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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  Sonata Stalls on the Road - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By ddelong1 - November 20 - 5:30 pm

  I purchased my new Sonata 2.0T in the middle of June and just loved it until this week. We were coming to a stop and the car stalled out and we coasted to the stop. I noticed that there were 2 warning lights on - engine and another one. The car was idling but there was not throttle response. Nothing. I turned it off and then restarted it. Now only the engine light was on and the throttle had response. The dealer found codes 2118 & 2110 but couldnt find the problem. They just erased the codes. This is a safety item for sure. If I was on the highway and this happened, we could have been rear ended. This car had less than 1500 kms. Beware!

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  Good car - 2016 Hyundai Sonata
  By cuneosurvivor - October 29 - 8:39 am

  The 2.4L engine is a little noisy but has good power and good fuel economy. The handling and ride is good, and I like the interior and the layout of the dash. We got a nice discount from list price, and the dealership gave a lifetime drivetrain warranty.

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  Somewhat Disappointed... - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Kori - October 20 - 9:36 pm

  My biggest issue is that gas mileage is much lower than the 20/30 estimate. I dont drive aggressively, and in the past have always gotten higher than the posted estimate. This car gets about 18/24. I wouldnt have bought the car if I had known the reality. Radio sounds terrible--very tinny. Tires are low quality. Interior is average. It does run well, has nice pickup and is certainly is great to look at.

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  Cheap to Buy - Expensive to Maintain - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Brazoo - October 8 - 8:15 am

  The Sonata is about $5k less on average to own vs the Honda Accord & Toyota Camry. However I do know about 6 yrs into ownership that in the end I spent much more in repairs on this "cheap car" than going with one of the others. First everything on this car at the garage is "special parts" & expensive. Needs special transmission fluid when flushing, special tires (racing ones found on a Jag)at about $130/tire & already replaced 2 sets. The power radio antenna broke-$300. The power steering line rusted & broke-repair pending. Have 134,000 mi on it presently & gone through 3 sets of brakes & pads an most of driving is wide-open hwy. I suggest buying a better car up front & save $ in long r

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  Over-rated - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By Stapleford - September 15 - 6:45 pm

  My 08 has several issues, and all seem common with my fellow owner. Loose molding strips, a failed oxygen sensor, failed tire pressure lights. The warranty is attractive, but read the small print, I was disappointed with a transmission issue. This car looks nice but is sluggish around 30- 40mph. It really should not be compared to a Accord or Camry,, unless of course you can measure intangible issues with the cost savings. It does not have the re-sale value associated with Japanese vehicles.

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  New Transmission at 87,000!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By unhappysonataowner - September 4 - 12:18 pm

  This is the first Hyundai I have owned. It is an 02 w/87,000 miles. It needs a entire new transmission, which the dealer said would cost $2800. I have owned Ford, Chrysler and Jeep vehicle and never had a problem of this magnitude. The ford even has 223,00o miles. When I took it to the dealer the first time the check engine light came on AutoZOne told me it was a Shift Control Solenoid code.

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  Diappointed - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Chiquita Gallion - August 13 - 3:21 pm

  From the time I drive my sonata off the lot the air has never worked properly and when I go to the dealer to have them look at it they want to charge me, Nice I bought it that way why should I have to pay. Every time I touch something it breaks. (sun visor broke after 1 week). My mother-in-law has one and when it rains she was getting soaked. My check engine light came on for two days.

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  Broken door handle, door lock, fuel cap and counting.. - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By raka1212 - August 12 - 9:54 pm

  I was excited initially with the value of the car but after four years I am now wondering. First problem I had was with engine light code 442, went to dealer two times but they keep claiming it is a loose fuel cap issue. I am making sure the cap is tight after every fill and even changed cap with new oem cap still this issue is persistent. Then I had one remote door lock issue which was fixed with a new lock. Now I have one broken door handle. When I searched about door handle, it was surprised to know that it is a known issue with this car as the door handles are made of cheap plastic not metal like other car and easily breaks. Not sure if I will consider Hyundai brand again.

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  Engine Shaking and Vibrating - Becareful..! - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By andress360 - July 21 - 4:24 am

  I bought a my first Hyundai ever.....2013 Sonata 2.4 GLS with 9,700 miles, after a couple days (( 85 miles )) I noticed and Shaking, Vibrating sensation that comes from the engine. This is very irritating and disturbing since Hyundai is suppose to be coming up with better quality, sad to say but this gives me much to worry about since it can only get worse as I add miles to the car. I never had this issue with cars., so Ill be taking back to the dealer for service. After finding about this issue I wish I would have bought from Toyota, or Nissan. Very discouraging. If you do decide to buy this car make sure that you get their Top Service Warranty.

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  Mix bag - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Sinai - July 17 - 6:50 pm

  I bought this car almost three years ago.First owner was an old guy, so I think he didnt drive it too harsh. during past three years I had to change the whole Starter package, whole AC compressor and accessories, front struts, windshield wipers water pump ( its broken again) and replaced the battery twice. CD player may work only occasionally and can not read half of the tracks for no good reason. I changed the front shock absorbers, and it just got a little better for a while,, its just driving me crazy that how noisy and uncomfortable the car is over small bumps. I took care of the car really good and still its not reliable. when I bought the car it had 93000 miles on it and now its ~ 117000. thats stupid,,, I wont ever but any Hyundai products and will not recommend it to anybody.