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 Sonata Named Rubi - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By PerfectPioneerCar - July 1 - 10:18 am

  Love my car. Very nice for the money. College student and I needed something larger to haul more people in comfort plus I needed something bigger inside as I am 66". I got 27 mpg in my Honda around town always, best I get in my Sonata is 24 and I cant even touch the gas. 22 is normal, yet okay for this large of a car. Power is good but could stand another gear as sometimes it can be lacking and the difference between 2 and 3 is too great. Cruise could stand improvement too. 78 mph highway and I also only got 28 mpg. The car seems to like premium. Im in love and very happy even though I just complained. The warning sounds in the car are super annoying, hence Rubi, my female named car. :)

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  Great to start with - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By rjallen - June 23 - 12:11 pm

  We bought our Hyundai when it was a year old. We were well pleased with it until it hit about 35,000 miles. We had 4 throttle body sensors replaced under warranty. This was a tow to the dealership on each occasion. Luckily the tow was also covered under warranty. However we had the 5 sensor replaced at 80,000 miles and this was on us. Hyundai part only and the repair was $555.00. At 75,000 miles the sun visors would not stay in the up position. Even though this seems to be a common problem, Hyundai does not cover them under warranty. The cost to replace was $307. I drive my cars for years and close to 300,000 miles. Never had this much problem with my supposedly poorly built US cars.

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  Sonata Happy in Las Vegas - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Dion120632 - June 21 - 1:40 pm

  I purchased my 2006 Hyundai new from the dealership in June 2006 and can say that the vehicle has been a steady and dependable vehicle. The V6 provides plenty of power when needed and the interior/trim look well and continue to work without fail. The valve cover gasket was replaced by the dealer under warranty at 55,000 miles - the only major repair to the vehicle. Otherwise, the car requires routine maintenance to keep it humming. Like many, I purchased the Sonata because I did not have enough coin to spring for a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. As I look back on it, purchasing the Sonata was a sound decision and Ill continue to drive it until the wheels fall off and I buy a new Sonata!

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  Good Car - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By 02Guy - June 20 - 6:59 pm

  I purchased my car brand new back in 2002. It now has 123,000 miles on it and Im now just experiencing a few problems. The power steering line is leaking power steering fluid. From other reviews, it seems like this is a common problem and should possibly be a recall because of a poor design flaw. The paint is also peeling on my roof. A few other minor complaints were the antennae broke, but it was still under warranty, the O2 sensor went out a few times and chrome inside door handles peeled, all covered by a recall. Also, the maintenance is a bit pricey. Now for the good. It handles great and has such a smooth ride. No major problems the first 7 years of ownership. Ill buy a Hyundai again.

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  Love My Sonata - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Charles P - June 15 - 12:34 am

  Love this car. Also own Lincoln Town Car. 72,900 on it now and have only replaced the headlights (3 times) but I drive with them on all the time. Bought it 2 yr old with 18,000 miles and it has not whimpered one time. Car cruises at 75-80 on a regular basis, the ac is always cold, suspension is tight and I have only replaced tires and a battery. Use it as the community car when company comes and they love it. Even the BMW and Audi owner. The car is heavy for its size and hugs the road. Did a 3500 mile road trip without fail, no issues. It gets about 26 mpg and growls when you really romp it.

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  Beautiful Car - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By SouthDakotaGuy - June 13 - 5:33 pm

  I bought this car used at a really good price. I was impressed with its handling on the road. The only problem is the ESC is worthless in mud and snow. I live in South Dakota and I find it to be a great car on the highway and in town, but would not recommend it off road. This car has great gas mileage and starts up wonderful.

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  Good car - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By ckoolkat - June 5 - 10:26 pm

  I had an elantra before the sonata and have to say great cars for the money, no problems.

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  Experiance it to believe it - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mir - June 5 - 5:37 pm

  When my older son asked if I have looked at Hyundais I gave him a long stare. My 20 year olds need for a daily driver while in college got me to research vehicles. Went to test drive a Sonata and came home with it. Unbelievably smooth take off and stopping and everything in between. Handles like an expensive luxury sedan. Effortless steering, smooth cornering. The auto-manual puts you instantly in a sports rush. Superbly crisp sound. Oh and such distinctive exterior, jaguar like, without the Jaguar tag or nag. If I hadnt experienced it I would be still holding my long stare at the name Hyundai, continuing to hold my Mercedes, BMWs and lexus close to heart. But now Im a believer.

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  Five Years Without a Problem - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By James - June 3 - 6:01 pm

  We have put 70,000 miles on this car in five years and our only expenses have been gas, oil changes and a new set of tires. It still has its original breaks. I drove it hard on a 1,500 mile interstate highway trip and averaged 33.1 mpg. When ethanol is added to the gas the mileage is not as good. I thought it was odd that a four cylinder car would have a 150 MPH speedometer. After I had the car three years a friend asked me how fast it would go. I was on a country road and when it reached 122 mph I backed off, so I dont know what it will really do. Also, this was with ethanol in the tank.

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  No sign of wear at 80,000 miles - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By David Levine - May 31 - 11:46 pm

  I am almost at 80,000 miles on my Sonata and I still havent had one problem. Just had the car detailed and it looks great - almost no signs of wear. This is right around the point where my Mercedes started having crazy electrical problems but I think my Hyundai will go until I want to replace it with something more fun. The real debate is whether to sell it before it hits 100k miles or drive it into the ground - which could be years.