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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  Who wants a Sonata that needs a new engine?? - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By Kathryn - April 30 - 2:28 am

  Our 2012 Sonata with regular maintenance records experienced a sudden catastrophic engine failure at 74,000 miles. No warning lights have ever come on in the car but it suddenly began to lose power and make a terrible noise. Since it was still under warranty, we had it towed to our dealer who told us that the engine had to be replaced and it was covered and the engine would be replaced within a few days. Subsequently, Hyundai changed their mind and chose not to honor their warranty stating "customer neglect". We provided all our service records showing oil changes basically every 4 months but they still said it was our fault. We have since found out that this is happening all over the country to cars with the 2.4 liter Theta II GDI engine. Edmonds should research this because this is a widespread problem. I would not buy another Hyundai because they do not honor their warranty.

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  Main bearings let loose. - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By Robert Sarti - February 25 - 2:01 pm

  Updated my review... I have own multiple vehicles over the years. I average 100 miles a day just going to my office. I also drive that vehicle for my job. I average about 35,000 miles a year. I have never gotten rid of any before 250,000 miles and never had any major issues with any of my previous vehicles. At 103,000 miles in this 2013 Sonata, the main bearing burnt up. Originally I was told my a mechanic that it was the oil pump. (Took it a different place to have the engine replaced.) The engine has been burning oil since 40,000, at 60,000 the engine starting chattering. The transmission has been slipping since 80,000 miles. Ive heard that Hyundais engineering/manufacturing has come a long way, but they still have a long way to go. As soon as I replace the oil pump, its getting traded in for anything but a Hyundai or Kia.

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  Black leather driver seat backrest wears off. - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jim Schlidt - May 17 - 1:41 am

  We bought this car new with 1700 miles on It. At 2000 miles the leather on the drivers seat backrest was worn off and was white. Cheap material! The dealership looked at it and said that there had to be something wrong with the material and ordered a new seat cover. It came in and they had the upholstery guy install it. The car now has 5300 miles and the seat is doing the same thing. Contacted the dealership and they said "To bad we replaced it once." Filed a case with Hyundai America and after more than a month, a few ugly phone calls and a lot of emails they told us the same thing and that it was the way we got in and out of the car. They said we slid our butts getting in and out! Really? We needed to put the seat all the way back, get in and put the seat back up. If anyone in the world can get in and out of a car without sliding there butt on some part of the seat I will kiss that butt! I am in the process of trying to trade the car. I am 65 and was hoping this would be my retirement car. DO NOT buy a Hyundai with black leather!!

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  Stay far, far, far away - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jen - August 8 - 12:45 pm

  My husband and I purchased this car in 2014 after his previous Sonata met its end. Lasting almost 300,000 miles without an issue, he wanted another Sonata. We bought the 2011 Sonata used and it was a great car at first. Unfortunately, within the last year, the car has become more of a headache than anything. We have had it at the dealer 4 times in the past year, and its there now. The first time, Hyundai claimed they couldnt find anything wrong and we were sent home. Check engine light came on again within a month, and they figured out something needed to be replaced in the transmission. The third time, the check engine light came on and we also had to replace the starter in the car, with only 60k miles on it. Now the car is in the shop again, and the airbag light is on this time. Thankfully we purchased an extended warranty on the car and it has paid to fix everything thus far. There have been 4 recalls on the car since we purchased it, and its a pain to have to take off work to keep putting the car in the shop. Ive also done research on the air bag issue and apparently it requires a new air bag that costs $1200 and isnt covered by the warranty which is a SAFETY HAZARD that Hyundai isnt doing anything about despite many complaints. I want to sell this car and get something WAY more reliable. This car is a POS. STAY AWAY!

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  Door Handles - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By yorkies5 - May 6 - 4:03 pm

  I have a 2010 Hyundai Sonata and it sucks. 3 of the car door handles have broken off in the last month. They will not pay for them. I have read other reviews and this is a on going problem. Hyundai tried to say they havent heard of this before. But I guess they havent read the reviews. I will never buy another on. my son has a 2008 and he has had many other problems. Alternator is only one of the problems he has had with him.

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  Worst car I ever owned! - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By retwmt - April 6 - 2:44 pm

  I have owned many cars and this one by far is the worst. Its bad on gas, burns oil and the steering is seriously messed up. I keep hearing how this manufacturer has come a long way, which makes me question how thats being measured. I Returned the first week of owning it. If you never driven any other car in the past 20 years this might be the car for you.

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  hyundai overall fail - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By buckeyeclair - October 1 - 9:33 pm

  within the first week of owning this vehicle parts started falling off. The interior is cheap and Ive had to have the fuel door replaced multiple times. Not only that but after maintaining my hyundai regularly it stalled our of no where (no check engine light, no oil light, no warning) and died. IT was towed to the local hyundai dealer where they said they had to jump it to get it into the service bay then stated they reved the engine and it died. Hyundai is now saying it is my fault for not maintaining the vehicle and they will not cover the cost of the engine. I am now completely with out a vehicle unless I pay over 8k for a brand new engine on a leased vehicle less than 2 years old.

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  Be prepared for issues if you buy the 2.0T - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By Oilsoaked - June 23 - 5:05 pm

  3 times in 3 years the turbo has caused issues. The first 2 times, the engine lost power due to the turbo failing. The 3rd time, the oil line from the engine to the turbo is leaking oil all over the place. We only have a little over 64,000 miles on this car and Hyundai will not cover the repair under their extended power train warranty.

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  Biggest Lemon - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By Steve - January 18 - 9:26 pm

  My 2012 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0t on the outside/inside appear to look nice and comparable to a high end luxury vehicle. Mechanically it is garbage! Owning this car for 3years 90,000 I had to the replace turbo sensor, fuel pump, 2 batteries, and run into multiple situations where the car would not start. Hyundai corporate and dealerships have been useless and do not stand by their products. This is my second and last Hyundai buying, next time Ill put the money towards a Toyota, a company who stands by their products and who has proven reliability.

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  Biggest Lemon - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By Steve - January 18 - 9:11 pm

  My 2012 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0t on the outside/inside appear to look nice and comparable to a high end luxury vehicle. Mechanically it is garbage! Owning this car for 3years 90,000 I had to the replace turbo sensor, fuel pump, 2 batteries, and run into multiple situations where the car would not start. Hyundai corporate and dealerships have been useless and do not stand by their products. This is my second and last Hyundai buying, next time Ill put the money towards a Toyota, a company who stands by their products and who has proven reliability.