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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  Extra Cash - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By jrl - February 24 - 11:10 am

  Car is a great vehicle for highway driving. Very comfortable rides smooth. Suggest 6 cyl motor. No real maintenance problems. ALERT: Save some EXTRA CASH for the 60,000 mile maintenance schedule. At 60,000 miles The Timing Belt must be changed $450 - $500 change spark plugs $350 schedule fluid changes (tran cool oil) $300.

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  My "Korean Kamry" - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By MY "KOREAN KAMRY" - February 23 - 10:39 pm

  I purchased this car because I was looking for an affordable ride which would offer economy, reliability and still offer that "high class" I used to get while driving my Lexus. I found all that plus more in my base 2008 Sonata GLS. It comes standard with all of the safety features that come as options in a Camry XLE

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  Beware of Warranty! - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Paul - February 23 - 12:49 pm

  Owned 07 Sonata for 2 years - 24500 miles on it. My recent experiences suggest that there are issues with the Hyundai Quality and Warranty claims. I had to change my both rear brake pads, and also change one rotor, resurfaced other after just 24000 miles! Surprisingly front brakes that should take 70% of braking torque were perfectly fine. Dealership said that the pads and rotors are not covered under warranty and charged $350. I have never heard rotor or even pads needing replacement in 2 years - shows poor quality of parts. Hyundai Consumer affairs would not cover even when Dealer agreed that this was not normal wear and tear. Had to change Alternator just 2 months back! Dont count warranty!

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  Squeaks & Groans! - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By burt - February 21 - 10:02 am

  This car is built very cheaply. The interior plastic surfaces squeak, and the front suspension has a really annoying squeak/rattle. The interior lights dont come on when you remove the ignition key. The switches on the door (lock/unlock, windows, etc.) are not illuminated. The ignition key ring taps against the dash board when driving. The Infinity sound systems subwoofer is mounted in the cardboard deck behind the rear seats and creates an annoying distortion even at low volume.

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  Best Bang for the Buck! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Flanker28 - February 21 - 4:00 am

  I just purchased this vehicle to replace my 10 year old Chrysler 300M. I thought I would have to give up some of the creature features when I purchased a new one.....NOT. The new Hyundai Sonata was just what I needed. Great Looks, Super Fuel Economy (without having to lug around a battery pack), Quality, Quiet Ride, Responsive handling and a Warranty Second to None! If you have not looked at the Hyundai line up of vehicles lately, you need to take a trip to your local dealer. Take a test drive and then make up your own mind about their products. They are on top of their game with a solid product offering for the American driver.

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  My first car in this country - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Adi - February 18 - 3:44 pm

  I bought this car from a dealer when the Odometer reading was about 72K. Since then I have driven less than 3K. Like the cars style and pickup on the signals. It leaves almost every car in the rear view! I have tried that with cars like Lexus, BMW, Toyota and Honda and my Sonata picks up faster than all of them! The maintenance is costly for this car and I have changed the Alternator (about $500), Power Steering Pressure Hose (about $450) and general maintenance. The cars engine gives some noise which a mechanic couldnt figure out why. I need to take that to dealership (again $$$). Also the Air bag signal has turned Red which only dealer can see ($$$). So expensive drive for 3K travel.

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  A realistic evaluation - 2000 Hyundai Sonata
  By New Hyundai Fan - February 17 - 10:36 pm

  We purchased this car when gas was expensive. It is very similar in size and displacements to our 99 Camry. This car is not a Camry, but is still a good solid car. A lot of the reviews of people really dont seem to understand that owning a car involves some preventative up-keep. Ive had to have timing belts and brakes on both. Toyota Camry is the GOLD standard. But that isnt to say the Sonota isnt a good, solid vehicle. (Its probably not fair to compare the two. Ive heard the new Sonatas are closer in feel to a Camry.) I would have no reservations buying one. The car is very similar in ergonomics, design, and power to my old 96 Accord. Thanks for reading.

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  85K miles on my 2012 Sonata SE - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By Tracey - February 17 - 9:32 pm

  Ive been very pleased with this car! Bought it new and have had it 3 1/2 years now. I put a lot of miles on my vehicles (avg 22K - 24K per year) however I take very good care of them, following manufacturers suggested maintenance schedule, getting regular oil changes, tire rotation, etc. I typically keep cars for 150K miles at a minimum. I average appx 28 MPG in Atlanta traffic (which is stop and go). No complaints whatsoever. Convinced my Dad and stepmom to buy a Sonata and they love theirs as well!

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  First Hyundai - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Lebron - February 16 - 10:00 am

  So far I have driving the car for about one year, no problem with it so far it runs great and has all the luxury I need I like the fact it has a tape player as well as a cd. it came with michelin tires a plus. It is well buil and has a lot of safety fetures. averall it it a great car for the money.

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  Great car! - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Indiana BOB - February 16 - 8:00 am

  Purchased for size, economy, manual option and warranty. I have drive Subarus for 30 years but the Legacy is much smaller,and has poorer mileage (due to AWD). I have 6k in mileage; On recent trip to Kentucky I got 32.5MPG going around 70- 75mph. The only complaints I have are the manual trans is not as positive is shifting compared to Subaus I have owned and also Honda Accouds/Civics and Mazadas I have driven which are owned by family members. (Even my 86 year old mother drives a Civic with a stick shift!)Hope the trans gets smoother as it breaks in; MPG has increased. Another strange issue is that when back windows are down at highway speed that there is a loud wind noise.