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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  Ready for another Hyundai - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jim - November 6 - 3:02 pm

  Both the car used with 15,000 mile on it for $14K and have only replaced oil at regular service times. Wife loves it. Opens the sunroof and lets the wind blow through her hair with the stereo turned up loud. Handles great even from the passengers front seat (mine). Some times I even get to drive it if I am lucky. Have a Buick Roadmaster that is going to be traded for a new Sonata maybe an 08 or 09. 30 MPG for the wife ans she has a lead foot. The new v6s have 50 plus HP so I know I will be happy with it and the interior is even nicer and roomier.

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  They have came a long way - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mike Moczulski - November 5 - 11:56 pm

  I love the car it has allot of space and power with all the controls and the 6 disc in dash cd player is good i owned a 2002 and the car has done a complete 360 turn they will be the next big thing.

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  WOW!!! - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By newguy - November 5 - 12:26 pm

  This is the first Hyundai product That Ive purchased. I am very impressed overall with this car. The power of the 4cyl is more than sufficient to get on the freeway here in Houston,TX and the cruise at 70mph+. The interior is very well appointed,I recommend the upgrade to power drivers seat and the sunroof!The wheel mounted audio controls are a must! Very nice to drive and handles like a much heavier car, not much road bump transmission!! The exterior is a bit plain,but still nice. I would say that for the money you cant beat this car. It replaced a Chevy HHR, the back seat is large enough to fit my daughter, who is 58"! Not bad for a car that gets 28 mpg even in heavy traffic!

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  Great Car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By charles - November 4 - 3:26 pm

  Bought this as a replacement for a older bonneville. Although it looks smaller, the overall size is only an inch or so different. Car has great pickup and the handling is excellent.

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  So far, so GREAT! Really happy with it. - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Chadly - November 4 - 2:20 pm

  I researched a new midsize sedan for about 10 months, and kept coming back to the Sonata. It hurt me not to buy American, but this car just had everything I wanted - for a price no one could compete with. After (only) two and half months, its been exactly as advertised: Very nice interior; very good fuel economy (32 highway); handles well, and equally (if not more)important, impressed my snooty Infinity/BMW/Acura desiring wife!! Oh, and a note to those who complain about the doors automatically unlocking when you put the car in park... The owners manual says, in BOLD "This feature can be adjusted by your authorized Hyundai dealer". Read the manual!

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  The little Jag - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By lkletter - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I have not had my car for very long, but it is definately a great car for the money. I only keep cars for as long as the warranty, so hopefully with a great 5 year 60000 warranty I will keep this car for a while. A bit disappointed in the gas mileage it gets. Everyone says it looks like a Jaguar. At least it does not cost like one.

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  Fuel-efficient and Nicely designed - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Paul Arrow - November 3 - 2:43 am

  Very good. Almost same quality as Honda Civic but lower price. Happy to have bought this car

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  sonata gl 2.4 automatic - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By steve copland - November 3 - 12:20 am

  we traded our honda civic in and for the money we found the sonata could not be beat you get such a strong warranty; plus the added convenience of a 5 year unlimited milage roadside asst. 5 year 60k bumper to bumper, 10 year, 100k.great ride ,plenty of power great safety features all for under 20k. what a deal!!!!!!!!!!

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  Look no more! Here it is! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Denise - November 2 - 6:20 am

  Never owned or even considered buying a Hyundai, now Im hooked! 3 mos later and 1500 mi, still love it! Considered the Accord Coupe, Mazda 6 (No Match!) Getting 33 MPG mixed driving. Peppy for a 4 cyl! Roomy interior. At 510", I can drive comfortably w/ a 510" person behind me. All control knobs are firm, easy to read & well positioned for the driver. Windows slightly tinted so interior looks darker on black seats. Have had people circle parking lots just to see it. Unmatched looks and value!

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  Hyundai Convert - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By Corey Glass - November 2 - 4:14 am

  For many years I wouldnt consider purchasing a Hyundai because they were Korean with no reputation other than lacking style quality and absolutely no resale value. In the last couple years Hyundai was finding its way onto top 10 lists. The Sonata is a pleasure to drive, quiet, safe and very attractive.