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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  Best Value compare to Accord or Camry - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Austinboy - May 30 - 6:26 am

  2nd Generation of faithful Honda cars. Took me 2 weeks to decide b/w Accord, Camry, Mazda 6 and Malibu. I compared those cars with the same price model. Hyundai Sonata was not even in my mind. Tested drive all of them. I decided on Accord for their value. Then I tested 2011 Sonata and just change my mind. Wow, I though I tested drive this Sonata before, today I found out this car was more then what I expected driving from the dealer in Dallas to Austin. Everything was nice, nice handling, nice power, nice interior/exterior, love the seats, like the electronic inside.

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  Great Car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By AJ - May 30 - 3:50 am

  So far so good, and its seems well worth it. Initially looked at the standard Honda, Toyota Camry, Altima/Maxima, but settled on the Hyundai. Quality seems great so far.

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  Tin Can Feel - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By ScottNYC - May 30 - 1:09 am

  This car has been reliable, but it has one of the noisiest suspensions I have ever encountered. Each bump in the road is met with a crash and a bang. Edmunds high rating for this can only be explained by an obsession with foreign cars.... Disappointing fuel economy. I thought Korean cars were fuel efficient!

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  New England kills the brakes - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Don - May 29 - 2:11 pm

  We bought our Sonata new 22 months ago and have enjoyed driving it. This week, after 22K miles, the rear brakes started making loud, grinding sounds. The dealership installed new rear brakes, pads, shims and clips at a cost of $265. Hyundai headquarters sees this as normal wear in New England with the sand and salt and all. My 50 years of driving tells me otherwise. Something is wrong with the Sonata brakes. The service manager at the dealership explained the companies concern over the issue. The company itself was unconcerned with my complaint. If you drive a Hyundai in New England, be forewarned.

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  Bling bling w/out the sting - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Bryan James - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my 01 Elantra for the 04 Sonata in search of more power,a better ride & a nicer look. I got all for far less than I could have buying new from the competition. My LX feels luxurious, looks expensive & offers good performance. I know there are other vehicles out there that offer more horses, or tighter handling or better amenities, but few have all of these & none can beat the price & industry leading waranty.

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  Very Dependable Vehicle - 2000 Hyundai Sonata
  By dependable vehicle - May 28 - 6:58 pm

  Ive had this vehicle for approximately 9 years and it has been a good value for the money. Ive never had any problems with it and will definitely buy another one when the time comes. The only drawback that I can think of is the manual shift, 4 cylinder doesnt have much power. Other than that, I love the car.

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  Darn Good Car - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By John - May 26 - 10:15 am

  I bought my Sonata after renting a few on business trips and was very impressed with the car. The 6 has all kinds of get up and go and smooth... This car is very quiet at 70 mph and fairly nimble when doing evasive maneuvers. A lot of bang for the buck and even better reliability. Mine nw has 32000 miles at 15 months of age and has never been in the shop for repairs. I think it blows away the competition as far as price performance and comfort. Yeah, Id buy another one.

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  One word - Awesome! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By electriceye - May 24 - 1:53 am

  Traded in our 2004 Hyundai Sonata straight up for this 2006 SEV6. Have owned for just over 2 years now. The dealer replaced oil injector (pre- luber) and right front strut at 2 years.(Warranty, baby) Other than that, no other problems,period. May trade in for a 2009 if they can pry me away from this one. ) Biggest complaint is the road noise when driving on concrete surfaced roads, pavement isnt to bad. The stock 17" Michelin tires wear out quickly...will not buy those as replacements.

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  25000 miles no problems - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By 25000 miles - May 23 - 5:17 pm

  One year plus 25000 miles totally problem free. I usually keep a car about 1 year but this is my first keeper. Still love it and still get a lot oo enjoyment driving it. Only has had routine oil changes and tire rotation and still looks and drives like the day I bought it. Looked at Totota Mazda Nisson and made the right choice.

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  Comfortable commuter car for tall guy - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By jeremy1980 - May 22 - 7:06 pm

  After looking at many different cars in this class I chose the Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.4L with the Sport Premium Package. Being 65" I was looking for something with plenty of room for me an comfortable seats that still got good gas mileage. My first long trip was 340 miles round trip out I-70 and I-68 to Morgantown, WV. I averaged 31 MPG even given that it is a very mountainous trip and was very comfortable. I paid $22k and was $23,800 out the door with tax,tag and fees plus the $200 add on for tinted windows that I need to take back to have done still. My two kids had plenty of room in the back as well.