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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  First time Hyundai owner - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Kevin - January 11 - 3:00 pm

  Awesome car for the money. Toyota and Honda quality. Super ride.

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  car is a lemon - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By paulkay - January 10 - 10:48 am

  My x sonata was a lemon garbage car! Engine knock, replaced all the struts, both sun visors, oxygen sensor, electronic stab control module went, head gasket. Car was a piece of junk, was afraid to take it on a trip. I kept it for 10 months and bought an American car. No more foreign! No Wonder they give you a 10 year 100,000 warranty you will use it every month!

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  Great Car - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Surrey - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Was looking for a full featured car that we good afford. So far, the Hyundai seems to be well built, quiet and gets good gas mileage. Only very minor criticism is the drivers side overhead grab handle, which I continue to hit my head on when exiting the car. Other than that, great car for the money.

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  Dont Ever Buy A Hyundai - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By whatwarranty? - January 10 - 10:00 am

  After 9 mos. the car was falling apart. From the exterior paint peeling, to one window that can no longer operate and another that the cable broke and it fell into the door. My brother owns a Sonata also. The engine blew at 50000 miles. Hyundai and the dealership both refused to honor their "fabulous" warranty for ridiculous reasons. Over $2,000 later out of pocket expenses, he has to go to court to get reimbursed, maybe... A bicycle can get onto the highway faster! NEVER BUY A HYUNDAI

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  So Far So Good - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By den - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Exellent Warrenty....Wish American Cars could do that good

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  Excellent and Fun Car To Own - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ife Zachary - January 10 - 10:00 am

  My experience so far with owning a Hyundai Sonata has been excellent. I havent had any problems since I have had it. I keep up with my oil changes. The car is very reliable. One time I forgot my lights on all night. The battery didnt drain. There is a power saving mode that the car goes into when you leave your lights on. It is great. I think that I made a wise decision on my car and you cant beat the warranty. It is a all around grat car for the price.

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  Sonata is a great car - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Dave - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I would recommend Sonata to anyone considering an Accord or Camry. Having owned a couple of Accords & having friends with Camrys. The Sonata is just as reliable & so much more affordable. Everyone thought it was uncool to by a Honda in the early 80s.

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  Third Sonata - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By JF Parker - January 9 - 7:03 am

  This is our 3rd Sonata and each one is better than the last. It is the best dollar for dollar value on the road, delivering power and comfort whether in the mountains or on the interstate. The dealer service is consistent, thorough, and priced competitively. Any minor issues have been satisfactorily corrected. Steering is tight and responsive with good road feel, acceleration is strong, leather seats are comfortable but firm and secure. Really like the tire pressure monitor gauge. Everyone who has ridden in the car is surprised by its interior space, styling, and comfort. And we still have the 05, a friend is now driving the 01.

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  I love my Sonata! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By dewaltgirl - January 9 - 6:58 am

  I traded a 2002 Elantra for my 06 Sonata and what an upgrade! I commute 100 miles per day, which is what led me to purchase a Hyundai in the first place, due to the fantastic warranty. I bought my Sonata on Mothers Day of 06 and now have almost 80k miles on it. I have had no problems with this car. It does not let me down. Its fun to drive with plenty of pick up and roomy comfort. I have taken on several long trips and it averages about 30 MPG on the highway. I have gotten as much as 39 MPG out of it, but under limited circumstances. This is a really great car! Mine is black, so always dirty, but I really love it.

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  11 Sonata Limited - Nice Ride - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ken - January 8 - 1:06 pm

  I bought the limited in Harbor Gray with the wind colored leather interior which is gorgeous.Gas mileage so far is great after 3 months and 3200 miles. The leather interior had some weak spots (burrs) in both front and rear seat which dealership replaced. Biggest issue has been annoying (rattle) popping sound in the dash. Has been in the shop twice to have this corrected. It is quiet for several days and then the rattle returns. The dealership has been awesome and I got a good deal by shopping different local dealerships. This car is a real head turner. I have people ask me all the time what kind of car it is.