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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  At Least it Was Under Warranty - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Marie Beck - March 20 - 11:00 am

  When I drove my car home the fist time, I had to turn around and take it back because the brakes were bad. Did not test drive on the Interstate - wont make that mistake again. Since then, I have had the car towed twice for different problems. One was the sensor for the gas pedal, and today for the check engine light and skipping. Only 5K miles left on my Warranty and I will have a Toyota or a Nissan before I hit that mark. I definitely got a Lemon. Each time, the Service Manager knew exactly what the problem was, because he had seen it SO many times on this make and Model.

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  Ignition Problem - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By FionaCameron - March 19 - 8:36 pm

  Great mileage at 41 mpg - we drive almost exclusively long highway miles. Have had car for 2 months with 6 "no- start" ignition events and 2 trips to dealer about it. Second servicing seems to have fixed it - something to do with a harness connection with the brake, which needs to be depressed to start engine.

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  Great Car - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By ArlingtonTx - March 19 - 8:10 pm

  I have purchased GLS Automatic with convenience package. I have only driven 600+ miles. Very smooth, quite and comfortable ride. Great acceleration even better brakes. Lots of room, and two child seats can be easily moved to over-sized trunk. Great visibility and very very good gas millage. The only complain from passengers(wife)is that passenger seat is too low and lacks vertical adjustment. I have tested Camry Accord and Sonata. For the money and based on initial drive comfort going with anything else is throwing money away.

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  Very good car for my needs. - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By EdmontonHyundai - March 19 - 12:26 pm

  Ive had the car for about ten months now, and it has been excellent, good mileage, no mechanical issues, its my first Hyundai, so I wasnt exactly sure of what to expect, very satisfied. I live in Canada, and unfortunately, the 4 cylinder cars dont have traction control or stability control? not sure about this, standard on all cars in the states, come on Hyundai, were the ones who really need these features! So, Id be sure to get those features in my next one/or if I could start over, as winter traction could certainly have been better. Otherwise he car has been great, drive lots, runs great, could have an oil life monitor, more headroom, and a power passenger seat, next car will.

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  Poor Choice - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By cody - March 19 - 3:33 am

  At 10,000 miles calibers stuck had to have all new brakes and drums, then at 14,000 front breaks had to be replaced. Dealer said it was my driving that cause the brakes to crumble. Needed new belts already, gas mileage stinks. Paint came off door handles so they are now White, all four of them. Interior worn, and I am a single person. Would not recommend this car. Now at 48,000 need new breaks again, rear calibers stuck once again, but then it is always my fault. Dont buy a 4 cylinder, you have to turn off heat or air to get on the freeway, and pray when you go up a hill. No matter what a salesman says this model in a 4 is not like a 6. Have driven my daughters Toyota and her 4 has no problem.

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  Better than any american car ive had! - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By kwf - March 18 - 12:39 pm

  I have had this car about 2 and half years. I have had no problems as of yet. I am almost at 50,000 miles. I am thinking about upgrading to the Genesis, it also looks like a great car.

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  Great Mix of Value, Quality and Styling - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By Chuck in VA - March 17 - 8:14 am

  The Sonata was not on my original list of cars - I was looking at a Civic hybrid or Accord. But, the fuel mileage, styling and warranty made me take a closer look. The final factor was a $3,000 rebate. I saved several thousand dollars over what I thought Id have to spend to get a high quality, stylish sedan. Having owned it for a full year now, I can honestly say I am 100% satisfied with the car - mileage in the 27-28 range, zero service or mechanical issuesi. I/m really glad I chose the Hyundai. Cant wait to trade it up for a new Genisis in a couple of years!

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  2008 Sonata GSL V6 3.3L - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By Genetyper - March 15 - 3:58 pm

  I bought this car with 30k miles on it and have driven it about 2k miles. I love this car. Getting onto the highway is stress-free because this car can "get-up-and-go" when you put your foot into it. Its got some "nut" which I like in a car. Its quiet and smooth. I like the sunroof and the ample room of the interior. Its comfortable and an ease to drive. Gas mileage is about 31 highway (or more) and 19 town. I cant speak for long term reliability but it purrs like a kitten and is nearly soundless at idle, no engine noises or "clickings". Performance for a mid- sized 4 door family car like this is not common.

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  should command a much greater price - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By thopaine - March 15 - 7:21 am

  A few electrical bugs, eventually fixed under warranty. Other than that this car is a 10. For all the reasons written here, and the versatility of dropping the rear seats to carry LARGE items in a pinch! And the service check ups are VERY cheap. I would not sell mine for the prices quoted on Edmunds. It is worth several thousand dollars more, at least.

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  Bigger, better, & cheaper than my Accord - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By m_csala - March 14 - 9:26 am

  Buying this car, I made a step-down in features from my former 2002 Honda Accord coupe. But the price difference more than made it worth it. I love the spacious interior, but bought it for the HUGE trunk space, as I make long trips south each winter, and need to pack it full with clothes & supplies. Once I got used to no power seat or side mirrors, I enjoyed driving this as much as the Accord, with more power for pulling out fast when needed, or passing quickly. Steering a bit mushy, seat could be more supportive. Love the MP3 CD feature - made several from iTunes playlists. I dont drive many miles (young retiree!), but not one problem in the 20,000 so far. Sheet metal does dent easy.