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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  Picking my Mouth up off the Floor - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By TS - November 14 - 9:56 pm

  Well I must say that I have been thoroughly impressed by this car. I purchased it today and as soon as I sat in it, I noticed the high quality of all of the interior components. Love the grey/black two tone and placement of the controls. Driving was just as great. I ended up with the 4 cylinder and was surprised by the pep. Handling is great too. Low road noise and great looking body. I also was impressed with the standard features like stability control, electronic breaking, six air bags, etc. Check out this site and the Hyundai site and then go get this car!

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  We Almost love it! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By deck99 - November 14 - 5:23 pm

  Owned a 2003 Elantra and really really like it. So when the 06 Sonata LX came out we decided to take the plunge. The car is super quiet. cannot believe the sound of the doors closing! Lexus? Traded in a Mercury Grand Marquis, on which I got constant 29 mpg on long trips. So far mileage on this V-6 is about in that range. great car!

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  Great Price for More Car Than I Paid For - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By TexAZ - November 14 - 2:00 am

  We own an 03 Sonata GLS, W/ sunroof & spoiler, & standard Sonata package. Honda & Toyota go head to head here. We have seen in Hyundai, the turn both Honda & Toyota made years back, from disposible cars, to quality products. The 03s are a testimony to Hyundais desire to turn the corner, and they have done it! The looks, performance, interior & exterior, they put together a machine to be proud of. Add to that, Consumer Reports "Recommended Seal", plus the warranty, and theres no comparison. People trying to figure out what it is from the looks, makes the whole ownership thing really pleasing. Test drive it, and I know which you will choose!

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  Wife loves Car - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By bklynguy - November 12 - 10:13 am

  Was tired of noisy poky 4 cyl cars and decided to go for broke with a top of the line midsized V6. With gas at $4 a gallon, had second thoughts about the V6. Test drove the Sonata SE and was impressed. With the Limited V6 priced about 6K less than the Camry XLE or Honda EX, decided to go for broke and use the savings for gas. Now that the price of gas has come down, Im delighted with the choice. Wife mostly drives it and loves it.

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  Awesome GLS V6 - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Rev. John Akers - November 12 - 4:50 am

  Aftering owning 3 Camrys and 3 Accords over the years we took the 06 Sonata GLS V6 for a test drive. Wow. This car is totally on par with both the Accord and Camry and exceeds them in many areas. My suggestion - look really hard at this car before you purchase an Accord or Camry. You will be very surprised at its value, roominess and power.

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  Near perfection for the $$$ - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By peter95949 - November 11 - 6:57 pm

  I am surprised to read consumers comment about parts falling off, etc. My Sonata has 26,000 in 30 months and has given me absolutely no trouble at all except a battery replacement at 10K. Ride is a mixed bag: absolutely no wind noise at any speed. Low-rolling-resistance tires can produce pronounced road noise on certain pavements. However, coupled with six-speed transmission and efficient engine, the tires help me to get 24mpg city and up to 40mpg on the road. The car is laden with unexpected features, and the swoopy styling makes everything else in this price range look dowdy. I love the car!

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  Impressed - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Watery Enchiladas - November 8 - 9:43 pm

  I have put about 8,000 miles on my Sonata in just over 2 months. Most of my driving is on the highway and I am getting about 31 MPG. I find it fun to drive, even though it is only a 4 cyclinder. I am in the car about 3 hours a day and even though the stereo could use a little bit of a boost it still puts out pretty good sound. Having the MP3 capablility is a very nice standard feature for extended driving. Interior space is plentiful. At 6 4" I have no problem being comfortable in any of the seats.

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  Buy This Car - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By oceanis281 - November 8 - 3:00 am

  Have put over 17K miles in less then 9 mos and she still rides like a dream. Not ONE issue in any area that had to be fixed under warranty so far. The car rides as nice and quiet as my friends Lexus 350. Great looking car also. Handles well in the snow with just the 2 wheel drive. Whenever one of my friends rides in the car for the first time they almost always ask what kind of car it is and comment on how well it rides and feels. Priced and tested Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry and this is by far the BEST value. The 100k warranty isnt bad also. This is the FIRST car with a sun/moon roof in which I can fit, being 6-5. and I still have plenty of head and leg room.

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  Bang for the buck - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Abe - November 7 - 10:56 pm

  Simply, you can not get this kind of car at this price (huge dealer and factory incentives). Quite and smooth (compared with its peer group), good acceleration. There were unknown noise from the bottom in the begining of of each driving.

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  First year review - Good car - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By GregInOttawa - November 7 - 7:28 am

  Have driven the car one year now, including a record setting snowy winter for snowfall. The vehicle is very comfortable and quiet on the road. The performance is mixed, with lots of HP but mushy in corners. Fuel economy is ok, given the use of HP mentioned above. Only complaint is that all brakes needed rework after only 12000 miles.