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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  Looks Great! Drives So So - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ed S - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I have my Sonata for 6 months now and still find the styling inside and out to be a real eye-catcher. However, driving the car is a completely different experience. I have complained to the dealer twice in 3000 miles about the poor shifting and jerky acceleration during normal driving. The transmission slips and jerks on most upshifts. The road noise and handling can certainly use improvement. Too much tire noise and car tends to wander. It does, however, get excellent gas mileage both around town (28 mpg) and on the highway (36.5 mpg)

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  Great Car - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By luisruvi - September 1 - 10:07 pm

  Very solid car, and all problems since Ive owned it have been taken care of free of charge. They were only minor. Sagging mirror, but likely due to a cd case hanging on it. Dead battery. Seat issue. I even got a free rental for two of the fixes. I have been really happy so far with the car. Very spacey and quiet. And even though it is cheaper than most other cars, looks more expensive in some areas compared to others I have looked at.

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  Extended warranty rap - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By dedempsy - August 29 - 7:25 am

  The car has 40k on it. The car has run flawless, but the gas mileage is only about 27, 28 on the highway. My 2002 accord would get 32mpg. Early on I was displeased with the dealer oil changes. The oil always looked dark gray after changes. I do it myself now, and it looks fine. My wife took the car in for a brake switch recall. She gets the normal hard sell on the dealer maintenance. Hyundais have very expensive 40k checks. $298-$598. The rear brakes are totally worn out at 40k. They said that was very good. I have never replaced rear pads with less than 80k. Tires needed replacing at 35k. I will not by another Hyundai. Cost to own is too expensive. I will stick with my Hondas.

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  Terrible gas mileage - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By herbthau - August 23 - 2:14 am

  This is our third Hyundai Sonata. It gets just terrible gas mileage. The two previous Sonatas got much better mileage. Went back to dealer and got this answer from the technician. There were no codes showing a problem and 19.9 city and 27 highway is acceptable. Called Hyundai and got nowhere. This is not acceptable. This is my last Sonata. Herb

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  Loyal Hyundai owners - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Robin - August 19 - 6:47 pm

  This is our third Hyundai, our first sonata. We have put 80000 miles on it in three years. We love the 30 miles per gallon on the highway. Can travel from Houston to Wichita Falls on one tank of gas! We love the roominess and the low cost of maintenance. We have not had any trouble with it.

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  Meets my expectations - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mark - August 17 - 8:53 am

  Overall Im very impressed. Commuter car bought for just under $18K in Franklin, TN. 4 cylinder is okay but could use more power for this size of car. Only problem is with the Hankook tires. Car rides great and is ultra quite - quieter than our Acura TL. Ive driven two 09 models as loaners and they are very loud. Hyundai must have taken out some of the insulation. Im not too impressed with the mpg. If I really baby the car on the interstate I can get 28 mpg at 70 mph w/out AC. (I check mpg at the pump - computer is not accurate.) I average 25-26 per tank mostly highway but really have to stay under 70. Car driven 6K so far. I do recommend this car based on comfort, quite ride and price.

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  Cheap price = cheap stuff - 2000 Hyundai Sonata
  By Gab - August 15 - 3:45 pm

  I bought my Sonata in 2006 at 38K. Since then, Ive only had problems. I fixed most of them myself, but someone who cant would have spent a lot on those repairs. Im only at 90K now and I changed the transmission, the alternator, spark plugs and spark plug wires (all of them 2 times), both windows motors, 2 suspension, suspension bushings, catalyser (it was under warranty, its a 2500$ part), changed 3 wheel bearings, changed the battery, alternator strap, the wholes gas and break pipes under car, gas filter, and a lot more. I just received a letter (were in middle 2009 now) from Hyundai. It is a re-call for the subframe, it has to be replaced because it is dangerous. Manufacture problems.

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  88,000 miles - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By T Slape - August 6 - 10:10 pm

  I drive it a lot. Both visors failed after warranty, Hyundai wouldnt replace them. Something is rattling in the rear end, not sure what, but I think it needs shocks/struts. Windshield washer just failed. Otherwise the car is great and I would buy another. The trailer hitch kit that said "bolts on in under 30 minutes..." did!

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  New Hyundai owner - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By Steve - August 6 - 6:17 pm

  I just bought this car and Im already very impressed with all aspects of it. The price of a comparable Toyota or Nissan runs $2500 to $3500 more, yet the quality appears to be equal to them, You cant beat that. Jaguar styling hues (cool) ,solid feeling on the road, handles and rides great, plentiful amounts of torque and horsepower, yet drives like a more expensive luxury coupe. The engineering, over all quality and body fitment appear to be very high. I know of several Hyundai owners who all have had very positive experiences with their Hyundai vehicles.

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  Diligent Shopper - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Satisfied Customer - July 31 - 1:20 am

  I was hesitant to buy a Hyundai at first. In the last two months, however, I have bought two! I was very satisfied with my purchase of a Hyundai Tucson so I took a good luck at the Sonata. I was very impressed by the fit and finish, ride quality and solid performance of the 235hp V6. It is very smooth and practically silent and free of vibrations while idling. I found the drivers seat a bit firm at first, but I got used to that in a very short time. I researched my purchase over several months. I looked at everything from the Volvo S40 to the Ford Fusion, and found that the Sonata was the best overall value. Best of all, the performance of the Sonata beat the all. I am very pleased.