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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  Engine Light / Emissions / Gas - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By mgm - July 31 - 9:13 am

  This is my second Hyundai - I previously had the Elantra with over 100k miles - some minor issues brought the 2009 Sonata - been in shop 3xs in last 2 weeks - dealers states its EVP emissions - see no recall on net with other owners - at wits end with new car having issues

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  Worth every dime. Best value. - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Dennis - July 29 - 11:42 am

  Paid $17,500 for it while competition was going for 19 to 22,000. Bang for the buck could not be beat. Very, very good car.

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  33000 mi update - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By 56mouseman - July 28 - 8:59 pm

  I leased this loaded 06 lx because I was leery of Hyundai as brand. 3 yrs.& 33k mi. Later I am going to buy it. Still love the car I spite of the 2 things that bug me=the seatbelt warning bell is going to die after I buy it and the am radio is the worst I have ever had (29 cars). I was going to buy a 09 but I hated the black carpet in the light interior. Stupid and cheap looking. (all the 08 ltds were gone!) I average 24-25 mpg with the v6

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  Driving it my way to the bank - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jason - July 28 - 2:20 pm

  Its a great car. I have owned it for over a year. If you can get passed the name plate your well on your way to a great ownership experience. If you have too much money go ahead and buy something else. But in all reality- this car has almost everything else beat in its class at a significantly lower price point. Engine is great. Interior fits my 6ft 2in 210lb frame very well. Its really quiet at freeway speeds. Its easy to get in and out of. The sound system w/ subwoofer is actually really quite good.

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  Great car great value - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Love this car - July 28 - 11:06 am

  I really enjoy driving this car. I have owned many cars and this ranks with any of them. It is not quite as enjoyable to drive and as luxurious as my grandprix gtp but it also didnt cost as much and it has excellent safety features and warranty. I have never heard of a car with so many options at such a low cost 19k. I will buy another hyundai when I buy my next car!

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  satisfied - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By jenn - July 26 - 5:20 pm

  I love my Hyundai the only thing that is negative is the horrible beeping sound it makes when the seat belt isnt connected. I cant even start the car without it beeping. The Sonata thinks you will die if you are parked in your driveway without your seat belt on!!

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  Worst Car Ever - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By worstcarever13 - July 26 - 3:10 pm

  Purchasing this car is the worst decision we ever made. Upon taking delivery and driving the car home I noticed the steering is crooked to track the car straight. My husband asked if I wanted to take the car back and since I worked at a car dealership I said no and had faith Hyundai could fix it and to this day they still havent and cant give a reason why. The steering wheel/column also vibrates/rattles when going over bumps in the road. Theyve replaced the column and rack numerous times and it never fixes the problem. We contacted Hyundai corporate and they werent even interested in trying to do anything to make us happy customers. Do yourself a favor and dont waste your time or money.

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  A Great Car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Larry Maxick - July 26 - 11:00 am

  I have driven every make and most models in my seventy years, and this by far the greatest car I have ever owned, I cant much for the local dealership, which is not where I bought it.

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  Great Value - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Shahid - July 24 - 6:43 am

  I have owned the car for about 6 months. I am proud to own this car. So far I am happy with every aspect of it. The fuel economy is is great, about 26 mpg combined hwy and cty. I love the mp3 player.

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  Low Tire Pressure - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By kristinadd - July 22 - 5:55 pm

  I bought this car in April of 2011. All through summer and now into the winter, the low tire pressure light has been coming on and I have to bring it into the dealership and have them record it since it is a leased car. They say its because of the weather getting cold but on 80 degree days, I dont believe that at all! Other than that, it is a great car, very big and spacious. Though, very EASY to hit curbs!