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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  Warranty is not as good as I thought - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ed - June 30 - 12:30 am

  The car seemed OK and when I drove it for a while I got home and looked under the hood. Most of the fluids where not at the proper level. I topped them myself rather than drive 40 miles back. The engine luggs at 40 MPH when in top gear. Suspension handles bumps in a way that feels odd like the tires are bouncing over the bumps. The dealer claims an oil change is needed every 3000 miles and the company backs this up but when I first got the car they said 3000 only for severe use. Now they say everything in the US is severe. I had 2 mechanical problems with a tire pressure detector malfunction and a brake problem. Their "best warranty" did not cover anything.

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  Problems with 2006 Sonata - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Patricia Moline - June 19 - 8:06 am

  One year into ownership, I had trouble with the locks & the dome light burned out. The door locks would unlock & lock on their own. I have 18,400 miles on it now and the back drivers side back brake is bad. The dealership said Hyundai will not warranty the brake. The car is not yet 3 yrs old. I am the original owner. I bought the car new in Sept. 2006. I will be writing the MN Attorney General about this problem.

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  A few problems - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mike - June 8 - 10:07 am

  Leased in 2007 for two years. Returned in June 2009. Needed new tires and brakes by 22,703 - in less than two years! Car had nice acceleration and was a smooth ride. The car had a nice look. However, the quality of the tires it came with and brake problems have soured me on the Hyundai brand. And, since my replacement tires werent matched to the original brand, Hyundai is charging me a second time for two tires. Im sure its standard lease policy, but it feels wrong. Ill probably shop for another brand and avoid Hyundai all together since I anticipate having problems with any of their cars within only two years of purchase.

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  Very disappointing! - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By nattygirl - June 7 - 5:46 am

  I bought the Sonata for its snazzy looks, technology and the promise of good gas mileage. Other than its looks, its been a disappointment. The ride is bad - I feel every bump in the road. The gas mileage is not what was promised. Im only getting an average of 22-23 mpg. overall. And, its performance in snow was so poor the first winter I had it that I ditched all 4 tires and bought new ones with the promise of improvement. The 2nd year wasnt much better. Granted, there was alot of snow in Rhode Island this year, but - hey - it performed way worse than my old 1999 Camry in snow! Uncharacteristically, I will probably be unloading it way sooner than usual or as planned.

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  Was basically told this is a disposable car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By upsidedown2011 - June 2 - 6:47 am

  2 yr old lease well maintained...had problems throughout lease with different check engine lights ...never found cause.eventually would go off by themselves. Car hits 130,000 miles engine shuts off, Im told its seized and has electrical issues. 8-12k in repairs.contacted 3 dealerships & customers service. Was basically told by customer service and regional that car is disposable. They provided me a car with a 100,000 mile warranty & they are off the hook. Will not even consider help w/ repairs or the requested assistance or incentive to buy another Hyundai .This was my 6th Hyundai + I recommended at least 6 other people to buy hyundais..NEVER AGAIN ....dont buy Hyundai they dont care

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  I should have bought a Toyota/Honda - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Sal - May 31 - 4:43 am

  It would be a really nice car if not for the road noise which is terrible. I have a ghost in my car that appears at 60-65 mph (sounds like your blowing in an empty bottle). The dealer cant fix it. It is so annoying that I look forward to traffic so that I wont have the "Howl". The best advice I can give is: "you get what you pay for". Beware

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  Tin Can Feel - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By ScottNYC - May 30 - 1:09 am

  This car has been reliable, but it has one of the noisiest suspensions I have ever encountered. Each bump in the road is met with a crash and a bang. Edmunds high rating for this can only be explained by an obsession with foreign cars.... Disappointing fuel economy. I thought Korean cars were fuel efficient!

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  Its not what you think - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ray - April 21 - 10:00 am

  The 4 cyl is underpowered. Rough idle. Needs a 6 cyl engine. Honda Accord or GM 6 cyl make this look sick. Dont waste your money.

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  LEAKS, LEAKS AND MORE LEAKS - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By carol from texoma - March 30 - 2:56 pm

  At first I loved it then I had to deal with the dealership. I have had all locks replaced. Timing chain tensioner bent that took a 9 days. But the dealership offered me a ride 1/2 way back to work, what a joke. Then after the dealership turned in the wrong amount of work hours to the extended warranty company they wanted me to pay there mistake. Now I have leaks from the upper oil pan, transmission none of the leaks are covered by warranty. I was told after the fact that I had to buy the bumper to bumper 100K warranty offered by Hyundai. It has turned into a huge let down. I have never had better that 24mpg. I tried to trade in my car the offer was 5K I owe 10K the repairs are 2500.

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  Nice car-poor mileage - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mac - March 30 - 1:26 pm

  Nice car and good price after incentives. Good engine power and smooth transmission. Much standard equipment. Terrible gas mileage- 20.7 mpg best ever achieved on highway, not even close to the promised 30 mpg, which was a strong reason for the purchase. Very noticeable engine lag on acceleration. Distressing suspension noise intrudes in the cabin on uneven surfaces, and busy ride. Too much body lean on curves. Loud knock in dashboard. Steering feels heavy. Seat comfort is disappointing. A and B trips? Wheres B? Heavy initial lift of trunk lid.