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 until 100K mile, now very disappointed - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By John - May 11 - 5:45 pm

  All schedule maintenance had been done on my car and despite that. Right after my 100K warranty ran out in year number 3! 1. Starter failed at 105K miles 2. Engine replaced at 135K miles after usual hwy trip the engine light flickered went off and then followed by engine noise *(knocking or ping). Other than that great car. I thought this car would have been as reliable as my 2001 Hynadia Elantra which is still running with 207K mile on it.

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  Best Investment for lowest dollar - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jbond - May 11 - 5:11 pm

  Minimal cost other than routine maintenance, oil changes, tires, brakes. Gas mileage better than stated on sticker in fact, at 145,000 miles better than when first purchased. Handles excellant, rides like new after the miles. Best vehicle I have ever purchased. Mistaken for much more expensive vehicles - BMW, Mercedes and jag with the price of a Yugo.... LOL workmanship much better than any vehicle I have driven, including multiple rentals since I drive approx 100,000 per year for work. Have never had to use the warranty other than for a dead battery which was on my behalf.

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  Great Car Very Safe - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Sheri - May 10 - 10:37 pm

  Excellent car had it for 4 years only had to replace battery , thermostat, and brakes, only maintenance i did was change oil every 3000 miles, change out coolant ,change timing belt and all other belts and air filters and of course oil filters and wiper blades did NO other maintenance . Car saved my life in a major accident recently. Did excellent job in crash. Was hit by other vehicle going 80 mph. and I walked away with only minor bruises and a little soreness, of course was wearing seat belt, But the car was totaled but I was unhurt for the most part. Could not ask for better car. Great gas mileage and reliability. Get Gap Protection it is worth the investment!!

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  Pretty good overall - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Joe from Chicago - May 8 - 6:43 pm

  Overall its a very nice car. The interior feel is very upscale. My wife is not thrilled with backseat storage and there are only 4 cupholders, 2 in the back seat arm rest, but other than that it is a very nice car. Only 1100 miles so far. The mileage is a little lower than stated, but I do a lot of short hop type of driving, so I can understand that. Also, weather has been cold/chilly which also affects it and I probably havent gotten past the break-in period. Other than that, I love it. XM 3 month trial is very nice. The sound system and radio are awesome. You have to buy a $30 cable for the IPOD to work correctly, but its awesome. Ride could be a little smoother, but overall is good.

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  Love it! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Susan - May 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had it a few week, but I love it. So easy and fun to drive. It has plenty of pick-me-up which surprised me since its a 4-cyl. I think its the classiest look on the road. Does everything the high end cars do but at a much better price. I highly recommend it.

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  Looks great, but... - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By themightyinf - May 8 - 12:56 am

  Bold lines. Great styling. This car will catch your eye, and hold it. Great value, and a great size. But all is not how its seems. Listed as a full size sedan, however... its not. Seems better suited as a mid-size. The 2.4 l four cylinder is great for saving gas, but forgets that its supposed to make the car move at times. Its got a better rear end than a Mustang GT... more modern anyway. But warning... the ride is rough as an old woodie rollercoaster! How nice would this be if the rear wheels pushed instead of dragged the car down! Still, this car is better than what you will find in most places (cough cough, chevy cruze, cough cough)...

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  More and more disappointed :( - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Brittany - May 7 - 8:58 am

  When I bought my car I loved it! I called it my baby Jag. 5 months after I bought it the airbag light came on, the dealership couldnt fix it. After 3 years of ownership, the engine blew because the timing belt broke. No check engine light ever went on. I was 1,000 miles over the warranty limit. It cost me $3500 for a new one. One year after the replacement of the engine the check engine light came on and now I dont want to deal with this car anymore! I thought Hyundais were supposed to be good cars. Apparently not after so many years. :(

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  Old Timer Report - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Sloto - May 6 - 11:51 am

  Bought new because of the big price diff over Accord and Camry. Have no regrets. Was a sport car nut in my younger days so I expect handling. This one performs well for a big car. Think maybe next time I will opt for the 4cyl (mileage) and regular tires. (These are not as comfy or as quiet as the standard I suspect). Has a great cruise, much smoother than Camry. Has ventilation recirculate when detecting pollutants. Never saw that on others. Has the best oil filter location I have seen on any new car (under hood on top) "couldnt believe it" Better get one before the pricing is up to Camry and Accord standards

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  Love it but.... - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By vote4honesty - May 6 - 3:54 am

  I purchased my 2011 Sonata in Jan. It is a comfortable car, great trunk space, runs well and looks great but...... after two months in my possession I noticed a small area on the trunk that is rusting. The area is very small on the passenger side of the trunk door above the brake light. On the driver side same thing but no rust just missing paint. I took it to dealership for repair (covered under warranty)and they gave me a 2011 Sonata loaner which I checked, of course, for the same problem and YES it did have issue. Before purchasing you may want to check for this manufacturers defect. Otherwise, love my car.

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  Gene - Richmond, VA - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Gene - May 5 - 3:30 pm

  The car looks great- runs great for a 4 cylinder-plenty of power when needed- gas mileage average to date 31 - This is my third Hyundai and they get better each time-