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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  Great car - with only one issue - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By dean - June 20 - 10:00 am

  Replaced my (120,000 mi) 12 yr. old 6-Cyl EX with a Sonata Ltd. I was concerned about the 4-cyl engine - but it has plenty of power. Road noise is minimal compared to the Accord. Fuel economy is outstanding - in town and on the road. The standard package includes almost everything you could want - at several thousand less than an Accord. Ive put about 750 miles on so far. The only issue Ive had is the cruise control. It doesnt slow the car going downhill. I had it set at 60 mph - but it increased to over 70 and was increasing (from the downhill grade) when I finally hit the brakes.

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  Sick of Honda - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Sick of Honda - June 19 - 12:16 pm

  I am a life-long Honda and Toyota owner. But I bought the 2011 Sonota about 2 weeks ago, because my beloved 1999 Honda Accord Coupe with 138,000 miles has a blown head gasket (very disappointed). I love everything about the 2011 Sonata, except I wanted a stick shift but the dealer said it hard to find. For those who are still undecided, dont wait any longer - buy it! The value, power (198 HP), blue tooth, warranty, styling, comfort, trunk space, etc. The 2011 Sonata is a great car for the money. Eat your heart out Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Ford, GM. They are all overpriced!

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  Great car, great value - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By JasonPorter - June 19 - 1:56 am

  Bought Dealership loaner car with 4.5K miles to be used as Daily Driver. I had my eye on a Sonata since they changed the body style, but never made the jump until the interior upgrade. Hyundai has come a *long* way in 10 years - major kudos! Fit and finish is first class for the price and the warranty is amazing - this is a company that actively sought to make a car to pounce on Toyota and Honda buyers and succeeded. V6 rated at only 249 HP, but if you think you need more in a FWD car...you probably shouldnt be looking for a FWD car! If someone told me in 2000 I would one day choose to buy a Hyundai, Id have laughed. Now though, Im glad I did - major props for an *excellent* product!

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  2000 Hyundai Sonota sub frame rot - 2000 Hyundai Sonata
  By fariam - June 18 - 11:56 am

  I bought this car with 11000 miles on it. Overall it has been pretty reliable until about 75000 miles I have had to replace all the wheel bearings. Now at 86000 miles the sub-frame is rotted from the inside out. This is the first time I have ever seen a sub frame rot on a vehicle less than 14 years old. It is a shame that Hyundai will build a car that the sub frame rots from the inside out. This is very dangerous and costly to repair.

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  2005 Hyundai, Excellent value - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By Pete - June 17 - 9:22 pm

  Had this car for three years, 31000 miles. Absolutely nothing has gone wrong with this car. No rattles, everything works fine, mileage ok for a 6 cylinder. I would buy another in a heart beat.

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  First Hyundai and its been great - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By fearnewine66 - June 17 - 5:24 pm

  I must say I am very impressed with the sonata, my first brand-new car. I drive over 51k hard miles per year and I have had no mechanical problems. The vehicle is reasonably quick, the XM and all of the safety features are great and it is an excellent highway cruiser. Fuel economy is between 21- 29, Ive never cracked 30. Build quality is generally good but I dont think the paint should chip so easily nor should the plastic protectors at the bottom flake off. Still this vehicle is an absolute bargain, I considered a Camry and accord and the Hyundai drives just as well them---at a lower price and a with a better warranty:)

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  Good car for the money - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By patriot44 - June 17 - 3:04 pm

  Car handles very well. Gas mileage is GREAT!! Head room in front is not very good. Cup holder in the front is not very secure. Lots of room for a mid- size car. I test drove a Honda Accord and a Toyota Camry and this car drives as well or better than both of them. Not as nice inside, but for the money its a very good car.

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  Quality, Reliable Luxury with Tiny Price - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By Christina - June 17 - 12:45 pm

  My 2005 Sonata has all the bells that you would expect to find on a car that costs $10K more. Its zippy - great for driving to work - and in the 3+ years Ive owned it, I have NOT ONCE had any issues. It is the most maintenance-free vehicle I have ever owned. (Had a Ford Explorer and Mits. Eclipse before - both were ALWAYS in the shop.) In fact, 3 other family members have since bought Hyundais (new and used) and no one has had any mechanical problems, which leads me to believe that the negative reviews are fairly isolated. I am now looking to buy the Veracruz - sticking with Hyundai because of the value & quality of its product. I trust Hyundai and definitely would buy another.

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  Look before you buy a Toyota or Honda! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Frank - June 17 - 9:46 am

  I was looking for a reliable, fuel efficient car to replace my SUV. I drove cars from Honda, Toyota and Nissan. On a whim, I drove the Sonata. What a surprise! Its as smooth and quiet as a Lexus and sips gas like a Civic. Outstanding warranty, huge trunk, great looks, and thousands less than the competition. Only have 10,000 miles so I cant speak to reliability, but so far so good.

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  great used car! - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By BIG DADDY - June 16 - 2:06 pm

  This car has never broke down and been to the dealer for unnecessary service. This has been the most dependable car I have ever owned. Great mileage! 34 mpg highway. I have put on more than 75,000 mile. When I trade in someone will have a great car.