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:

• 

  2011 Sonata 2.0T - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By walt10683 - June 14 - 10:54 pm

  I purchased a 2.0T SE, I love the gas mileage and power but these cars have had hundreds complains concerning the steering. If there is a crown in the road at highway speeds, the car will pull hard towards it. Please test drive yours if youre thinking of buying! In the left highway lane. Hyundai is not fixing the problem.

• 

  Great Car - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By ALEX - June 14 - 2:36 pm

  Excellent mid-sized car and outstanding value. Tried Chevy Malibu but like this much better. Great looking car.

• 

  Go get one - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Steve - June 12 - 4:06 pm

  I am really happy with this purchase. Test drove the Accord and 06 Camry. This car beats both of them on performance and feel. Then comparing price and warrantee is what sold it for me. I paid 18000 "Out the Door" for mine. For $1500 more I could get a v4 Accord or Camry. Big deal - the H on my car is an italics H - as opposed to the non-italic Honda H. I like the cars style and feel and general value. No issues. Its quick and fun to drive. I only wish I got the LTD with leather and the better stereo. While not "necessary" they would be nice luxuries for just another $1200.

• 

  its a good buy for the money - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By william r obrien - June 11 - 10:00 am

  very nice on hiway also around town

• 

  Love my 2011 Sonata - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By faithhope2011 - June 10 - 6:54 pm

  I got my 2011 Sonata in March and I will say that I have never thought I would own a Hyundai again. I had a 2000 Hyundai Accent and then a 2002 Hyundai Accent and I was very disappointed with car. But since the new model came out for the Sonata I was totally in love with the way it looked and I honestly was willing to give Hyundai another try and Im happy I did. I had a Mazda 6 and Im happy I no longer have that car. The Sonata is so much better hands down. When I went to test drive the Sonata has soon as I sat in the car I was sold. My father went from a S class Mercedes to the Hyundai Eqqus and I thought why not try it out. I guess I can say that we are now a "Hyundai Family".

• 

  Good car for the price range - 2000 Hyundai Sonata
  By walt7873 - June 9 - 11:15 pm

  We purchased our car in 2002 with 50000 miles on it. We havent had any major problems with it. The engine still has lots of pep after 78000 miles and the AC is ice cold. Our Sonata has tons of features that other cars in its price range cant touch. The interior feels classy and it rides smooth. It has been a great car for us.

• 

  I love my new Sonata - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By BRIAN - June 8 - 12:26 am

  Love this car..its my second one..I had a 2004 for 19 months and upgraded to a 2007..Ive only had the new car 10 days but I cant pry myself away from it..Handles great in the snow with the ESC traction that assists with that. Great value..Ive recommended the car to 3 people already.

• 

  WOW - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By geosh06 - June 7 - 5:23 pm

  I just bought a 2006 Sonata LX with the moonroof and subwoofer add. I really wanted the new Honda Acoord but after pricing the new Sonata i just could not justify paying $3,000 more for a 4cyl Honda Accord Ex. The only improvement i can sugguest for Hyundai to do is to add a channel changing button to the steering wheel volume controls. If you have been kicking over the idea of buying a Sonata like i have just go ahead and get one... You will be pleased.

• 

  sure not sorry - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By sure not sorry - June 7 - 3:56 pm

  Very pleased for the first 1,000 miles.Went on two 400 mile trips and by on board comp. avg 35.1 mpg and 35.5 for second.50/50 freeway/city. Hard to believe but welcomed.Very quiet and smooth ride. All passengers commented on how comfortable the seating was.The 175hp 4 cyl engine has all the power most anyone would ever need.Ive had more expensive cars but I really dont think they did any better than this Sonata.

• 

  Navigation system - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By watsowil000 - June 5 - 9:26 pm

  When we picked up the car the navigation was not hooked up correctly and the dealer "fixed" it for us, but it took three days (signs of bad things to come). Less than a month later we took it to North Carolina and the nav system went out again. Dealer there was helpful and put in a new one for us. 8 months later it is not working again. It si a great car, but I would not spend the extra for the nav system-they are not real helpful in getting it fixed and even when calling the help line they are not good at letting us know what is being done to remedy the problems.