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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  Love my baby.... - 2018 Hyundai Sonata
  By Gabe - September 26 - 4:28 pm

  Great value. I call my 2018 Turbo Sport "Leila" because she is a beautiful black piece of machinery. There were other models I was interested like the sporty version of the Camry and the Tesla but for all practical reasons, the Sonata have me the best value for my $$$. The only improvement I strongly recommend is that the stereo system lacks BASS power.

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  Low Expectations to Begin With - 2000 Hyundai Sonata
  By NorthEast - September 25 - 1:05 pm

  Purchased for only $15k, so expectations were low. Few problems first couple years, little by little minor things started to break (visor, carpet clips, plastic covers for seat belts, trunk console hinge, pwr window components, door lock, exterior handle, etc.) With 55,000 miles, tires wore out, front brakes and rotors...not bad at all. At 58,000 miles, rear wheel bearing goes....mech inspected others and they are ok for now. $250 for repair. All and all, not bad in terms of how much I am spending, Im just amazed at how many things have failed on the car. I hear the newer models are made better....cant cost that much to make plastic components thicker to prevent breaking, etc.

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  Wow. - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By ColumbiaSCParalegal - September 25 - 4:10 am

  I fell in love with this car at first sight. I saw a red 2011 Sonata SE in the parking deck of my office building on a Monday and bought the very same car two days later. Compared to my 2007 Hyundai Sonata Limited, I feel like I am driving a luxury sports car.

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  You must test drive this car! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By blnewt - September 23 - 7:23 pm

  After doing extensive research on several comparable models I "discovered" the Sonata on Edmunds.com and Im sure glad I did! I hadnt considered a Hyundai, but I was willing to keep an open mind and give all the vehicles a shot. This car is very tight & solid, has great acceleration and is very pleasing to the eye. The doors close w/ a heavy thud, not a tinny feeling like some models. The interior knobs and buttons have a substantial feel to them and are placed in a logical order. The shiftronic transmission coupled w/ the V6 makes for a very fun driving experience. So many standard features for the price really make this a car you MUST consider.

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  2006 Sonata, a NEW Hyundai - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By dogstar - September 23 - 1:23 pm

  I had been in the market for a new car for sometime, and after driving most competitors, I tried the Sonata and fell in love, in so many ways I knew it was the car for me. The car itself is beautiful, a great exterior design and the interior is no slouch either with sweeping lines and a graceful center stack. The seats could use a bit more bolstering though. Everything works perfectly, as one hopes in a new car, but I foresee the quality holding up well. Maintenance is easily done, with long intervals due to advanced design. I love driving the car, its fast and easy to drive with elan. The transmission shifts slowly from 1st to 2nd, but it DOES improve in time.

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  Excellent Value - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mike - September 21 - 3:00 am

  I was in the market for a new Camry or Accord when I test drove the 07 Sonata. The base GLS model had all of the features that I was looking for, was more roomy on the inside and costs a lot less money than the Honda/Toyota. The warranty is superior as well. I never thought I would own a Hyundai, but they have really stepped it up! And my Sonata was assembled in America.

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  RLKemp - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Robert L. kemp - September 17 - 3:40 am

  Front Seats could be softer as Ive compared same to leather seating in other makes. The exterior and interior are exceptionally beautiful. The vehicle is a pleasure to drive but havent been able to experience highway driving to ck. the so-called 30 miles per gallon. Would like Hyundai to make a recall to soften seats. The styling is eye popping overall.

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  Saved my life - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mikki - September 16 - 3:46 am

  Less than a year after I purchased 2007 Sonata Limited I was t-boned by a Ford Explorer doing 60++mph. The impact was directly in my drivers door. Miraculously, I climbed out of the vehicle and walked away from the wreck. I loved the car from the second I bought it and love it even more now. I will be buying another one just like the one that was wrecked and probably buying a Hyundai SUV for my husband. I drive an average of 40000 miles per year just for work and I really enjoyed this car.

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  $18,000 Including TTL! - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By Danish American 73 - September 14 - 4:46 am

  I have been looking at the Sonatas for months now and finally jumped in when I saw the $3000 rebate. Since the first time I saw it I thought it reminded me of a BMW or high-end Honda. Beautiful lines and Xenon headlamps make it a very sexy car. Even the XM/FM radio antenna complete this picture. The front fog lamps are also cool looking. The 4Cyl is by far the most powerful and quietest 4Cyl Ive ever driven. It easily compares with my stock 6Cyl Nissan Maxima engine for acceleration. It was an easy choice after test driving the 4 and 6. Yes, the 6Cyl is VERY powerful and fast, but the extra $2000 price tag plus the annual increase in fuel cost of $400 is simply not worth it.

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  GREAT CAR FOR THE MONEY PAID - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mladen - September 14 - 2:10 am

  I am a car enthusiast and love cars. I cant afford BMWs or Mercedes so I have to buy what I can afford. This is our 2nd Hyundai (have a 2007 Santa Fe limited). I paid $13,500 out of the door. You can not buy a new car for this money. Now to the car, great redesigned interior, VERY smooth 4cyl 175hsp engine with a VERY smooth suspension and soft clutch, very quiet ride, no more or less than a Honda Accord (which I also have). Theres plenty of room, very comfortable seats, nicely designed dash and center console and beautiful exterior and paint selections. I only wish that the GLS came with the sunroof option and the dual exhaust or that the SE model came in a 5speed transmission. I love it