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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  Thrilled with this new car! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Kymmee - February 3 - 11:26 am

  Ive only had this car a week, so my review at this point is limited. However, it truly is a joy to drive. Smooth, solid feeling, responsive, comfortable, FUN! I have the loaded model, and so far no complaints. Ive also had several people tell me what a great looking car it is. The quality and value for the price is amazing, and anyone shopping around should definitely go try this car before they decide!

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  Hyundai - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Marc - February 3 - 8:13 am

  I like the car a lot. I really enjoy driving it

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  AWESOME CAR!!! - 2001 Hyundai Sonata
  By Michelle R. - February 2 - 4:59 pm

  I really love this car. My Fiancee bought me the car as a present to replace my old Nissan Altima. It has plenty of room for our kids. Is great on mileage and the sun roof is a lot of fun on sunny days in Florida. I would recommend the car to anyone!

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  four and counting - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By redswd - February 2 - 5:23 am

  This is my fourth Hyundai and my third Sonata and they just keep getting better and better. the new 4 cyl. has plenty of power but does its business without harshness or excessive noise. Ride quality has improved noticeably and road and wind noise levels have improved. Havent had it long enough to log my mpg. Will come back when thats sorted out. The exterior changes this year are minimal and add only a little to the already pleasant design. This cars forte is the new interior. Beautiful, quiet, comfortable, spacious about sums it up. Kudos to whoever designs their interiors!

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  worth the money - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Hyundia - January 31 - 8:20 pm

  I bought this with 14,000 miles. Put a lot of miles in 4 years, about 165,000. Ac compressior went out quickly, leaking oil. Dealer refused to fix because of miles, even though it was under normal ac warranty period. You must change timing belts, all! As scheduled as I done. Faithfully changed oil. Trans started acting up, again I faithfully serviced. I still would buy another one, looking now at 04, getting rid of a 2008, dont like the ride as much as the 03!

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  My Hyundai - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By lorilynn - January 30 - 9:40 am

  I never expected to own or love a Hyundai, but this is not the same Hyundai of yesteryear. I LOVE THIS CAR! When I drive, I feel like Im in my own little piece of heaven. The engine is so quiet, the controls are easy and dont require a manual to figure out. The interior and trunk are way more roomier than they have any right to be.

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  Best Value - Price, Perf, Std Features - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By mckim - January 30 - 5:36 am

  I test drove both the Accord and Camry before deciding to purchase the Sonata. The Sonata drove smooth (>Accord, >=Camry) and had the quietest cabin while driving. Add the std safety features and the Sonata was a no brainer. Some people wrote they didnt care for the 2009s updated body lines, but I have a friend with a 2007 and I like the 2009 much better. The taller front grill (now chrome), larger, brighter headlights and overall more angular body lines give the 2009 a more aggressive look. I really like the new interior. The center console looks modern and sports blue lights and a new large display radio. Everything feels solid, esp the doors. Very quiet engine and while driving.

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  Bad car!! - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Roomraider33 - January 28 - 8:58 pm

  We bought this car with 68000 miles on it. The car was nice looking more on the richy side. when we drove it for more the 25 minutes the trany got hot. To back up it felt like you hit someone when you didnt. The paint on the bumpers would come up every time i washed it. Then the air bag light came on if we repair it the cost will be $1000. The spark plugs needed replaced well that bill was $400 because the had to take part of the motor to change them. loved the inside but overall bad bad car!!!!!!!

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  My Hyundai - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By cmwolff - January 28 - 2:05 pm

  I bought my car used about 11 months ago with 23000 miles. I now have 28000 miles. In that 5000 miles, it has been in the shop twice for engine knock. The second time they had to call Hyundai tech support twice. I didnt pay anything,and it doesnt knock anymore, but hmmmmm.... I also think the rear suspension has always been a little noisy, but now after the coldest January in 30 years,it sounds like I may have a rear strut problem. It kinda sounds like the car is banging on the frame. I will have this checked next time its in. Im disappointed because I really do like this car. Hopefully its nothing and I will be a happy girl for a long long time. Wish I would have gotten the xm radio.

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  Love it - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Johnny - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Never thought Id buy a Hyundai but I must say I love my 2011. Great car.