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 - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Smith - April 25 - 3:18 pm

  We love this car and will definitely get another Sonata. We had a 89 Honda Accord and this is just as good if not better.

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  Unbeatable Value ... Excellent Quality - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By John P. - April 25 - 10:16 am

  Some buyers think quality and price are synonymous ... but the Sonata is a perfect exception to that rule. Superior V6 performance with tight handling ... and satisfactory ride. At 33k miles, its been completely reliable. The fit and finish is very comparable to Honda ... but without the $4~5k extra price. This Alabama built "jewel" is a real winner !! Fuel economy is very acceptable for the engine size (25~27 mpg mixed driving). If you are looking for a quality mid-to-large size sedan, you will kick yourself for not looking at Hyundai. Truly the best "value play" on the market.

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  Welcome in the New Sonata - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By rkaslyfox - April 25 - 6:13 am

  If you were having any reservations about what your next family sedan should be, let me help. This is far and away the absolute best of the best. The fit and finish is approaching that of vehicles costing thousands more. You have options that are standard that arent even available on the competition (heated front AND rear seats as an example). The motor is more than adequate and extremely fuel efficient. I predict this vehicle will become the most highly acclaimed vehicle in the segment. The facts are undeniable and the vehicle itself stirs emotion!

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  Great Value for Money - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Swaroop - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I first looked at this car after stumbling on the J.D Power review in some news article. After a lot of research I test drove the Sonata LX and fell in love with this car. I also test drove the Toyota Corolla and Honda Accord. Corolla was just a good point A to point B type of car with no frills and thrills. Accord was similar to the Sonata. Well it was slightly better in terms of quality but it was atleast $8K/$9K more than the Sonata. The value for money was maximum in the Sonata. The Sonata is THE car for the cost-conscious person who wants a good car.

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  Sonata is big drive - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By truewbil - April 22 - 8:50 am

  There are so many add-ons and items of standard equipment!. You can spend 10 minutes telling friends about stability control, anti-lock brakes, Michellin radils, hugh trunck, foldable this, collapsible that, soft, interior, and with the V6, an engine that takes off like a 3/4 cam GTO

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  Bill PA - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By William Moyer - April 20 - 2:30 am

  I only have the car less than a week and I previously owned a 2001 Sonata. WOW, what a difference and surprise. Im the envy of the whole neighborhood! My fiance is so impressed shes thinking of purchasing one herself!

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Brandon - April 19 - 7:13 pm

  Excellent vehicle, plenty of power, tons of space, fun to drive, and it looks good too.

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  Superb car at great price - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Webmatic - April 19 - 2:33 pm

  I bought this car 2 weeks back and have loved it since. I was in market for used A4, BMW 3 and C280 but when I test drove it I had no doubt which car I am buying. Hyundai has done this car right in all aspect ride, handling, engine and interior. Just go and test drive before you make an decision.

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  scott - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By scooter - April 19 - 3:49 am

  My car is great! I have the features of a more expensive vehicle, without the expensive vehicle price. The 100,000 mile warranty is super. I had a fuel pump die, and the company sent a tow truck and fixed the issue at no cost to me. I wish my wife had bought one instead of that Ford Focus.

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  Warranty not what they claim - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jeann - April 18 - 3:20 pm

  I absolutely loved my car. A few minor flaws, such as the interior handles needing to be replaced several times, and the armrest wasnt the most comfortable. Other than that a fantastic car. However, I now have 30,550 miles on my car and the fuel door doesnt open. (Not covered under the extend warranty that I purchased for an additional $1265.)Now the car is also due for 30,000. mi maintenance - $400., and drive belt (required) $600. Yet the car is only worth $4500-$5000. You do the math. I wont buy another!!