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:

• 

  Great car spoiled by driver seat - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By zen2 - October 11 - 10:33 am

  Quiet, yet powerful ride. Great build quality, Lots of room, inside, and in the trunk. However, almost all overshadowed by the very uncomfortable driver seat.

• 

  Hyundai is the Harbor Freight of the car world. - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By Author Name - October 11 - 6:48 am

  When we narrowed our choices down to the Sonata or the Accord, the price and warranty of the Sonata seemed to make our decision easy. Initially, the vehicle was amazing, despite the abundant road noise, that we didnt seem to notice when we were purchasing it. However, things quickly went downhill. Within a few months, little things started going bad and we were constantly dropping it off at the dealership to fix the heated seats, automatic breaking, BSD system, heated steering wheel, traction control, TPM system and so on. Like harbor freight, the vehicle was "comparable" to others in its class, but at a sacrifice of quality. We figured that its okay, because the warranty would cover us, which it still does, but constantly dropping it off at the dealership became cumbersome and now we have issues that we just leave, because its not worth the time of not having the vehicle. Current issues: the backup camera takes almost ten seconds to turn on when you put it in reverse / the automatic mirror tilt when you put it in reverse, doesnt always work / a "Check BSD System" light flashes every so often / the memory seats dont always work when you push the button / it brakes randomly, even when no one is in front of us (I try not to even use the cruise control anymore) / bluetooth doesnt always sync, on multiple devices. Theres probably more that Im forgetting. The other issue is that the vehicle doesnt have a remote start function from the remote. The only way to get remote start is to pay a yearly subscription fee to Bluelink or purchase aftermarket, which we were told would void the warranty unless we paid a fortune to have it done at the dealership. We did not know this when we purchased the vehicle and thought that Bluelink was free with the vehicle. I guess that ones on us; we should have checked. If you dont mind continually taking your vehicle in for service and you want a deal, then the Sonata is for you. For me, I think next time well just pay the extra money for the accord.

• 

  In the end, Sonata was an easy choice! - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By David McCormack - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Me and the wife just bought our 2003 Sonata LX, we own a 2001 Elantra. it still looks brand new, and performs marvelously. The Sonata looks and perfroms like a 30,000.00 dolar car, yet i got mine for 17,500.00 after rebates and dealership loyalty bonuses. My honest tip to anyone who is looking for luxury, performance and quality at a reasonable price must take a serious look at the Sonata LX. Defenitely one of the best purchases i have made in my life.

• 

  WoW! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By e2stang - October 9 - 5:42 am

  Bought my car on 4 Dec 2010, from Browns Manassas Hyundai in Northern VA and first off, the dealership experience was EXCELLENT! Next the car is an absolute GEM! I got rid of my 01 E55 AMG for this Gas Saving Technological Masterpiece! Can you say 35MPG! I filled up on 4 Dec and as of today 23 Dec I am still riding on my full tank with over 350 miles logged! Excellent Nav, Bluetooth and overall ride quallity. No more expensive repairs (Benz) with the build of the new Sonata and warranty! Enough room in the back to semi-stretch my legs out and I am 6ft tall. Bought this over a Toyota Avalon. I just cant get over the amenities the car offers and did I say 35MPG on 87 Octane!

• 

  Excellent Car - Excellent Value - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By PV - October 5 - 5:46 pm

  We bought this car for my Fiancé to get something bigger than her Mazda Miata and we couldnt be happier. I love the car and some of my previous cars include BMWs and Mercedes. Hyundai really did a great job with the interior of this car. It looks very "Lexus like". The Exterior is great, despite the wheels. My Fiancé still doesnt like the wheels, but theyre actually starting to grow on me. I guess it makes it look more European. It also drives great. Plenty of pick-up in the V6. Initially, we were going to get the 4 Cyl, but at the time we got it the 4 Cyls werent as available as the V6s. Im now glad we got the V6, and the MPG difference is negligible, plus it has dual exhaust

• 

  Happy with purchase - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By Recommend - October 4 - 10:00 pm

  Wish I had the V6. However, I got a great performing 162hp 4 cyl. w/ excellent MPG and price paid was below invoice. Cost savings offset my preference of V6. I must be a performance oriented driver. 2nd wish: Stiffer suspension. Im not looking for stiff suspension. I would prefer variable rate resistance that increases when the springs and shocks reach compression. It would improve cornering on rounded on-ramps. Interior noise levels could be quieter. Depending on road surface, noisier than expected on anything but smooth surface roadways. Still, satisfactory. Overall, a GREAT car. The foregoing are acceptible consequences of cars budget orientation. Terrific car!Happy overall.

• 

  Worth the price - 2000 Hyundai Sonata
  By Bekka - October 3 - 9:28 pm

  I bought the car @ 64K from my sister, the original owner. I really had no major problems with this car until about 128K, and even in the past 3K miles Ive had to replace (the original!) timing belt, serpentine belt, upper ball joint and crankshaft pulley (which I think was mechanics fault) I had several things replaced by the warranty, no problems-the most major one was the alternator. I think that the transmission is starting to go, and the performance has dropped a lot now, but @ 131K for a less expensive sedan, I dont think its that bad. Up until 125K I absolutely adored this car, worry-free.

• 

  Its a Korean Miracle - 2000 Hyundai Sonata
  By Edward Jones - October 3 - 3:20 pm

  When you ride on a Sonata 2000 is a big change from the predecesor models. It runs soft and quiet. One thing of many I like most is the fuel efficiency on road, specially on this times of high fuel prices.

• 

  Im in love - 2017 Hyundai Sonata
  By Nick DeLaTorre - October 1 - 1:32 am

  This car has great looks and has more than enough power for the price.

• 

  Initially Pleased / Later Horrified - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By Russell Gardner - September 28 - 3:13 pm

  Happy with look and performance of the car. Attracted by the "best warranty". After 2.5 years have found it to be built CHEAP, plastic that breaks, seats & mats have worn out. Reliability of car is HORRIBLE. In 2.5 years I have spent over $1,000 for service to maintain the warranty, $2,500 for items not covered by the warranty and the warranty has covered over $4,000 of items that have also broke. Reliability issues have been 2 dead batteries, had to replace flywheel, replace clutch - wore out in 21,000 miles, dome light, cup holders cracked, stereo, auto door locks replaced, alternater died, and steering wheel and seats have cracks and tears in them now. Never another Hyundai for me!