing the MN Attorney General about this problem.

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  Life Saver - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By snbeavers - June 18 - 5:43 am

  I knew the safety on these vehicles were good but now I would make safety my first choice in buying a new Sonata. I havent even owned it a month and I will be buying another. My wife and I was just t-boned by a Durango going approximatly 40 mph, and yet here I am the next day leaving a review on edmunds. The durango driver blasted me on my side and totaled the car. I had to be cut out of the car. Thanks to the curtain side and seat airbags, I have only a few bruises and a craked rib. If you could see this car, you would know that its an unbelievable blessing from God and Hyundai that my wife and I are alive not to mention walking around normally with only bruises and a cracked rib.

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  Safety of driver and passangers - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Diane - June 18 - 2:30 am

  All doors unlock when placed in park! Thieves and gangs will love this feature that puts all occupants at risk as soon as they park. Evidently the makers of this lovely car felt it was too much trouble to hit the button to unlock the doors when ready to get out of the car. The only thought of your safety when moving the car not when you stop it. This car was purchased for my elderly mother whom I now amy worried about going anywhere alone because of this new feature that puts her at risk. My 06 does not have this safety risk and when dealer tried to disconect it they could only stop it from locking not stop it from unlocking. Never again will I recomend this car to anyone who values life.

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  Sold ours for $500 - 1999 Hyundai Sonata
  By chapchap70 - June 18 - 12:26 am

  We bought the car when it had about 60,000 miles on it. My wife drove it basically around town. At about 90,000 miles I thought it needed the wheels aligned but our mechanic said the cradle bolt (sub frame) was rotting out and it was unsafe to drive. The part from the dealers cost $1500. We checked availability from junk yards and the common response was laughter. Since we were not the original owners, Hyundai did not offer any recourse. We sold it to a mechanic who said he would take a chance on it.

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  A expcellent very dependable car - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ronald - June 17 - 4:43 pm

  I have driven this car for 2+ years and have had not one problem. I have average 30 miles per gal. over the 63000miles i have driven. I did perform he scheduled maintenance. i have taken long trips and commute to work 45 miles one way per day. I am trading it in for a new model and my monthly note is going done by $35. both notes for 36months. What a value?

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  Great Car - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By dreamideation - June 16 - 8:53 pm

  Ive put 24K miles on my limited turbo Sonata and I like it even more than when I bought it. Its fast, comfortable, gets great gas milage and...most importantly...so much fun to drive. I would definitely buy this car again.