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:

• 

  My first Hyundai - A Great Automobile. - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By dlp6 - June 16 - 1:26 am

  Car handles well in all weather conditions. Comfortable to drive. Good visibility. Lots of room when rear seats folded down. Car has good balance, low tire wear. I have 128,000 km on rear tires and dont have to change them yet. Front tires changed at 115,000 km. No problems from new - One warranty issue to have transmission re-programmed - solved rough shifting that had developed. Quiet on both city roads and highway. Dash is great, easy to read, and controls very accessible. Almost feels like a full size car inside. Have purchased 2013 Sonata GLS and have kept 2010 as a second car. Very reliable.

• 

  Test Drove and Loved! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By bsavoie93 - June 15 - 8:03 am

  I went and test drove this car today. Immediately when I sat in it, it was incredibly comfortable. Im 64" and there is more than enough room and the seats are perfect. It took no time at all for me to find a comfortable driving position unlike most other cars Ive driven or drive where it takes several times of driving to get comfortable. The acceleration with the 2.0 Turbo is fantastic, I barely tapped the gas and I was at 80. It rode so well down the road. The car also has a strong and solid feel. Now since Ive only test drove it and dont own one YET Im not sure how reliability is. Im sure its fine since all the other reviews havent said anything too bad, but only time will tell.

• 

  Love the silver fox sonata!!!!!! - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By BROCK - June 11 - 4:21 pm

  Its good. Scratch that its AMAZING!!

• 

  No Longer A Hoopty - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Txborn50 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is a wonderful ride. Stylish.I am proud to be a Hyundia owner with extra money in MY pocket.

• 

  Why buy Honda or Toyota? - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mark C. - June 10 - 10:49 pm

  Short and simple... This car is outstanding. I may not have scored it very high in comparison to other reviews, but Im rating it on a scale in comparison to other cars Ive owned. I have highly recommended this car to others! I purchased it new for 6k less than a 4 cylinder accord ex-l. It is quieter than our acura tl and rides much more comfortable - especially on long trips. No rattles or issues whatsoever. The 4 cylinder is fairly slow but I bought it for the gas mileage. I can get right at 30 mpg if I keep it under 70 mph. I drive mostly interstate commute. (I check it at the pump and not just by the computer.)

• 

  2006 Hyundai Sonata LX Review - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By VVI - June 10 - 4:51 pm

  This car is truly remarkable. All I have been doing is regular oil changes and the Hyundai recommended services and this car has ran awesome. No problems whatsoever. Knock on wood! I guess, I m now a loyal Hyundai owner and would probably not think about switching to other car makers. My Maintenance cost till date has been $751.18 and this includes regular car washes, oil changes and the 7.5K, 15K, 39K and 37.5K hyundai recommended maintenance. I used to own a Japanese made car as well as a German made car before. I thought the Japanese cars were maintenance effective compared to German car, but I got to admit that Hyundai beat the Japanese car I had. Good car to own and operate!

• 

  Engineered - Built Great / Gas Mileage Sucks - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By Harry Ridge - June 9 - 9:37 pm

  Love the car, however, my heavy mini-van with a V6 gets almost as much mileage. Only other complaint - I have been trying unsuccessfully to get the dealer to repair the AC.

• 

  Hot & Sexy - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By Wilbur Mckee - June 8 - 7:28 pm

  It is a great car . At one time or another I have owned just about aver brand in the same class and non on them compare with the sonata. I love this car!!!!!

• 

  A few problems - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mike - June 8 - 10:07 am

  Leased in 2007 for two years. Returned in June 2009. Needed new tires and brakes by 22,703 - in less than two years! Car had nice acceleration and was a smooth ride. The car had a nice look. However, the quality of the tires it came with and brake problems have soured me on the Hyundai brand. And, since my replacement tires werent matched to the original brand, Hyundai is charging me a second time for two tires. Im sure its standard lease policy, but it feels wrong. Ill probably shop for another brand and avoid Hyundai all together since I anticipate having problems with any of their cars within only two years of purchase.

• 

  Very disappointing! - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By nattygirl - June 7 - 5:46 am

  I bought the Sonata for its snazzy looks, technology and the promise of good gas mileage. Other than its looks, its been a disappointment. The ride is bad - I feel every bump in the road. The gas mileage is not what was promised. Im only getting an average of 22-23 mpg. overall. And, its performance in snow was so poor the first winter I had it that I ditched all 4 tires and bought new ones with the promise of improvement. The 2nd year wasnt much better. Granted, there was alot of snow in Rhode Island this year, but - hey - it performed way worse than my old 1999 Camry in snow! Uncharacteristically, I will probably be unloading it way sooner than usual or as planned.