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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  Great Car - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By Anonymous - January 20 - 6:23 pm

  This is my first time to own a Hyundai. I was enticed by the hefty rebate Hyundai was offering until June 2 (3K off). I have always been a Honda owner, except for the one impulse buy of a Jeep Grand Cherokee- which was a bad mistake. I have been very happy with my Sonata thus far. I often get it confused with the Accord if they are parked closely. I have a very basic model and am loving it. I like to take corners fast and it is possible in this car! I would like to have more features, but after owning a totally "loaded" car and everything being controlled by a computer chip that went bad, have a simple, no frills car is just enough for me. And, who can turn down the incredible warranty?

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  Car that is good for the money you paid - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By 2007SonataOwner - January 20 - 3:45 pm

  I have 2007 Sonata 3.3L V6 Limited for two years already. I bought it new. It accelerates pretty well, but, car hesitates a little when it shifts from 1st to 2nd speed in auto mode. Avg MPG is 20-21 city, 23-24 HWY (with A/C on). Suspension needs to be stiffer to avoid leaning on corners and steering feels kind of numb at low-parking speeds (in comparison to 2007 Santa Fe, which is great). Seats (drivers one is 8 ways adjustable on Limited) are fine. At the same time, driver seat should be more comfortable for long trips and provide better lumbar support for a healthier posture (as on Santa Fe again). Trunk is spacious. Quality of front cup holders sucks, but it is fixed on 2009 model.

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  GREAT - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By SMITH - January 19 - 10:00 am

  EXCELLENT VEHICLE IN AND OUT WITH GREAT PERFORMANCE AND HANDLING. THE CHANGES THEY MADE WERE EXCELLENT.

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  Great Car - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Nate - January 18 - 12:51 pm

  I love this car. The 4 cyl engine has plenty of power. It handles well and give a very comfortable ride (Im 6 2"). The incredible warranty also lets me budget for only tires and oil changes during the next three years. Before I bought the car I also looked at a Camry and an Accord but the bottom line is that the Sonata can stand toe-to-toe with those cars and you do not pay for the brand name.

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Muppit - January 17 - 12:10 pm

  I drive 1100 miles a week, to work and back, and this car has been faultless for the past 23K miles. And yes I do preventive maintenance, to assist this, such as 3K miles oil changes, tires, etc. And have only really incurred the cost of four Yokohama 520 tires which are superb on this vehicle. Get one youll be surprised at this good all round secret. PS 32-33 mpg (95% highway).

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  Sonata 101 - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Sister1021 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Sonata since October and drive approximately 100 miles per day. I have found two problems with this car both minor but worth mentioning. When making a sharp left hand turn if you knee or hand touches the drivers door the bell which indicates an open door sounds no matter how firmly the door is closed. The second problem is the washer fluid for the windshield doesnt squart up high enough on the windshield - as a matter of fact it just hits the bottom of the windshield. Other than these two minor problems I love my Sonata I find it as comfortable as some high prices sadans and I didnt pay high dollars for it.

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  great car - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By clive svendsen - January 15 - 2:00 am

  better than a honda civic EX by far

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  2007 Hyundai Sonata Review - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By fff - January 14 - 6:32 pm

  Solid car. Up until 2005 Hyundais were a joke (I had a Sonata that cost me 200 a month in repairs)--and then the company got serious: night and day. Now its the poor mans Toyota. Get these cars because the company is soon going to realize that they are like Toyota. Last great value in a car.

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  Glad I did it - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By sonataman - January 14 - 10:00 am

  My last vehicle was a Toyota Camry. I was a little skeptical of "buying down" to a less expensive car like the Sonata, but am more than pleased I did. It is a slick looking car, and has plenty of room, power, and comfort - great value for my dollars. The only minor annoyance so far has been the "check engine" light coming on because I did not tighten the gas cap on a recent fill up. If the car performs in the long run like it has so far, I will not hesitate to buy another one.

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  2015 Sonata - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By John S - January 14 - 9:47 am

  I continue to be impressed with the purchase of a 2015 Sonata. I keep asking family if they like the car as much as I do. Its an incredible value.