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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  A lemon underneath a very nice looking exterior - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By judgemalloy - August 27 - 12:39 am

  The 2013 Sonata is a very nice looking car. I traded in a 2010 Elantra for the Sonata. The Elantra is a much better car than the Sonata. The Sonata has a very rough ride, especially at highway speeds. I expect this to lead to abnormal tire wear. The GPS/Radio/Bluetooth/AC combination is poorly designed and difficult to use. The combination design gives you control over one function at a time. For example, when the navigator is active and you receive a call, the navigator goes to the background. If you are on the call when you need to make a turn, you will miss it. The voice recognition feature is absolutely horrible. I have gone to using an external GPS and avoid using the built-in

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  Dont buy this car - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Caroline - August 23 - 12:20 pm

  I would not recommend this car to anyone. It caused me nothing but problems and was a black hole to my bank account. Every time something was fixed, something else broke or needed repairs. I will never buy another Korean vehicle again because of the cheap quality of this car. I should have known better.

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  Engine Light / Emissions / Gas - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By mgm - July 31 - 9:13 am

  This is my second Hyundai - I previously had the Elantra with over 100k miles - some minor issues brought the 2009 Sonata - been in shop 3xs in last 2 weeks - dealers states its EVP emissions - see no recall on net with other owners - at wits end with new car having issues

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  Worst Car Ever - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By worstcarever13 - July 26 - 3:10 pm

  Purchasing this car is the worst decision we ever made. Upon taking delivery and driving the car home I noticed the steering is crooked to track the car straight. My husband asked if I wanted to take the car back and since I worked at a car dealership I said no and had faith Hyundai could fix it and to this day they still havent and cant give a reason why. The steering wheel/column also vibrates/rattles when going over bumps in the road. Theyve replaced the column and rack numerous times and it never fixes the problem. We contacted Hyundai corporate and they werent even interested in trying to do anything to make us happy customers. Do yourself a favor and dont waste your time or money.

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  I Wish I Never Bought the Car - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Clara - April 14 - 1:53 pm

  I purchased a 2009 Sonata Limited its looks great. But that is all. I have made 6 payments and it has been towed 4 times. The first 3 times because it didnt start. The last time transmission problems. Run from this car spend a little more and get a better car. Stick with the bigger boys. Theres a reason why they give you a 10 year warranty not because its a great car because you are always taking it to the service shop. Be careful with your money....Run

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  Dont buy this car. - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By dave436 - March 19 - 7:35 pm

  I owned 2012 Sonata Limited and 7500 mileage. You will get feeling so bad and get tired because of wandering while drive. (especially on Highway) The poor steering wont be centered as much as 1/2 inches.(left and right) Dealer and Customer center seemed like they have no solution about this so far. Id like you to go with Honda accord. Im waiting for my payoff day.

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  sub-frame rust - 1999 Hyundai Sonata
  By leon - January 15 - 9:54 am

  within first 18 months, had transmision problems which took 7 months to correct under warrenty. sfter 96000 miles, 8yrs old, entire sub-frame rusted out. refused to cover under warranty, even though cause of rusting is due to manufacture defect.tatally unsafe, when rusting of sub-frame appears, control and steering of vehicle is next to impossible. someone will be killed before Hyundai opens it eyes.

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  pulling issue - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By eirehatfield - December 1 - 7:37 am

  In June of 2011 I purchased a sonata with 40 miles on it. since day 1 it has had a pulling issue. Struts have been replaced, camber bolt kit has been tried. New tires settle the pull issue mostly but still has problems and does not drive straight. Key cylinder has been replaced due to key sticking. Gas gauge has been replaced because it showed I always needed gas, even when i just fueled up. I have argues the pulling issue with dealearship since day 1. I am being told there is nothing wrong with the vehicle. All my family and mech. friends have driven this car with the same feelings as mine. Something is wrong!! It definetly does not drive straight. Horrible customer service.

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  Dont believe the hype! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By nottagain - November 19 - 10:00 am

  Hyundai does not stand behind what they make. The 100k warranty is a joke. Talk about a noisy ride and a rattle box! They are no Toyota. I am waiting for the electrical problems to start. Stay away from Keffer Hyundai of Charlotte!

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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.