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:
Showing 801 through 810 of 3,413.00-
Best Mid-size family sedan - period. - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
By Happyguy - May 4 - 5:46 pmMy wife and I have now put a little over 2000 miles on our 2006 Sonata V6 GLS and are extremely pleased. No problems whatsoever. Very comfortable in city driving and on the highway. Many passengers and guest drivers have commented on the quietness of the ride and stealthy performance. "Were there already? It didnt seem we were going that fast". Comparably equipped V6 Camrys and Accords go for $7K more, did not drive as well and came with a substantially inferior warranty. Weve been getting between 21 - 22 mpg in the city and average 29 - 30 on the hwys through the mountains going 80 mph, with 4 passengers and the AC on. Have yet to approach the limits of the motor.
-
Love this car! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
By damaestro119 - May 3 - 2:04 pmI needed a new car that I think would last a long time. Went to a few dealers and could not find a good deal until I stopped at a Hyundai dealer, and I test drove this car. I am 64" tall, and in my experience, it was always hard to find comfort in a car, until now. I have tons of head and leg room, with much room to spare. The performance of this car has been exceptional for the 2 years I have had it. It takes off fast when I need it too, I can pass on the highways easily, and with the ESC, it handles great in the snow (I live in Michigan). It was a great purchase and has never let me down as of yet, and it saved myself quite a few dollars over other cars with the same options!
-
Good car bad dealers - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
By bikermark - May 3 - 11:16 amThe Sonata runs god and has nice power. the seats could have better thigh suport. The build quility could be better. But the worst thing is the dealer attitude. My rear brakes howl when i turn left, and the dealer refuses to do anything because this only happens to the 4 cyl. cars. the paint is peeling off on the bumper. the seat rattles and the dealer says they cant do anything because thats how they build these things. So i went to the other dealer in town who also sells buick and doesnt have any time or desire to help a hyundai owner. So Im going back to Toyota where Ive always got very good cars and very good service. Hyundai a good car but not there yet.
-
Great car! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
By Edwin Lebish - May 3 - 1:43 amLove this car! It drives, feels great and handles well. Many people ask me what kind of car it is. Havent had anyone that didnt like the looks. Seems to be real quiet and smooth on most roads. As expected, the 17 inch tires ride a little rough on rough roads. Brakes are the best and power versus torque is good, especially at speeds over 60. The 5 speed will downshift when going up hills simply because of high gearing the company uses for better mileage due to EPA requirements. The stability control works well and the headlights and visibility are great! After driving the competition, this Sonata is the clear winner, especially when price is a factor as it is for me since I am retired.
-
A Winner Indeed! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
By Dion - May 2 - 6:56 pmThe 2006 Hyundai Sonata GLS V6 is the first new car Ive purchased since 1993 and its a pleasing alternative to perennial family sedan favorites like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Fit and finish of the interior materials are superb and the exterior design is simple yet fluid. The controls are well thought-out and easy to use (I hate referring to the owners manual to learn how to use knobs and dials). In addition, the drivers seat offers a commanding view of traffic while the overall impression of the Sonata is that of a much larger, smoother sedan. By the way, I did test drive the Ford Fusion and found that, while competent, American auto manufacturers have been leap-frogged again
-
Hyundai I never seen before - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
By Kevin - May 2 - 9:03 amThis 235 horse Sonata is better than I expected. It is faster, smoother, and I guess bigger. The road handles great especially in the highway. At 70-80 mph, the road noise was exceptionally reduced. Compared to my old Accord, Sonata is much better in quality, price, warranty, features, power, room, comfort, almost every detail in Sonata beats Accord. It is too bad there is no manual for V6s. There is a shiftronic, but whats the difference with automatic if it shifts by itself in the redline? You have to test drive this amazing machine before you go anywhere else, you just might be in a surprise...
-
great all around - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
By jay - May 2 - 3:23 ampeople have been saying great things about the sonata and im one of them. shopped accord, camry, g6, altima and narrowed down to sonata and accord. got the sonata cuz of better styling, warranty, roominess, and price. but after driving it, i think i still wouldve got it even if it was more expensive, and the warranty was the same. the car is roomy, quiet, fast, and looks great. especially in black, it looks to be in the same class as an audi a4 or acura tl.
-
A big improvement for Hyundai but just needs a few refinements - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
By oldsroyale - May 1 - 11:08 pmThe fuel economy is good for a car with 275HP and the 22/33 MPG is accurate. The dual scroll turbo is almost lag-free. The 6sp is smooth and responsive and the paddles are fun. The electric steering is NOT refined. The car wanders and likes to follow the road camber. Handling is solid but the stock 18” tires are mediocre, and they are NOT suitable for snow. I needed winter tires. The seats are too hard and can get uncomfortable. The NAV unit is OK but frustrating at times. The voice recognition is OK, but inputting a destination by voice is hard. The disappointing Dimension system sounds muffled and tinny for AM/FM and XM and OK with USB or iphone. iPhone/USB media integration good
-
Style with a kick - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
By mike - April 28 - 3:00 amComfort with some major kick!! This car puts some of my mustangs to shame. Transmission is silky smooth and the over-all performance of this car is just awesome. Highway gas mileage is 30+and around town at a respectible 25. Buy this car,you wont be disappointed.
-
sonata 99 - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
By edavid42 - April 28 - 2:00 amthe only thing I can say in a negative light is that the transmission in the 0-5 mi per hour range feels loose.