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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  A Hyundai? - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By $2nassau - April 2 - 4:20 am

  Yes, a Hyundai! Hyundai wasnt even on my radar, but while test driving a Toyota, I saw the new Sonatas on a lot. So, after dropping off the boring Camry, I stopped to look, test drove all three Sonata models, and bought the SE on the spot (liked the wheels and dual exhaust). Sharp looks, roomy (Im 64" and have plenty of leg and head room) and very well built. I used to sell Infinitis, and this cars build quality and standard features rival the G37 Sedan, and blows it away on looks and value (about $15k less!). Unless your ego is tied your cars badge, you wont go wrong here.

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  Rusted Frame - 1999 Hyundai Sonata
  By Bucknaked - April 1 - 9:55 pm

  The car seemed well designed and reliable so I gave it to my daughter. She had a fender bender due to black ice and the repair shop found the engine cradle frame on the right side was almost rusted into. Im sure it will cost more to fix then the car is worth. Im sending this as a warning for owners to check out their frames as soon as possible.

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  130,000 and still a great car! - 1997 Hyundai Sonata
  By Still a great car! - April 1 - 1:58 pm

  I bought my 1997 Sonata 5 1/2 years ago with 80,000 miles at a cash price of $3,500 and its still a great car! I love it and Im looking to buy another one. Have not had any major problems with it.

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  Fun to drive again - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By highroller - March 31 - 1:17 pm

  Never owned a foreign make car before but I just love this car. It has plenty of power and shifts smoothly. My gas mileage is 32 on the hwy and 24 in town. Not bad. Warranty is also great. The car looks like it is more expensive then it is. I got sunroof and leather heated seats for far less then I could on a Honda or Toyota.

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  Fell in love during test drive - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By david stacy - March 30 - 9:38 pm

  Great exterior styling. Great interior, simply controls easy to use. Quite possibly one of the best performing cars in its class that I have ever driven. The exterior styling makes the sonata look much more expensive than it really is.

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  Very reliable - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Sandy1123 - March 27 - 9:56 am

  Ive been driving the Sonata for a couple of years now and I cant stop harping on its astounding ride quality and handling. The plush interiors and space are also great. My only quarrel with the car is the rather low mileage.

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  Quite Happy - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By jrenk - March 25 - 9:43 am

  A whole lotta car for not a lot of money. Went with the LX to get the 17 inch performance rated tires and the auto climate control. Generally a comfortable, well handling car however I find the gas mileage to be abysmal in that its not even close to the EPA estimate. More like 15 mpg in the city (sometimes less!) and a fair 28 mpg on the highway. Acceleration lags a bit however at highway speeds passing speed is achieved quickly and powerfully. Carpeting in my car was not installed properly; molding on spare tire cover has come off. Paint easily chipped to base coat. Overall, Im quite happy with this purchase.

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  Almost two years, i still love it - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By FC - March 23 - 6:42 pm

  I have driven this car for almost two years and 16,300 plus miles it has not given any problems, even though fuel prices are almost $4.00 per gallon, Im still glad i bought the V6 instead of the 4 cylinder, the 4 cylinder model only gets a 2 mpg gain in average mixed driving the V6 is worth the drop in mileage because of the performance of the engine, I do like Honda and Toyota but they about 3k-5k more than a sonata with the same equipment, This only car i can say the give you more for less.

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  Love my Sonata - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Darla - March 21 - 2:22 pm

  This is the third Hyundai Ive purchased and OMG have they come a long way from the 1986 Hyundai Excel. This car is quality all the way around for an extremely reasonable price.

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  Great car for the price - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By VerySurprised - March 21 - 10:00 am

  My previous car ,a 95 Altima, was paid off (at least the loan was) but I found myself in the repair shop almost every month with bills more than a car payment would be. So I decided to look for a new car. I test drove different cars from the leading manufacturers. Since my previous perception of Hyundai was not very good, Hyundai was not even in my radar until I saw an article online about the redesigned Sonata. I was presently surprised when I went to my local Hyundai dealership, saw and drove the new Sonata. I have driven 7500 miles so far with no problems. So far I am very impressed with the 2002 Hyundai Sonata.