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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  WOW!!! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Bucsfan9889 - May 27 - 12:43 pm

  This is the car Ive been waiting for Hyundai to build. In 2002 my wife fell in love with a Santa Fe and I bought one for her, I thought it was ok but wasnt completely sold on it. I just bought the GLS V-6 with the 17" wheels and sunroof and couldnt be happier, The only minus I could possibly see is the stereo and no navigation option, but Im just nitpicking at this point. If they keep making cars like this I wont buy another brand of car.

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  Just top Prodigy - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By PRODIGY - May 26 - 1:03 pm

  very proud and happy to with what hyundai have done with its brand lately, my sonata was the base gl version i wanted an suv or either a toyota or honda sedan after testting several camrys and accords from diffrent dealers i almost bought the camry, i was so close to buy a camry that all i needed was to bring back a proof of insurance, but next door was a hyundai dealer so i gave my self options and now i drive a sonata gl, i love the pick up from the 4 banger engine, you dont feel too slow on the streets, very comfortable for even my 3 kids riding in the back seat, roomy interior and trunk, very good on ga$, the only time i take it to dealer is to change the oil not flaws yet,best warrant

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  Love this car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Kevin - May 21 - 10:54 am

  My first ever experience with Hyundai and I am very impressed with the overall package you get for the money. The V6 is a very strong motor with a sweet sound when revving it. Its proven to be a very reliable performer, I now have over 60k put on it and not a single problem. Just normal wear and tear items replaced. I drive this car very hard because the engine is so eager to please, and the 5spd auto shifts very nice. Fuel economy is decent, even when driven hard its not that bad. I have recently done performance upgrades to it including exhaust, intake and ECU reprogram and its noticeably quicker. 60mph now only takes 6 seconds to reach. I am now a fan of Hyundai.

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  Excellent Car For Price! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Las Vegas Len - May 21 - 6:23 am

  An excellent car for the price and a very good car in its class. I now have 5500 miles on my 2006 GL (four- cylinder, four-speed) and am quite pleased. City MPG is at or above the 24 advertised, but highway MPG is above the advertised 33 at about 65 MPH on cruise. Acceleration is what one should expect for a 4.2L mill; get the V-6 if you want quicker performance. Ride is quiet and comfortable with very good road and engine noise shielding. The four- speed is smooth, and the manual override is practical, fun and effective when needed! Drivers visibility is very good to excellent, and my 6-4" frame fits ok. Adjustable-height seatbelts assure a comfortable torso fit. I like this car!

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  Great Value - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By TBM - May 17 - 12:49 pm

  These cars are a great option at their curent price range

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  Your feet will freeze in the winter - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By Susan - May 16 - 9:52 pm

  I have put very few miles on this vehicle in the last year. Unable to drive long distances in the winter due to poor air flow to the floor board which is most uncomfortable during cold months. You can not have a comfortable ride in the winter with the climate control of this vehicle. Service advisor at dealership had an attitude with me when I complained after they stated that it runs "normal". Normal appears to be a real crappy heat system - beware if you live in a cold climate. There is also a blue glare from the dashboard that reflects into your side mirror making you think there are "blue lights" behind you. I am very disappointed with the heat issue and have owned a Hyundai for 13 years. Buying the extended warranty didnt help.

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  Great car for the price - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Al - May 15 - 1:16 pm

  Handles great on interstate as well as secondary roads. Good acceleration even with the 2.4 (4 cyl). Love the body styling, first foreign car I have purchased. It will not be the last.

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  Cool for a family car! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Gabe - May 15 - 5:00 am

  So far the car has amazed us with all the standard features. I really like the ac controls and the air bags that surround you and all the passengers. It looks make it seem like the car cost more than it really does. I was able to get my car at $500 back of invoice so the car came out under $20,000. Which is amazing for all the feature you get. I would guess for a Honda Accord with the same feature would cost around $26,000.

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  Great Car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Al - May 15 - 4:03 am

  I have had this car a little bit more than a year (28000 miles), and have only good things to say about it. Fun to drive, very reliable (only visits to the dealership are for scheduled services), very comfortable. Finding the right position on the drivers seat took me a while, but since then, absolutely no back pain or leg cramps. Sound system is very good. Gas mileage about 30 mpg highway @65 mph. Average runs about 24-25 mpg. Powerful engine. Quiet, smooth drive. In summary, you cant beat this deal. Plenty of car for the money.

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  Sick Of It!!!!!!!! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Anita - May 12 - 9:28 pm

  I have had this car for two years. I absolutely loved it when I first got it but that soon changed. First, the power window motor went out which the dealership replaced. Second, the alternator had to be replaced. Third, the engine had to be replaced. Fourth, the flywheel had to be replaced. Im just waiting to see what goes out next. I called the dealership to try to trade this piece of junk and was told to come down and they would help me trade and give me the employee price. That was a joke. I purchased a lemon from them and I was stuck with it. I wouldnt recommend this car or the dealership.After reading the reviews, most people seem to be satisfied. Now I know I purchased a lemon.