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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  Impressive Automobile! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By JFarm - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for about 2 weeks, and I really do love it so far. I got the Pacific Blue Pearl, it just blew my mind! Got the Popular Equip package plus the HomeLink Compass in the rear view mirror (awesome). I love the BlueTooth, XM and iPod jacks, unbelievable options to come standard! I usually take back roads to work (about 14 miles round trip) and the gas mileage is less than advertised for city driving, but the ride is so much smoother than my 05 Elantra. Im not totally sure why everyone is complaining about the road noise, its not the quietest car Ive ever been in, but it certainly wouldnt stop me from recommending this car to anyone!

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  A few minor fixes could be done - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By BILL - November 1 - 10:00 am

  This car has everything except it could do with:a better horn, sealing the underbody where it meets the door sills-they squeak if you move them by hand but not while riding in the car- just seem too loose; use bigger screws on the underbody or bolts!

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  I Love My Car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By kathy - November 1 - 8:51 am

  My 1998 Mazda died and I looked for a used one, but way too expensive. Happened upon the Hyundai, reluctantly went into the dealership. He took me for a ride and I thought, theres gotta be something wrong with this car. The dealer sent me home with it for the day and I went back the next day and took it for the day. Incredible is all I can say. Love it... Im short so I can never see where I am going. This car is amazing. I dont even have to turn around when backing up cuz I just look in the rear view mirror. The ride is like gliding on a glass slipper. I call it my Cinderella car and it didnt break my bank buying it. Wish the gas mileage was a bit better, but I can live with it.

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  Quit knocking 4 cylinders! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By combattracker5 - October 31 - 7:20 am

  I grew up in the muscle car era. My first car was a new 65 Pontiac GTO. I drove over a hundred MPH every day for decades (really did). I love speed! Those days are over. Americans need to reduce their consumption of oil. The new 4 cylinders have extreme kick, compared to the 6 cylinders of the 1960s! I wish Edmunds would stop complaining about the lack of a bigger engine for many car models. Now I want MPG and enough umph to get over the mountain or for passing. I was seriously surprised by this car.

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  2500 miles into it.... - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Matt_Landers - October 30 - 9:46 pm

  Previously, I had written a review on 2/27/10. Not much has changed, except Ive had to replace my muffler which took almost a month to have done. The dealership was fast about things, however Hyundai had no extra ones in the states. Way to go guys!! I wasnt too pleased. Having owned several other Hyundais, (03 Sonata, 01 Elantra) and with other family members owning other models too with few or no problems, Im just choosing at this point to overlook it as a blip in my ownership experience and move on. But these forums are about honesty in ownership too... Gas mileage per the car is a bit optimistic but still not too bad. mid to high 20s in mixed driving and low 30s on hwy.

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  Some of the details could be better - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ryster - October 30 - 4:10 am

  Purchased the new 2011 Sonata GLS with PEP2 to replace my 2006 Chevrolet Impala LT. Despite being a 4 cylinder, the Sonata is noticeably more responsive and faster than the 3.5 L V6 Impala. Gas mileage is outstanding, currently averaging 30 mpg. A 50% improvement over the Impala. Standard features on the Sonata are very impressive. The Sonatas exterior and interior styling are very modern, yet very functional. Would like to see Hyundai work a little harder on build quality. My Sonata has developed several rattles after only a couple of weeks. There are 2 rattles in particular that will definitely need to be addressed by the dealer at the first service.

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  Excellent Car! - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By Bill - October 28 - 10:24 pm

  Drove 4 cyl. Accord for 9 years. Sonata was great combination of value, comfort, performance and best warranty. Wanted the V-6 but Honda and Toyota were many thousands higher in price. Drove my Sonata on a 4,000 mile vacation to Canada this summer. The car was a pleasure to drive!!!! Gas mileage was close to the EPA estimate. Unfortunately, gas was over $5.00 in Canada.

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  LOVE MY SONATA! Best Car Ive owned - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By EBer - October 28 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car Ive ever owned. Ive had just about every type of car known to man (or woman)...Mercedes, Nissan, Chevrolet Corvette, Blazer, etc. This car handles well, the ride is quiet, the mileage is great. I cant say enough. Then, add in the awesome warranty and the LOW price and I dont know why anybody would buy any other car!

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  2016 sport/limited - 2016 Hyundai Sonata
  By sngldad1@bellsouth.net - October 25 - 3:01 pm

  Great overall value. Comfort level is good with seats, multi position electric drivers seat is roomy and comfortable, however, my knee seems to be pinned against the shift console so I have to move the seat back further than Im comfortable with. Same with my previous sonata(2011).. Technology features with android auto are great. Didnt come with garage opener remote. that option was 10 times the cost of ordering another remote and clipping it to the visor...So far with econo function engaged Im averaging 35 mpg.

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  Love the car - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By Sonata driver in NC - October 24 - 4:52 pm

  When I buy a car, I keep it on average about 9 years, about twice as long as the length of the loan. I will keep this car for at least that long. I like that its body style -sort of Mercedes/Jaguar looking. Glad I got one of the last new 2005s with that body style. The only complaint I have is the paint on the door handles (inside and out) is starting to flake off, especially on the much used drivers door. A small fix, Im sure. I have only had 4 cars in my life (the first 3 were Datsun B210, Mercury Sable, Chevy Lumina -- I kept them for a long time, too). This is by far the all-around best one Ive owned.