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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  BEWARE!!! Hyundai Manufacturer "Bumper to Bumper" Warranty Not Always Honored by Dealerships!! - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By jbcanderson - November 25 - 4:18 pm

  I bought an 09 Sonata V6 Limited in Dec of 08 and an Azera in Mar of 09. Both cars have needed repairs which I was assured by Hyundai Motors were covered by their bumper to bumper warranties, but which a local dealer, Doral Hyundai, refused to warranty, claiming owner fault rather than factory defect. They are [non-permissible content removed] extraordinaire! It is impossible to get them to fix anything under warranty; they always try to charge the vehicle owner. Hyundai has no way to make a dealer honor the factory warranty, claiming dealers are franchises and they cant make them do anything! Each dealer decides what they will or will not warranty. I had to "shop" for a dealer that would honor the warranty.

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  Impressed w/ the quality of Korean cars - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Sin-Kie Tjho - November 24 - 8:00 am

  I test drove Camry, Accord, Galant and Sonata. In terms of performance, and comfort, I think there is no significant difference among these competitors. Sonata, however, is $5000 less than the comparably equipped Accord/Camry, and $3000 cheaper than Mitsubishi Galant. According to JDPower and Consumers Report, in terms of overall quality and reliability, Hyundai cars rank third or fourth, just behind Toyota and Honda but ahead of Nissen, Mazda, Mitsubishi and other second-rated Japanese cars. Knowing that the quality of Hyundai cars has improved tremendously in recent years, I wanted to give the benefit of doubt to the Korean underdog, just as I extended the same to Toyota 25 years.

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  What more would you want!!! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Eric - November 23 - 11:40 pm

  The 2006 Sonata is truly a fun car to drive. The exterior and interior are so refined. I have looked at every other competitor and when it came to buying, this was the car for me. The safty features are second to none for the money. The warranty 100000 miles is second to none. The power is awesome as well as the low noise level. The cloth seats are ok. They seem to sit a little low but the adjustments make up for it. The handling seems to be top notch for a sports sedan. 0-60 in just 7 seconds.. Very elegant lines on the exterior looks like a cross from Acura "TL" to a Mercedes C class. Please test drive and see for yourself you will not be disappointed.

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  Best Sonata Ltd. Ever - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jerry Meyers - November 22 - 11:10 pm

  After owning the 2006 and 2007 Sonata Limited during the past, I was amenable to test driving the 2009 based upon several auto magazine reviews and 60,000 combined driving miles. My 2009 Sonata Limited ranks among the very best autos(including Mercedes, BMWs, Infinity Q45 etc) that I have driven during the past 40 years. The ride is exceptional smooth, handling secure, road noise non-existent, braking responsive without fade, and highway entrance acceleration terrific! The interior is well appointed,and XM radio stations crisp. In addition, my combined gas mileage is over 26 mph,and, I often approach 31 mph on highway driving. My only two complaints are the navigation system & blue odometer.

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  Awesome Car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Sean - November 22 - 3:40 am

  Great purchase my wife and I have been looking for a new car in the lower to mid 20s weve test drove the xB, xA Aliama, Corolla, 300, 500, Civic and Accord LX (which Ive owned 6 - Im a very big Honda fan) Anyways we drove them all and this one won hands down. More standard features more power and overall better value. I just wish this was the first test drive I did. I would have saved myself about 7 saturdays sitting around the dealerships.

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  What a car for the price - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Charlie C. - November 21 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car for the price I paid. On the same day I purchased this Sonata GLS-V6 with ABS option, my buddy purchased Accord EX 4 Cyl... for about $4500 more. We had almost identical (if not more) options. I love the roomy interior and lots of extra features. Cant beat this car for the price.

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  Wifes Car - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By dhoiseth - November 21 - 10:00 am

  I love the handling of the car and for the money, the ride is superior. There is one downside and thats the resale value. I plan on keeping it five years or more with the great warranty anyway.

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  Dont believe the hype! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By nottagain - November 19 - 10:00 am

  Hyundai does not stand behind what they make. The 100k warranty is a joke. Talk about a noisy ride and a rattle box! They are no Toyota. I am waiting for the electrical problems to start. Stay away from Keffer Hyundai of Charlotte!

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  2013 Sonata cruising - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By mark waters - November 16 - 9:43 am

  Well, I bought the car about 3 weeks ago and i find it attractive and quite sporty for a 4 cylinder. The ride is smooth, absorbs bumps pretty well but the road noise is a little loud. The interior of the car was mint, well taken care of. All the controls are where you would expect them to be. The screen for this model entertainment system could have been bigger and come with back up assist, but alas no...The blue lights are nice and overall the car has been fun to drive without much fuss. The only thing I did notice was the power steering seems a bit sticky when you turn the wheel, very touchy. I am very satisfied with my purchase and thank Edmunds for the help...

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  Short Term Impression - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Donald Scharoff - November 15 - 4:53 am

  I have owned the car for 2 weeks and have driven it 460 miles. Ive had an opportunity to do some highway driving (approx. 200 miles)in addition to local and I have been very impressed with the experience. The car is roomy, handles well, and my gas mileage during this break in period has been excellent. I have only 2 recommendations, offer a passenger power seat and folding side view mirrors. These actually dont detract from the good experience. I have had Acura Tls for the last several years and I am impressed by the performance of the Sonata. I am still puzzled by the "low" price, Dont know how they do it, all in all a winner.