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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  stay away! - 1999 Hyundai Sonata
  By jb - October 15 - 8:15 pm

  Acquired in 2000 with <13000 miles. Fuel & crankshaft sensors shot in 6 mos. Then, out of the blue, it wouldnt start! A loaner was never available. Stalled at a city intersection - $400 to fix. Was told a new timing belt would be necessary soon with only 38000 mi on it! $1000 later, I had paid off the loan but couldnt afford a newer car payment. The decision was made for me 3 wks ago, when I was in a car accident. Front drivers side crushed like a soda can when impacted by a vehicle at only 30 mi/hr. I now know why the car needs side airbags! Got a check, since repairing cost more than resale value. For a car driven approx 5000 mi/yr, there is no excuse! Ill never buy another Hyundai!

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  Cheap Parts - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ramses - October 9 - 6:47 am

  The price is good on the vehicle but it has a lot of issues. I have had 4 recalls, including one on the engine. A lever in the starter will probably break because it;s made out of plastic. GET READY TO PAY A FORTUNE ON MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS!

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  Would never Buy again - 2001 Hyundai Sonata
  By hyundaihater - September 7 - 1:48 pm

  Mom gave me this car and what a lemon.though it lasted me through college,cost me tons of money for repairing. Timing belt broke at 53000 miles out of nowhere, had to get a new engine at this time, luckily under warranty after showing massive proof of oil change records.had to get new breaks every year and a couple months later would squeal like a pig the minute i stepped on breaks. Terrible rotors or terrible work by mechanics ill never know. Check engine light comes on intermittently. Luckily, i will never deal with this again as im now a college grad wholl be able to avoid a hyundai now and forever. Am very grateful to have had a car that got me from point a to b. So thanks.

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  unless youre looking for trouble stay clear - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ben - August 9 - 11:52 am

  I purchased a new 2015 fully loaded Sonata 2.0 T. I was pretty happy with it until fuel injectors went bad when the car had less than 9000 miles on it. that caused spark plugs and coils go bad and finally catalytic converter! There are three things that bothers me about this car: ***1- Hyundai itself: they do not have ANY PARTs in stock, so the car had to sit in the dealership for almost a month only because parts werent available or they had to order it and have it shipped or parts were on back order. ***2- after I showed my frustration and even mentioned word "Lemon Law" to the dealership after my car was sitting in the dealership for over 2 weeks, Hyundai North East general manager "Pauletta" called me and assured me that they were working on it and they would ship the parts as soon as theyre available. she gave me her phone# and told me after my car was fixed she would call me and offer me gift cards or free service coupons. guess what?! I got my car back but there hasnt been any sign of Pauletta! I called her multiple times and left messages, she never answered her phone and never returned my call. and when I complained about it to the dealership they told me they have had the same complaint about "Pauletta and her promises" from other customers! WAY TO GO Hyundai!!! ***3- Sonata 2.0 T: stay away from Hyundai Turbo cars, I talked to three mechanics and even the dealership guy himself told me that Hyundai Turbo cars are high maintenance cars....

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  Stay away. - 2000 Hyundai Sonata
  By jheoaustin - August 3 - 1:21 pm

  I bought this piece of junk in 2002 from the original owner at 11K miles. It started troubling a week after the purchase, from the minor power window break. Then I had to visit dealership about 10 times to fix the symptoms from check engine light to stall on the road. 4 months after new car warranty expired, it now refuses to accelerate, which was fixed 2 years ago. Dont believe Hyundais good rating. I believe you would regret if you did.

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  Say NO to Hyundai - 2001 Hyundai Sonata
  By Bob - June 20 - 5:52 pm

  Beware of chronic "check engine" warnings. Prepare to pay hundreds and hundreds of dollars for faulty sensors: input and output. Hyundai will capture the public with a low/reasonable price tag but the REAL cost of ownership begins the day you take it home from the dealer. NEVER, NEVER AGAIN hyundai!

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  Hollow Claims! Best Warranty? - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By Stephen Mathew - April 20 - 6:50 pm

  If you are a new car buyer and plan to own car for 10 yrs maybe but beware if you but pre-owned the warranty isnt worth the paper its writtem on, trust me I have a 3 yr old pre owned Sonata! Warranty aside, I have never owned a car that has had as many problems as my Sonata! Hardly 3 years on the list of failures are a yard long! Worst car Ive owned! There is a reason they market their cars on their so called warranty, its because so much IS going to go wrong with the car! The list: air bag! (seriously this component is never used and yet it fails? How does a component that is never used become defective?), a/c: every part you could think of!, actuator, power seats. Ive had at least 6 problems that were covered under warranty, yet the hazzle, its not as if Hyundai will give you a loner!

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  Driving and riding experience - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jean PAyne - March 19 - 10:00 am

  This 2011 Sonata Limited is my husbands car. Exterior is sporty and beautifully designed. Do like the turn signals on the side mirrors. However, very rough ride. It feels like I am in a tin can or a truck. Lot of road noise even after buying new Michelin tires the same day of purchase. Front windshield distortion. Passenger seat way too low. Passenger door sounds hollow and tinny, slight vibration, when pushed shut. Strong chemical smell in the car,gives me a headache."leather" seats low quality. Traded a good 2007 Camry, which was a well built car, for this. My 2008 Toyota Avalon is a far better car than this 2011 Sonata Limited. Would not recommend this car at all.

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  Worst Car I have Ever Owned - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By dchoat - February 3 - 4:37 am

  Up until today, I would have told you I was pretty pleased with my Sonata. However, with 85K miles my engine is dead. Driving to work today, the engine started knocking, the check engine light came on, and about 5 seconds later the car just died (while I was driving.) I was fortunate not to be on the interstate, and was able to coast to a safe side road. I am the second owner, so the 100K warranty doesnt transfer to me. I contacted Hyundai Customer Care, and they said sorry, but what do you want me to do about it. The cost to replace the engine is $5700. I will now have a loan for my car, and a loan for my engine. I have read on other sites that the 2011 won Beware of the Clunker Award.

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  feels like a prius with turbo lag - 2017 Hyundai Sonata
  By pery - December 15 - 10:17 am

  adding to title, do not know if suspension is different than sport but sport was more planted. sport has better wheels and tires and 300 more lbs which perhaps adds to more refined ride. acceleration not much different in time but eco shifts can be rough at lower speeds.