Hyundai Sonata Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.48/5 Average
3,413 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 451 through 460 of 3,413.00
  • A Very Nice Well Built Quality Car - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    I surprised myself by considering and later purchasing a new Hyundai Sonata. The surprise continues...this has been a wonderful car. I have had no defects or problems whatsoever. It rides well, looks great, is comfortable, solid, and tight. Gas mileage is about 24, which could be better. Overall, it is a great bargain, and a quality car right up there with Toyota.

  • For ppl complaining about suspension - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    I own a 2007 Ltd and this 2009 GLS was purchased for my mom. I can tell you that based on my experiences, the suspension was meant to be soft. Its not a flaw, BUT its something that will not give joy to everyone who drives one. People used to tighter suspensions..shop elsewhere. What I do have an issue with is the tires. They do not absorb bumps very well. The 17" wheels are worse than the 16" on the GLS. This is not a problem with suspension or shocks. The Kuhmo tires are harsh and noisy. Invest in better tires if its that bad for you. Also check the tire pressure and make sure theyre set as they should. Over/under inflated tires can make a huge difference in ride.

  • Love driving this car - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    The V6 engine on this vehicle is a blast to drive. Very responsive, smooth, and with a nice exhaust note. The transmission adapts to your driving style. The sport-tuned suspension is another big plus. The safety features cant be beat and with pretty much all options is still thousands less than Toyota or Honda. Long term reliability remains to be seen but build quality seems first rate and the car is very roomy both front and rear. The warranty was also a factor in the purchase just hoping I wont have to use it much. Mileage is excellent on the highway (30+) but city is not so great (19-21) but that might be due to my heavy foot.

  • Fantastic Sedan - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    This has been a great experience. My previous vehicle was a 1995 Monte Carlo V6. The Sonata performs every bit as well. I have over 60,000 miles and have all recommended manufacturers maintenance done. So for $800 of maintenance (plus regular oil changes) this car handles like new. I just replaced 2 tires recently and will replace other 2 next month.

  • Had to buy one!!!! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    I traded in my 02 Sonata last night for an 06. This car is fantastic. It is soo quiet you cant hear the car running with the windows up at a stop sign. The exterior is a bit plain, but the shape of the car is very nice. There is soo much power and torque its almost hard not to chirp tires on start ups. The interior is the best Ive seen, and I mean for any make. Ours is a LX and if not for the Hyundai symbol on the steering wheel, you would swear you were in a Lexus. Great job Hyundai. I hope the reliabilty is as good as my 02. If it is, this may well be the new midsize leader in the US.

  • Reliable Used Car at a Low Price - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    I do not own this car, but a family member to whom I recommended it to does, and I do drive it from time to time. Overall, it is a good midsize car. I thas the special edition package that includes heated cloth seats and automatic climate control. Comfort on long drives is fine. The ride is smooth and engine and road noise are well controlled with only an occasional squeak or rattle. The car was purchased with 23k and now has over 40k. Only needed new tires, brakes and belts in addition to regular maintenance, of course. The V- 6 has adequate power, but my much more powerful Azera gets better gas mileage. Overall, a good choice for a reliable used car at a low price.

  • The Value Leader of the 4-Door Sedans - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    I had this car for almost 4 years and just traded it for an Azera. I do not have many complaints. There were only a few warranty repairs. The dealer always honored the warranty despite what some people say. My 4-cyl felt more like 192 horsepower than 162. There was ample power 95% of the time. The 4 speed auto was smooth and the manual mode worked well, if a bit slow. Averaged 30-33 MPG on trips and 16-20 MPG in city driving only. The ride was comfortable, but the car could have used a bit more structural rigidity (a few squeaks and rattles). Interior comfort was also good and noise levels were low unless you really wound up the engine. Doing your own maintenance is also simple.

  • Very Pleased - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    We spent considerable time researching mid-size cars before going for a road test. We narrowed our choice to a Toyota Camry and Hyundai Sonata. After the road test we decided on the Sonata because of its comfort, how it handled on the road, and its performance. We wanted a 4 cyl., but also enough power to handle and perform well. We have not been disappointed at all. The Sonata is a wonderful car for its price, comfort, handling and performance. We have gotten 26 mpg for around town and 34 mpg on the highway. For a couple or a small family, this is an ideal mid- size car.

  • Impressions by John - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    Bought the car in August. Runs great, no problems. Great car for the price.

  • Great Value, Great Car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    Great car, I have had this car for over 3 years now and have no problems, gas millage is good, spunky 4cyl is more then enough. This car is effortless to drive, I have another car choice of a much more expensive so called "drivers" car and I always choose the Sonata when I have long trips.

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