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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  2003 Sonata GLS AT - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By TW3 - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Really big bang for the buck! Features and warranty far in excess of Japanese comparatives. I have been a Honda and Mitsubishi motorist for years, but this Hyundai exceeds all expectations. Very pleased with preliminary performance.

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  Hope the Resale Value is Good! - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By Future Chevy Owner - May 9 - 3:16 am

  I do a lot of driving and I needed a decent commuter car. I bought this car primary to the fact that it had a $5000 Rebate on it. I looked at the Honda Accord and thought it was the ugliest car on the planet and it cost more. I was unaware of the new Chevrolet Malibu at the time. After adding around 27,000 Miles annually on the car, I am ready to put it for sale due to it subpar performance, as well as a lack of comfort. I know, I bought this car for commuting, but I expect to get a little more out of the I4 Engine than I currently receive. The seats are comfortable, but they are lacking in long term comfort for those long trips. Interior styling is outdate. Goodbye Sonata, Hello Malibu!

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  Surprised in PA - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Will - May 7 - 7:53 pm

  The car is surprisingly nimble and attractive. The 6 cyclinder engine is powerful and throaty. The dealer however leaves something to be desired. Maintenance department employs strange and scary charachters

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  Love the car - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jimr - May 7 - 9:20 am

  Just purchased a 2009 Sonata Ltd. V-6 w/Navi. Wow what a car! Power to burn! My daughter got a used 2006 GL and I loved it so much I got one. Double the rebate from dealer plus, 1200 more for trade than NADA plus, other discounts. I feel like I stole the car.

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  Excellent car for the price! - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By tpratt2590 - May 4 - 12:56 am

  I traded off a fully loaded 2011 GMC Terrian for this car and have owned it since May 31, 2012 and enjoy driving and riding in the car. I own the limited edition without the turbo and very impressed with the horsepower under the hood. After reading some of the other reviews of how the car is sluggish, paint coming off the car, makes me wonder who is writing the reviews. After going from a V6 in the GMC to this car, I was impressed with the power. The interior of the limited is comfortable and spacious and has plenty of leg room. The car rides quietly without any road noise. Good car for the money!

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  Duh! - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By VolsFan - May 3 - 1:41 pm

  I replaced a 2003 Toyota Avalon XLS with the 2008 Sonata Limited V6 and LOVE IT! Ive had it about 16 months now and am 100% satisfied. I, like others, was a little cautious of buying a Hyundai but have zero regrets. I really wanted a Prius when I started looking but the price was in the stratosphere and figured it would take 5+ years to make up the difference in gas. I looked at the Avalons and Camrys but just couldnt justify the HUGE price difference. The interior design and quality is not on par with the Avalon, but is nearly as good as the Camry. It was all the bundled features: V6, traction and stability control, safety features, Infinity audio, and creature comforts that sold me.

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  Worth taking a look... - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By dos0711 - May 2 - 9:26 pm

  My in-laws have Hyundais and have had no problems at all. So I decided to take a look at the new Azera. When I got there, I decided it was too big and my wife suggested the Sonata. I didnt care for the Jaguar-like look of the older ones so I balked at first. Then I saw a 2006 and I was like "WOW! Thats a Sonata??!". I drove it and the rest is history. Im proud to have it sitting in my driveway at less than $20k.

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  Car Has Earned High Ratings - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By No Longer Sceptical - May 1 - 6:23 pm

  Have learned to trust automobile ratings by Consumer Reports, especially when confirmed by owners evaluations at Edmunds. The Sonata has earned those high ratings. Solid performance, with surprising good acceleration, both around town and on the highway, for a four cylinder engine. Anti-lock breaks are firm and secure. Turning and cornering are comfortable. Seating has prominent lower back support. Two minor quibbles, each with solution. Passenger seat belt in retracted position bangs around against center post when windows rolled down. Lever on passenger seat can be used to clip seat belt away from post. Second, side of car easily gets muddy on wet streets, solved by mud flaps.

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  Nothing Wrong and a Lot right - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By MikeB - May 1 - 2:09 pm

  Its been 3 years and 28,000 miles and my wife drives this car every day to work and I drive it on weekends and we have taken it on several long trips (Nova Scotia, Florida). Bottom line: no squeaks, no rattles, no problems. Highway mileage about 28 (regular) and overall, mostly 8 mile trips for my wife to work, is 19 mpg. Lots of power (V-6), great brakes, generally very quiet except for suspension noise in the rear over big bumps and engine noise under full acceleration. So smooth you cant tell if the engine is running. Very comfortable (leather). Only 2 complaints: radio reception is not good, suspension slightly floaty at high speed (like a Camry, but a little better). Great value!

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  High Class For Less CASH - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By The Warden - April 30 - 11:03 am

  I’ve had my 2011 Sonata Limited w/Nav for about 2 weeks now and I absolutely love it. People often mistake it for a Buick, Lexus, BMW and Mercedes. There are currently 3 2011 Sonatas on my block. I traded my 05 Pontiac Gran Prix for the Sonata. Although I haven’t made any long trips I’m very impressed with the combo MPG thus far. I truly believe Sonata will be a force to reckon with for many years to come. As a matter of fact the Dealership where I purchased my Sonata had more people there shopping for cars than the local mall. Hyundai really hit this one out of the park, leaving me with 2 words about my 2011 Sonata experience, “SIMPLY OUTSTANDING”.