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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  Reliable car - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mary-Lynn - April 9 - 12:56 pm

  Over 300,000 miles on car, still runs and looks almost new. Uses no oil, no leaks, runs smooth. Nice styling, handles great, hugs the road. Has never broken down or left stranded on side of road. Only issues are drivers heater in seat failed after 5 years, replace cruise control module at 15 years. Airbag light comes on once in a while due to cheap connector under passenger seat. Everything else regular maintenance. Use full synthetic oils and duralube every 30000 miles. Hoping for 500,000 miles plus! Bought new on sale for 15k. Best money ever spent on a car.

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  Love my car - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Badass - April 8 - 2:00 am

  I love this car since the first day i drove one. styling rich and sporty performance not a hot rod but excellent for my tastes. Good job hyundia > Will buy another one.

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  So far so good ! - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By SM - April 8 - 12:53 am

  Researched for several weeks including viewing Edmunds ratings and reviews. I ended up purchasing a program 07 with 14000 miles. It rides and handles like our 01 Honda Accord SE, the 3.3 V6 is virtually silent and smooth with an average 24 combined MPG. Fit and finish are very good with one minor dash rattle which we will have looked at during the first service. Agree the front seats need a little work comfort wise. The stereo sounds good.

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  Our 10th hyundai - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By nj2pa2nc - April 7 - 11:16 pm

  Traded in our 05 Hyundai Elantra gt for a 2011 Venetian red 6mt sonata. Loving it after 2 weeks.

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  V6 Sonata ROCKS! - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Central Illinois - April 7 - 8:56 pm

  I have owned my 07 Sonata for 3 months and I am loving every minute of it! It has excellent acceleration, nimble handling, smooth ride, great looks, quiet and roomy. I upgraded from a 2000 Elantra and wow what a difference! Hyundai has really improved their product line. It is very nice looking also. I have the 17 inch alloys and sunroof which really makes a difference on the appearance. If this car didnt have 4 doors I would swear it was a sports car!

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  Lovin It! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Lon Thompson - April 7 - 2:20 pm

  I did a lot of research, and test driving this time around. And I am so glad , that I chose the Hyundai Sonata. It has so much to offer, and is a great value. It really is a fun car to drive! Plenty of power, and comfort. I got the LX model, with heated leather seats, too many options to name, that you wont find with the competition, very luxurious, and comfortable. It will go head to head with the competition, any day.(Honda Accord),(Toyota Camry). If you dont believe me, just go test drive one today. It certainly isnt the Hyundai of 10 years ago, in fact, it feels like a much more expensive luxury/performance sedan. Best warranty on the market to boot!

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  Just another review... - 2000 Hyundai Sonata
  By Tom - April 6 - 4:06 pm

  I am happy with my purchase decision. It has been a good car for the money paid. It has provided a good value.

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  Engine Lights, all over the place! - 2000 Hyundai Sonata
  By frustrated - April 3 - 4:03 pm

  I bought this car used 2 years ago, was told the title was clean, and right at 60K miles. Drove very well for about a year, and then the engine light came on. Powertrain, I thought! That covers engines. Wrong! Car had been salvaged, seller lied, and Hyundai wont honor the warranty. We learned a lesson. Spark plugs, wiring all needed to be replaced ($600- $650). Now, 3 months after we got that fixed, the engine light is on AGAIN. Im sure it did this crap to the previous owner as well, which is probably why they totaled it in the first place.

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  Drives like a dream - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By mtlcdn1 - April 2 - 3:43 pm

  Looks like a Honda Accord but Drives like a Beamer. Love my Sonata V6- GLS. Now have 50K miles on it and with the exception of paying out of pocket to have the center brake light replace ($125). Nothing but smooth, quiet and a powerful ride. Was looking at an Acura, BMW and a Accord. Out the door with tax including sunroof for 18K. Would buy again.

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  Great Car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By First Time Hyundai - April 2 - 9:05 am

  Like others, I was hesitant to look at Hyundais because of the brand name and its old reputation as a cheap car. Well... after looking at sticker prices, I was "forced" to take a look at the Sonata, and I cant be happier about it. The car performs fantastic. Its quick off the line, powerful in highway passing, has a smooth ride, and the gas mileage isnt too bad (most of my miles are highway). Ive driven family members Accords/Camrys/Altimas and my honest judgment is that I have the best car, and saved thousands over their choices. My only complaints are purely superficial, seats need to be longer for comfort, steering wheel radio buttons dont allow channel changing.