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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  BANG for the BUCK - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Peter Ginakos - September 12 - 6:00 am

  I have owned and driven many diferent European and American makes, this is my first asian purhace(although this car is made in the states),the 2006 Sonata Clearly is the BANG for the Buck in its Category.

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  Quality is suspect - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jeremy - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car after two other Hyundais with VERY high hopes. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed. From the moment I took delivery, the infamous glove box squeak. Rattles, out of place trim pieces, and other ungodly noises from everywhere. With upgraded audio, doors rattle at volume. Ride is EXTREMELY rough in this vehicle at all trim levels. The positive? It does extremely well in an an accident. I rear-ended a girl going nearly 40 miles per hour; the airbag deployed and the front-end crumpled exactly as designed. I walked away with ZERO injuries; not even a scratch. Those that have come to appreciate Hyundais value-oriented quality will be disappointed by this car.

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  Great value - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By boomer - September 11 - 11:26 pm

  This is the 3rd Hyundai I have owned since 1999. The first 2 were great cars. I got the GLS 4 cylinder with the 5 speed manual trans. Even though this is the cheapest model it still comes with all the safety features as standard. The car drives great, quiet and smooth. Very comfortable and roomy. I am getting 32 MPG with this car, I guess the 5 speed helps here. I averaged 35 MPG with my much smaller Elantra. This is excellent economy for such a large car. Pretty quick for a four cylinder too. I love the stereo, burned a CD with 125 MP3s and the stereo played them perfectly. Just a great value in a mid size car.

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  Smart Choice - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Andrew - September 11 - 4:46 pm

  If american car makers tried as hard as hyundai to win over buyers they wouldnt be in the mess they are in now.I have bought american cars for 25 years. Not anymore. Poor reliability and high cost to maintain finally forced me to look elsewhere. I did my research and found a winner in the sonata. Excellent value! Great warranty and quality workmanship. The car has a smooth and quiet ride, handles nicely and the V-6 with the shiftronic transmision makes it fun to drive. I dont think you can find a better car for the money.

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  The feel of Luxury - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By R.D - September 9 - 7:20 pm

  Since buying this vehicle I cant seem to want to park it. The feel on the road,acceleration and overall experience is fantastic. I love this vehicle. Its the nicest car I test drove and believe me I tested them all before the purchase

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  Comfort is so so - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Comfort - so so - September 9 - 12:51 pm

  I have owned my car for 17 months, bought is at 13k miles, now at 38,500k. So far its been very reliable except for one issue. It has a tendency to cut out or have minor hesitation when going up hills. Dealership says nothing is wrong, not hard coding. I use the 100% gas (non ethanol)and it seems to help. The front seats lack comfort. My back quickly starts hurting on trips, I must use a small pillow for the lumbar area. Have already had the following replaced: Driver side door lock, sun visor and window assembly.

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  The best car for the money... - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By AY - September 9 - 7:56 am

  This car is hands down the best car you can get for the price. It is very quiet and very roomy. I dont get as high a gas mileage as others reported (25 mpg highway). The only problem Ive had with the car is that shifting is not always smooth and you clearly feel the gear change.

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  exceeded expectations - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By verne - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I previously owned a ford Taurus 1996 and lost two auto transmissions, and ford would not give any help even though the transmission had only 50,000 miles, i had a factory new transmission installed and it lasted one year and 18,000 miles, but waranty said one year. So i decided to try the Hundai Sonata, and have found no troubles and been extremely happy with this car.

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  Outstanding value - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By John - September 8 - 11:56 am

  Bought this when our other car died. The interior and acceleration sold me and my wife. We have the 4 cylinder. No problem getting to highway speed off of ramp, and that speed is 70 mph. I make frequent 600 mile trips and check mileage. My last trip highway mileage was 31.5 , which is better than the sticker said. This was the last year for south Korean made sonatas. They are now made in Montgomery Alabama.

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  Looks like a Lexus for half the price - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By zaretroc - September 8 - 4:26 am

  I had walked into the dealer intent on purchasing a genesis coupe and drove out with the 2011 Sonata. Quiet smooth refined ride rated at 35 mpg hwy and a gorgeous exterior coupled with thoughtfully designed interior. Standard built in blue tooth to make and receive calls, power lumbar support for the back, best warranty in the business, 5 years roadside assistance that you dont pay extra for like toyoguard 699 for 3 yrs. puhleeez. peppy 4 cyl engine with direct fuel injection beautiful digital trip displays. I love this car and my 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe limited if you need something larger