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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  My last Hyundai...Period! - 2014 Hyundai Sonata
  By golfr013 - September 8 - 9:24 pm

  I purchased a Sonata Hybrid Limited in April of 2013. About a year later, it seemed that an occasional panic stop would cause the car to stop abruptly rather than pulse to a safe stop. After noticing that it seemed to do that each of the few times that I applied the brakes in that manner, I took the car to the dealer, asking them to also check the brakes for a banging noise occurring each time the brakes were applied when coming to a stop sign/light. Many months and service calls later, my VA Lemon Law attorney suggested that I might want to avoid Hyundai or Kia if I ever expected to have my interests considered. I traded in that piece of @)$(*^* as quickly as I could!

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  Poor Quality - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Disapointed - September 7 - 12:43 am

  I purchased the 09 Sonata GLS Manual with the intent to save money, not be inconvenienced every month. During the 8 months I have owned the vehicle it has died multiple times, starting at 1205 miles. The problem was traced to a faulty O2 sensor, but has had a skip and hesitation ever since. When I insisted the issue be solved, the lead mechanic said it was normal and they all do that. At 12000 miles the vehicle was blowing clutch slave cylinders every 2-300 miles, which required removal of the transmission to get to. After the fourth one was replaced and the vehicle being in the shop for an accumulated 58 days, I sought legal help because Hyundai would not return my calls. Cant recommend it

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  Hyundai tried but Missed - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By RogerThat - July 7 - 5:56 pm

  Hyundai was so eager to make a car to compete with other high class affordable sedans, that they actually missed the main point, reliability and good leadership, i was on my way to work and as i tried to switch to drive the brakes got locked, i could do nothing but call hyundai and they were very rude, i sent it back and got my dream car, the nissan maxima

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  Engine Failure - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By Knight - July 7 - 2:45 pm

  I had an engine failure with about 17,000 miles on the car. The engine was replaced, but was not the same car. Competitively priced vehicle, but my experience with Hyundai, dealer services and customer service has been two stars or less. Everybody has different experiences with vehicles, for Hyundai, mine could have been better.

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  Very Disappointed by 2011 Hyundai Sonata - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By 2011sonataownr - May 15 - 2:59 am

  Bought this Hyundai Sonata (2011 GLS) new. Thought I would try a Hyundai since seeing all the TV ads about their quality. The Ride is hard. Radio FM tuner sound quality is marginal at best. Radio was replaced due to display fading issue(research on web for more details). Having issues with the engine pinging while accelerating. Only 19K miles on engine, and trying to get it fixed at dealer is not going well.

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  Regretting Buying This Vehicle - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By tracy55 - April 17 - 12:13 am

  Major problems from the start. Navigation/radio total failure. Gear shift stopped working-froze in park. Recently air bag malfunction. Now the engine failed. Burns oil and rod knock with no warning. Need a new engine but Hyundai is initially refusing to back its warranty because I cannot product every oil/filter receipt (sometimes had private mechanic change). Research has led me to an investigation into class action suit for engine failure by Chimicles & Tikellis. Good to know that I am not alone. Hyundai is like the cable company - once you are a customer they dont care. Should have gone with Honda or Toyota and will do so going forward.

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  Beware Windshield Wipers - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jim - April 4 - 11:41 am

  Hyundai wont admit this and the dealership says its a recurring issue and nothing can be done...the windshield wipers just stop working....rain or snow. Its a MAJOR safety issue and there is no remedy. Ive owned two Hyundais and Ill NEVER buy another. Unless you want to jeopardize your life or the life of you children, dont buy this vehicle unless this problem is permanently remedied by Hyundai.

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  Car no good - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By Brian sturrup - March 31 - 8:13 am

  Fianance the car at 45k miles at 109k miles the whole engine locked after a oil change trash car

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  Dont let the looks fool you! - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By Eddie - January 21 - 6:37 pm

  Hyundai Bluelink service is horrible. Works sometimes and alerts you when you have a issue. But does not elaborate on the issue. Customer service is horrendous. The dealerships service departments are terrible at least here in NYC. My friend started having issues with his 2015 sonata at 2500 miles. My check engine light started at just under 5500 miles. TPMS issues as well. Going off for no reason. The sunroof creaks and rattles. The leather is nice until a few months later and I always clean and moisturize with meguires wipes. Rearview camera doesnt always kick in. I can go on and on but I think whomever is reading this got the point.

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  Waste of Money!!! - 2000 Hyundai Sonata
  By Amanda - December 24 - 7:33 pm

  I bought this car from my brother less than a year age, it doesnt even have 80,000 miles on it yet and the sub-frame has rotted out and has become undrivable. I dont understand how a car company can get away with using material that can get rotted out so quickly and pose a hazard to the peoples safety like that. I have had older cars that did not have these problems. On top of that I am having transmissions problems with it as well and my power window motor is fried. If I knew then what I know now I would have not bought the piece of junk. Hyundai should be ashamed and I am glad that I did not get in an accident with my children in the car due to this problem.