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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  Third Hyundai Owned Review - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jack - August 15 - 12:26 pm

  I purchased mt car on 31 Dec 2008 and it now has 7,200 miles on it. I have owned 3 Hyundais and have NEVER had one in the shop! My last was an 07 SE. This time I decided not to buy another chaepo model. I have installed a rear spoiler color matched and a K&N air filter since purchasing. When I drive the new 4 cylinder car, it was hard to believe it was a 4. The old 4 cylinder was a pure dog!

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  _ - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By RandyT - August 15 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Sonata (lost a 2000 base to an accident) and I love it. Since 2000 they have made a number of small but appreciated changes including split folding seats, more space efficient trunk hinges, and a power outlet in the trunk. IÂ’m still in the break in period, but even without revving the engine the car has plenty of power. I would recommend it to my friends.

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  bang for buck - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By rick - August 14 - 7:46 pm

  Bought the 06 lx new off the floor in Aug 05 after owning an 02 sonata. Much improved power, handling, style. Gas mileage was not improved - due to improved power. My wifes car is a MB E320 and yes, a far better ride, but, considering you could buy 2 1/2 sonatas for the same price . Its not sexy, but the safety features, warranty, and thus far reliability (40K) cant be beat. Im impressed with Hyundai - put a different badge on this car and the price would jump $15K.

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  Missing my Sonata - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Becky Krzemen - August 13 - 7:36 pm

  I bought my Sonata used and had it for two wonderful years before my 16 year old totaled it. The car kept her perfectly safe and didnt even look back after the accident. I cried when the insurance man said, "total loss". That was the best car I have ever owned, I never had a single problem with that car. It was so fun to drive and I loved the exterior style. The gas mileage wasnt as good as I would have liked but I sure miss my Sonata. I ordered a brand new Sonata today, Im sold!

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  like new used sonata - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By jmarkten - August 12 - 12:23 pm

  I like everything about our 2007 Sonata The safety features were a great selling point for the dealer. We like the gas mileage @ about- 26 in city driving. This is my first foreign model car, and I wish I had been turned onto these years ago, but at least I can enjoy mine now. I have Parkinsons Disease and entering and exiting a car is very important. This fits the bill for me. We enjoy driving this car because of the peace of mind we have concerning safety features. Weve only had this Sonata a month, and already I am heartily suggesting Hyundais to relatives and others...as I am doing here. I am already considering upgrading to a new 2009 Sonata.!

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  Great Bang for the Buck - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Terry - August 11 - 3:56 am

  I was in the market for a mid-size sedan. I considered all the usual suspects (i.e. Accord, Camery, Malibu, etc.). However, after doing a lot of research on the net and reading various articles, I decided that the new Sonata gave the best "Bang for the Buck". I picked up a LX model with a V6 for only 20K+. I figure it was at least $5,000 less than a honda or toyota. I have had it 9 months so far with no (zero) problems. It is both silent and powerful. My previous car was a 4 Cylinder Altima. I was afraid that I would get much worse gas mileage from a V6. However, I have been pleased by the Sonata. I am getting about 23 MPG around the city and almost 31 MPG during pure (interstate) driving.

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  Fun, Fun, Fun - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By KJ - August 10 - 1:06 pm

  This car is a true beauty. Its quiet, powerful, elegant and full featured. This car is an unbelievable value. For around $25K, you get practically every luxury feature worth having. And to top that off it has the best fuel economy in its class. Im finding new reasons to jump in my car and just drive for no apparent reason other than the joy of it. Fun, fun and more fun!

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  Sonata Soars - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Waggle63 - August 10 - 10:00 am

  We love this car. I have 2 young boys 8 & 4 and they love to go for a ride in this car. It has good sight lines when driving. It is very comfortable for me (64" 250 lbs.) to drive as well as my wife 52". We will definately look at future products from this company as time comes to replace our other vehicles. It has a great warranty too.

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  best value for the money - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By thopaine - August 8 - 6:08 am

  After 3 years and 24000 miles,I say that this auto has lots of pep,is very reliable, very inexpensive to operate and maintain,is safe,and looks and feels good to drive.One possible negative is the seats can be a little uncomfortable. Best car for the money on the market today.

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  Great Car So Far. - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Holajn - August 8 - 3:33 am

  This has been a great car for my family. We have had to replace the radio twice already. It had several electronic glitches. The warranty covered it and will cover future repairs for the next ten years. The Sonata is additionally very efficient, it has plenty of horsepower which still managing to get 29 mpg on the highway.