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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  proud to drive a hyundai - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By p anderson - September 7 - 10:39 pm

  After the unfortunate experience of having my 96 Acura TL (paid for, only 95k miles) totaled, I reluctantly began to look for its replacement. I found this car after a long search and slowly fell for it. The Sonata has won me over. Mileage is good, fit & finish are nice, good quality leather and the interior is really roomy. The engine is bigger, so Im enjoying the power. Pretty good pickup, and though it doesnt claim to be sporty, i find that it handles well enough for my taste. The funniest thing is convincing people that a Hyundai is more than a low end, minimally styled car. Im still grieving the loss of my Acura, but am so far very pleased with my "new" Hyundai.

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  Fantastic Economy Sedan - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By GregoryJoseph - September 7 - 9:07 pm

  I purchased my 2007 Sonata in August of 2006 and it has been to Canada twice (I live in New Jersey) Tennessee, and around New York City on numerous occasions. The gas mileage has been outstanding, usually averaging 34 MPG on the long trips and around 25 MPG locally and in the city. The trunk is ENORMOUS, and the rear seat has plenty of room for adults, including those over 6 feet tall. Its reasonably comfortable and probably the best "bang for your buck" mid-sized sedan on the market.

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  Love it ! - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By TylerJames - September 7 - 7:04 pm

  Well, I bought my car 2 months ago. Im 16. Its kinda big for a 16 year old. But I like it b/c it suits me. I like the exterior design and the interior is tan and shows stains. Car takes off slow u must put your foot into it. Other than that I love the gas mileage and the way it looks. My friends also insist we take my car when we go somewhere. So overall I love it. It also looks brand new when its 5 years old.

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  09 limited V6 - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By noelclark - September 4 - 3:56 pm

  Just ended a lease on an infiniti m35 and picked up the 09 limited v6 with nav. So far I have put 1800 miles on it including one 800 mi. Trip. I looked at the Camry, accord and altima but went with the sonata based on reviews and price. I was out the door for just over 23k and that was with every option. The sticker was over 30k. I am getting just under 30 mpg on the highway and low 20s in town. Considering my last infiniti was just over 50k loaded and I could have bought 2 of these with money left over its an amazing deal. Just like Hyundais advertisement says "think about it" I am glad I did.

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  2006 Hundai Sonata GLS V6 - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By MrJim911 - September 2 - 1:30 pm

  I love this car. I traded in my reliable 2001 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4Cyl and got this Sonata. Its much bigger, the V6 is powerful and the car is very good with handling.

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  waste money for a 35k miles 2000 sedan - 2000 Hyundai Sonata
  By josua - September 2 - 10:43 am

  I bought this car from a first owner, then I lost the 100k miles warranty. Rear wheel bearing, left front shaft, oxygen sensor, mass air flow sensor, tps sensor, front disc breakes worn out at 45k miles too much money to spend for a 70k miles car. Speed transmision sensor dealer said $500 plus 105 diagnostic fee. Crazy waste money. I drove this car by 20k miles and I have been spended at least 1500 dollars in parts and labor. So the fabricants are supposed to put some recalls for this car. The people who knows about cars doesnt recomend me Hyundai or kia any more. I dont understand how a company advertise 100k miles warranty for this car.

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  For a Fleet Car-Its great! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Daniel @ Enterprise - September 2 - 12:10 am

  This is my company car provided by a fleet services company. I have to admit, when they first said what I was getting, I was a bit disappointed. However, after driving this for just a weekend, I am completely sold. Its responsiveness and driveability is incredible. It is extremely comfortable on the inside and Im a big guy. Car seat fits perfect in the back seat with plenty of room. The V6 is very impressive with a heck of a response. While driving, you dont even realize that youre driving a Hyundai. For a sticker price of $23K, anyone would be extremely pleased with this vehicle. A+++++

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  My sonata is rusting after a year - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Timat21 - August 31 - 2:40 am

  I have a 4cycl Hyundai sonata 2.4 liter, when I first purchase the vehicle it had only 20 miles on it after a year I have over 42000 miles on the vehicle, it is a fun vehicle to drive and it handle very well on long trips, the vehicle does not burn much gas what so ever, the only problem I have with this vehicle at this time is that it is rusting out the rims and the hood of the car, this should not be happening to a one year old car.

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  Youve got what you paid for - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Alex Novikov - August 30 - 7:10 am

  Overall - its a car worth its money, and I believe, problems with earlier production car will be fixed in the future. 15 MGP city/26 highway - come on - its ridiculous. Weird noises from the rear suspension and gas tank, driver seat gives me a backpain, my car is equipped with a subwoofer, yet, the bass quality is even worse then standard LX audio.

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  Very Solid Midsizer - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By cruzefan1 - August 28 - 2:20 pm

  I traded in a 2013 Ford Fusion for a 2015 Hyundai Sonata back in mid October. After having the car for a little over a month I can say the new Sonata is a very solid choice in the crowded mid-sized car segment. Its very comfortable, has a smooth and quiet ride and also gets better fuel mileage than the Fusion I traded in. The car has adequate power and also is very roomy. The only cons I would say about the car is its not as exciting to drive as say the Mazda 6 and also the styling is a little more conservative than the outgoing model but is still a very sleek looking car! So far on fuel mileage Im averaging around 31 mpg combined and with the Fusion I got about 27.