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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  What have I done? - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Richard - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I was absolutely smitten with this vehicle since the moment I saw it on the lot; it has loads of equipment, is quiet, comfortable, has plenty of power and gets truly excellent gas mileage. However, at 1K miles, the dash began rattling on the right side unmercifully, and then the right door began rattling in the frame. It sounds like something came loose inside the door. This morning, with less than 6K miles on the odometer, while cruising at 65 mph on the freeway, there was a huge BANG from under the hood and the car swerved violently and immediately lost forward speed. I just found out the transmission had "imploded."

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  Never thought Id be driving a Hyndai! - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mrs. Outlaw - December 28 - 2:16 am

  But I am and proud of it! I had a 1998 neon that I bout used, I decided to treat myself to a new car. I had totally settled on the 2010 Altima. I was at the dealership looked across and saw the Sonata. Boy am I glad I did. This car is great, my husband would never be caught dead in my neon, now I cant keep him out of my Hyundai. The price was great and the 0% finance was on time. Needless to say my first new car buying experience was great thanks to Hyundai. I got the slate blue and I receive daily compliments on how immaculate the paint jobs is. Im still stuck up not letting anyone eat or drink a thing in my car. Owned it 7 weeks now and have not a regret! Go Hyundai!

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  Sonata Manual review - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ksven - December 27 - 6:06 am

  Ive had the manual Sonata for six months now and have put 5000 miles on it both city and highway. It is a great deal for what it has to offer, especially in terms of security, warranty and features. Quiet ride on the highway, a lot of space. But! It has no fun factor at all (I guess I was hoping I would find the fun in it, but never did), and the suspension is rather soft. I am not sure about build quality since a number of rattles have been driving me nuts. Stereo system is so-so as well and gas mileage has been disappointing, although I am a very careful driver.

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  perfect for starting a family - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By pickle55chevy - December 26 - 7:33 pm

  me and my wife recently bought a Sonata and we both love it its comfortable and reliable.our daughter loves makeing messes in it but it is definatly big enought to get the gold fish out on a quick fast and hurry standard for the first new car that dad has owned.roomyness was the key with this car meaning we could put the stroller 2 million bags that baby needed and then mom and dads one shared army duffle bag in the trunk. the acceleration is great and this mid size will definatly keep up and leave thoese tailgateing mustang gts. trust me i have done it. the braking is very reassuring especially when it comes to you or the garage door. and its fun to drive. more fun then my last sports car

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  POOR SHOCKS - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By RetiredRich - December 25 - 6:10 am

  We have had our Sonata almost a year now and very pleased with all but one thing. I have got as much as 33 mpg on trips and low as 22 mpg around town. All around quality seems great. Ride is smooth until a big bump is hit and the shocks dont prevent it from bottoming out. So it makes a loud bang on big bumps. I think the shocks are weak. That wouldnt keep me from buying another Sonata.

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  Impressive - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Andrew R - December 25 - 2:00 am

  Just bought the LX with every option for $18700 at local dealer. Received it with 50 miles, about 25 I put on myself test driving. Had a Chevy Malibu and this car hands down is much better in terms of ride, features and warranty. Almost impossible to find in my area a black LX let alone a Sonata LX, dealer only had 3 in stock and Hyundai (or maybe dealer) said it would cost $500 to get another I wanted. Dealer delivery was satisfactory. Had a minor problem with the remote door openers, fixed in two seconds before I left the dealership. Overall, the car has smooth acceleration, a little bit of a hiccup at the lower end, very little road noise, stereo is adequate.

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  What a great 2011 Sonata! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By CodeDiva - December 21 - 9:26 am

  OK! After a long hard look at Honda, Toyota, Ford & Hyundai I have picked the best! 2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited Edition! I test drove the 4cyl & 6 cyl Camry, Fusion, and accord but none could compare to the Sonata. This car offers more features, better handling and gas mileage than all. What amazes me is the Sonata is a 4 cylinder and has more pickup than the others! You cannot go wrong with the Sonata!

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  5 speed manual transmission - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By David Little - December 21 - 5:40 am

  Great car until I would shift gears on the interstate (5 speed manual)and the clutch would just lay on the floor- flat! I loved everything else about the car so I traded it for a 2009 Sonata automatic. No problems now with the car. Of course, I took a beating on my trade-in.

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  I Love My Sonata - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Sally Bell - December 21 - 2:00 am

  I have purchased in the past Chevrolets,Buicks,& Fords. The Sonata is built so much better than the above mentioned cars. It rides like a Cadillac. The dealership I purchase this vehicle from were also very accommadating. I did have a problem reaching their staff after I purchased the vehicle but after I complained they rectified this problem. I am very happy with the Sonata.

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  Great Value...suspect build quality - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By ryster - December 20 - 6:00 am

  My 2011 Sonata GLS w/PEP2 is now 1-year old. From a value for the money perspective, the car is outstanding. High level of standard features that cost way more in the competition. The build quality of the car, however, is very questionable. After only 1-year and 14,300 miles, my Sonata is full of rattles. Door panels, dash, rear parcel shelf, center console...rattles everywhere. The dealer said they would need to remove the entire dash to "attempt" to fix the dash rattle. I normally keep cars 3-4 years, however the Sonata will be traded much sooner than that. Just need to find a suitable replacement.