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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  My Wifes New Sonata - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By jimpimms - July 8 - 12:26 am

  It would be difficult to find a better car for the price, or even a few thousand more. Even though I dislike the mushy suspension, its a very comfortable and substantial highway cruiser, and has enough power -- even with the 4-cyl -- for the average driver. Nice touches, like Shiftronic transmission, Michelin MXV4 Energy Plus tires, illuminated window controls, strut supported hood and trunk lid, over-center trunk lid hinges, fog lamps, big radio/CD buttons, extra power outlets. Theres plenty of interior space for four large adults. All in all, its an extremely good car, and affordable, too.

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  Looks and Reliability - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Tim Murphy - July 7 - 9:43 am

  Not only does the 2007 Sonata look great, but the performance is amazing. I was sold the second I pulled out for the test drive. Roomy, comfortable, and zero cabin noise.

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  Love the car, but bumper is flimsy - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jean - July 6 - 6:13 pm

  Mpg is great-36-39 on a trip, ride is comfortable, looks modern. Big drawback or design flaw -if you scrape the front bumper you dont have just a cosmetic problem. On drivers side we didnt have any collision or bump and it separated from the fender. We scraped the bumper on a curb on the passenger side while backing out and the entire bumper separated from the body of the car. It is held on by tiny flimsy tongue in groove construction like a snap together kids toy. We were going about 2 miles per hour. Were told that the bumper would have to be replaced. This is our second sonata (2007 which we loved) but this one is poorly constructed and bumper is poorly designed, too low on sides

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  A great car for the price - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Sam Zee - July 6 - 2:59 pm

  I have over 20000 miles and this car has been really fun and highly reliable. I get about 22 MPG around town and over 26 MPG on the road. I got the v-6 with leather and all the options including the spoiler, that really gives it a great look. Take a real good look at this car.

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  Great Car - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Tewsley - July 6 - 5:16 am

  Who would expect a perfect car to come with NO floor mats? Even a go cart has them - only complaint.

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  the perfect affordable car - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By PALADIN - July 4 - 10:00 am

  The car was afordable (just over $15,000) and is a LOT of car for the money. Other than changing the oil and filters, no maintainence has been needed or required. I have used the car on several multi-state trips with my wife and two teenage daughters and the trips have been comfortable and fun. A great car.

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  No Such Thing As A Perfect Vehicle, But ... - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By jewopaho - July 4 - 9:40 am

  ... this one really comes close. My preference is mid-sized cars with high-end trim levels ... Camry XLE, Accord EX-L, etc. This is my first Sonata Limited, but not my last. It compares very favorably with its Nissan, Toyota and Honda counterparts ... theyre all great vehicles, and given that I dont buy new cars, availability is limited. This one is exactly what Id have purchased new ... and with only 11k miles (and at $10k less), its close enough! The ride is smooth, power (both cruising and takeoff) is more than adequate, gas mileage (overall about 26 mpg) is fine, and the creature comforts far exceed the competition. Hyundai is now a major player in the mid-size market!

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  Great Deal on a 2007 Sonata - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Bryan Wood - July 1 - 12:47 pm

  We recently purchased this vehicle as a one year old vehicle. Has compared it with the 2008 Accord, Camry, Corolla, and Malibu. The price was great, and we saved $6- 7000 over the 2008 Accord or Camry. We are impressed. The car is roomy, comfortable, quiet, and has great trunk space. It feels like a much larger and higher priced car. Safety Features and Warranty are great and better than other comparables. MPG has been 24-25 average, high twenties on the highway. The fit and finish is very good to excellent. It does not feel or sound like a 4 cylinder at all. Very easy to park, and fits in the garage well due to short trunk lid. Great headroom and glass area. I would recommend to friends.

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  Good 1st Car - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mike - July 1 - 3:52 am

  I bought this car for my wife, whom is also an import, for a first car to learn with. I was pleasantly surprised with the handling. The car feels very nimble even in the mountains. The 4 cyl engine is smooth, but noisy. Not bad after getting moving at a moderate pace. Everything is built cheap and lightly, which probably explains the nimbleness. It has standard cloth seats which are not very comfortable. Good gas mileage.

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  Good Value - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Steve Lautenschlager - June 28 - 8:33 am

  I would recommend this car based on price, performance and reliability. The 6 cyl engine has sufficient acceleration and the car handles very nicely. Change the timing belt prior to 70k miles (highly recommended). Overall, I am very happy with this purchase.