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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  paint issues - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By bob nolan - June 5 - 3:03 pm

  well,I have 18,000 miles on my limeted 4cly,and have no major huge issues,we drove from Wisconsin to South of tucson this feb and avg 27.9 mpg,nice ride and love the handling and no blind spots,rotated tires as factory pressure settigs wear middle of tires out.I am concerned about the paint and feel its thin and cheaply done,chips easy and wife had luggae slip out of hads and the paint Rolled off trunk bunmber area,black molded plastic.No dealer help,I think dealers lie and warranty means crap to them as a whole,I plan on having this car along time ,so we shall see.gps was hard to get used to but love it,like heated seats and sun roof,I think it is owrth what I paid $22,000.not penny more

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  Great fuel, great warranty - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Sonata Lover - June 3 - 6:37 am

  I was looking for an inexpensive car that would take a beating. I own a farm on a dirt road but drive a distance on expressways to get there. My Sonata gets great mileage, especially around 60 MPH. The few minor problems I have had have been fixed for free and without a long wait. Exactly what I was looking for from a warranty.

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  problems with Sonata - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By John Franklin - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Transmission problem right off the lot Recall from corporate about the side airbags being too sensitive Horsepower misrating 181 should be 170 Missing dome light in rear roof area Hyundai says it will cost $1200-$1300 to install one... My gripe? It should have been there to begin with!

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  BRAND SPANKING NEW (NEARLY) - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Rollon - June 1 - 11:53 pm

  Automatic headlights and lower fuel prices would make this vehicle the ultimate mover.

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  I love all things Hyundai - 2001 Hyundai Sonata
  By CoraNecole - June 1 - 9:09 pm

  I am the proud owner of four Hyundais. Three Sonatas and one Accent. Did have a 99 Elantra. I just passed to my daughter my "01 Sonata after buying a new "08". I just love that car. I told my kids as they got old enough to drive that if they wanted me to buy them a car that it could only be a Hyundai. When you come to my house it looks like a dealership. I will forever be loyal to the Hyundai family of cars. They have taken great care of my family. With the exception of one problem caused by human error, my run with the brand has been great. I am now looking forward to the Genesis. GO HYUNDAI!!!!

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  Still loving it after 9 months... - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By KimN - June 1 - 2:36 am

  I bought my Sonata in Sept. 2008, so it has been over 9 months now and I am still loving my car. I love the redesigned interior. It feels luxurious and elegant and not at all cheap. All the buttons are in easy reach, and the dash emits a nice blue glow at night. I have had lots of compliments on the smooth ride and comfortable seats. The trunk is spacious. The ride is smooth and handles very well. I got so much car for the price (leather, heated seats, sunroof, XM).

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  25,000 miles then expect to pay. - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By mikeyave - May 31 - 6:31 pm

  After 25,000 miles I brought my 2011 Sonata in for service as the engine light was on. At this time I was told I needed new front brakes and tires. I called Hyundai customer service on this and explained to them that I have leased cars for many years and have never had the brakes or tires needing replacement and that one of the reasons I lease every 3 years is so I dont have to deal with the high cost of these kind of repairs. I was told by Hyundai customer service that these repairs were necessary due to " normal wear and tear" my response to them was that I felt this was ridiculous, that if I drive my Sonata normal, after 25,000 miles expect to spend $600 to $700 for brakes and tires.

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  Excellent Car - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mark James - May 30 - 8:53 pm

  I purchased this car new and now have 104,000 miles on it. I have all the recommended services performed and have had NO problems at all. Very reliable and comfortable. After 4 years, I still enjoy driving this vehicle. I would recommend Hyundai to anyone wanting a lot of car for a lot less money than competitors.

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  Not Happy - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By very unhappy - May 29 - 9:49 am

  Thrilled to buy my first new car ever! Love the ride, never have achieved the 30 MPG on the sticker, closest is 27 MPG when the wind is at my back going 55. Climate control replaced in first month, armrest and window assembly in second month. Now it has rust spots on it which the dealership is calling industrial fallout. I pointed out that I have lived and worked in the same rural location for 22 years and have never had this happen to any other vehicle I have owned. They dont care. I have also had to replace burned out headlights 6 times. Wish I had stuck with buying used GMs. Now I am stuck with my nightmare "dream car". Good mind to drive about with a big lemon stuck on it.

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  WI Sonata - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mark - May 28 - 12:46 pm

  This car has a great look, runs great and best of all, saves big bucks on the gas tab. Only one issue... Every bump and crack is heard and felt. Suspension is lacking. Tried to drop tire air pressure and still no luck. Would I buy another one? YOU BET!