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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  Vibrations at 65MPH and up - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Poor Service - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Steering wheel vibrates at 65 and up, feels like wheels are not balanced. Dropped off for service and got it back the way it was. Dealer wrote: wheels rebalanced. I have marked the weights on all wheels, and they were untouched. Great car, bad service. If this will not change Hyundai will have to compete with Chevy not Toyota or Acura like they would like to. The service will make or brake the company, just ask Audi of Usa.

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  This car Rocks! - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Frank R B. - March 11 - 5:05 am

  This car is the bomb. The 3.3 Liter power plant supplys more horse power than my old 74 Dodge Dart did and it had a 360cid engine. My Sonata has only been in the shop once, and that was for a warranty replacement of a head light. Its close to the 40,000 mile mark and still feels like new, the tires show little wear, and the leather seats make it smell like a new car every time I get in. Cant say enough good things about this car.

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  Good car for the money - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Matt - March 10 - 1:50 pm

  I traded in a CX7 for a 07 Sonata SE, and me and my wife love it. It is so quite inside and drives really smooth. With all of the safety features included this is tough to beat for the price. The 3.3 v6 has all the power you could ever want in a "family" car and has decent gas mileage as well. We are getting around 22 city and 28-31 Highway. Overall I would recommend this car.

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  Im done with this car and Hyundai Motor Co. - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By andrewg55 - March 10 - 5:41 am

  Love the styling and power from the 2.4 motor, but thats about it. The gas mileage is not what it is supposed to be, get about 21 City and never see over 32 HWY. The "leather" seats are cheap and hard. The suspension is rough and steering feels fake. The car has had transmission issues, steering recalls, brake sensor problems causing the car to not start, water leaks causing me to take the car in 4 times and eventually having to have a Hyundai engineer determine that the roof was not sloped right and then they had to do body work on the car to correct it! XM antenna shorted out and headliner had to be replaced all do to this problem.

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  Not Good - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jones - March 9 - 11:03 am

  I bought the Sonata back in August of 2006 brand new and since then it has had many problems. Both sun visors have had to be fixed, alarm had to be fixed, it needs new tires, an oxygen sensor is starting to go bad, and the trim is starting to come off. The dealership doesnt want to work with you and everything you call about they say is not under warranty. In order to test the car to see which oxygen sensor is going bad they are going to charge me. I have never had this many problems with a car or a dealership. You would think that in this economy a company would want to keep customers but apparently not. I would not recommend this car to anybody and i will never buy another one.

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  Decent Car - 2007 should be better - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By DC - March 9 - 5:20 am

  This is overall a great car. I have strangers talking to me about it all the time. Its very sharp. Great power and ride. The amenities for a vehicle in this price range are fantastic, heated seats, 6 air bags, heated mirrors, ESC, great stereo, huge trunk, very roomy, nice ride.

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  2007 Hyundai - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Dennis - March 5 - 6:16 pm

  I have always been a Honda Accord person. The automatic transmission had problems in my 2001 Accord. Dealers wanted to replace for $4k. After a lot of hassle, Honda sent me a check. The Sonata is a superior car. They have thought of every detail. From the clean looking engine department, to the roomy trunk. Pnuematic hood and trunk supports. I dont have to worry about bumping the stick when I check the oil.Plenty of room, cupholders in the back, and plenty of airbags. Nice car,at a nice price. I bought as a 2007 clearance. The new accord was too big and costly

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  EXCELLENT SEDAN/CAR - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By GOOD CAR - March 4 - 4:42 pm

  Purchased a Tucson 4 months ago and loved its performance. Checked out a 2005 Sonata and loved the shape looking more like a Jaguar. Find it very durable, dependable and sophisticated. Would recommend it to all. It looks so sophisticated, yet costs so much less.

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  Buy it Now ! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Oliver - March 4 - 2:10 am

  About two weeks ago, I stopped in the Hyundai dealership service dept to pick up an item. My wife said she wanted to see the new Sonata 2011 Limited in the showroom and would meet me in a few moments. Long story short.........we owned the Sonata one week later! LOVE this car. We went for the Limited with all the goodies. I hate driving and especially long trips. Now, that has changed and prior to the 2005 Santa Fe I traded in, we are coming off of Acuras. I told my wife I am NOT paying $40,000 for an automobile any longer.

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  Great Value - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By Pastor B - March 2 - 4:23 am

  After shopping around for a few weeks & a lot of haggling (which I hate) I was able to purchase my Sonata for the Edmunds TMV of $19,015. The car is very comfortable and Im getting 18 mpg city & 26 mpg hwy @ 75-80 mph. The downside. There is too much plastic used. The "chrome" is coming off the interior front passenger plastic door handle. Dealer has ordered a new one. CD player wouldnt eject, or play. Shut the engine off & disc ejected. Alarm went off while driving through a parking lot. I guess the computer corrected those problems as they have not reocurred & are working properly. Having to hold it under 55 mph for the 1st 1200 m. Excess road noise.