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:

• 

  A great car for the money - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Steve Williams - November 26 - 10:00 am

  My limited is a great car, however the interior still feels a bit cheap. The plastic applique on the inside of the door is horrid, IMHO. Traded an 07 V6 Altima, so it truly isnt quick compared to the V-6. Cant believe the limited didnt have dual exhaust! I was shocked at no heated seats in SE. I know Im sounding picky, but this is my 38th car and Ive had all makes and models. The stereo (Dimension) sounds pretty good. The trunk in the Sonata is huge, yes 4 sets of golf clubs! Back seat is smallish due to slopped roof-line. Center stack very logical. Sunroof is smallish too. But mileage is great and the price cant be beat. Great car for $. Leather seats are mediocre.

• 

  2006 Hyundai Sonata LX - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By jrp7329 - November 25 - 3:16 pm

  Until I purchased this Sonata, I had never owned a Hyundai ... but you can bet Ill buy another one! This car is truly an excellent value ... reasonable price with solid design and performance. Quick, comfortable and just great to drive ... whats not to like? Top notch build quality with a sophisticated engine ... 28 MPG in all- around driving for me.

• 

  Nice car overall, but beware of brakes - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By jas - November 25 - 1:07 pm

  After 2.5 years and 33,000 miles, the car has been pretty good overall. Have had some issues such as XM receiver needing replacement because of water damage due to a weld in rear panel failing allowing water to get into XM receiver box located in trunk, brake switch replacement (recall was issued). So far the only major complaint is the pathetic quality of the rear brakes. Have had to service them twice so far, once at 20,00 miles and just the other day at 32,000 miles (not covered, pay out of your own pocket). Its a terrible design that the dealer admitted to, but Hyundai is not willing to do anything about it. So beware, brake issues are coming if you have not all ready experienced it.

• 

  So-so car - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Steve - November 15 - 7:00 am

  The ride is smooth and the fuel economy is good. So far it has been very dependable, but I dont like the transmission. At times it should downshift, and it doesnt. Other times, while cruising on the interstate, it will downshift for the slightest incline. I have had this car for a year now, and it is starting to develop rattles in the dashboard. I am struggling with the dealer to fix them. I get the feeling that Hyundai is not built with the attention to detail that other, more expensive cars are. This is the first Hyundai I have owned. I would recommend it to a friend (pros outweigh the cons), but remind them that they are buying a cheap car, and not to get their expectations too high.

• 

  Not satisfied - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Phyllis - November 11 - 5:19 pm

  Bought my 07 new in 0906. Feel I overpaid for it. 18,800. Have had to replace tires at 32,000 and brakes. Now my automatic seat works sometimes and my sun visor wont stay up. Dealer only service during the week, late only two days and rarely has loaner cars. Michelin tires are too expensive for this car and wouldnt climb my driveway last winter. Slide a lot! Never heard any noise but had to replace the windshield glass in the first 20,000 miles. Orange barrel fell in front of me and now I have a crack in the front bumper doing 50 mph

• 

  Bad Oil Pump - Very Poor Service! - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By nukem90 - November 4 - 11:59 pm

  Per the Hyundai dealer in Dalton, GA the reason for our oil pressure light on was a bad oil pump that scored the main bearings on the crankshaft. The process to get to replacing the engine was a 2 out of 10 on the service meter! Between the dealer, Hyundai USA, and the 3rd party warranty company, Fidelity, I am extremely disappointed. The ownership level by Hyundai was very poor. They passed the process of correcting the issue to Fidelity who was a 1 out 10 on the service level! It is disappointing that a car that I like with a significant quality issue was handled the way it was. This is my first and last Hyundai. Nissan, Toyota, Honda - here I come!

• 

  Love! - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Approve Hyundai - October 27 - 7:50 am

  I bought this car used at 10000 miles and the only reason I would go to the dealership was to change the oil or change the tires. I love the Hyundai and it is good on gas! I drove this car from Miami to Tallahassee (which is a 600 mile drive) like 10 times and I drove this car from Miami to Washington D.C (which is more than a 2000 mile drive) and I still have no issues. Theres little things that gets on my nerves but overall good car. Now my car is at 80000 miles and it is still running great!

• 

  Crashed Approved - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Chambers - October 23 - 11:25 pm

  This is my second review. Wife and daughter T-boned a lady driving a Saturn Outlook doing 50 MPH in our Sonata GLS, then spun out into a ditch. Based on the damage our car was totaled. The Sonata held up very well, all 4 doors would still open and the front end crumple zones took the impact very well. I was very impressed with the safety of the vehicle, both wife and daughter walked away pretty much unharmed. I would buy another Sonata based on this alone, including other features like the fun to drive, comfort and reliability factor. BEST car on the market for the money, hands down.

• 

  First impressions - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Adamant - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 2011 Sonata SE for just a few weeks now so this is just a preliminary note. Car is BEAUTIFUL -- iridescent silver blue pearl is simply awesome. What wasnt awesome was getting 20 mpg (mostly highway) from my first tankful.

• 

  Great car for the money - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Marc - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I commute 80 round-trip to work and average 32 mpg in hilly terrain. No problems so far. This car is very comfortable, roomy, and quiet. I looked at comparable Toyota, Kia, Nissan and Chevrolet products and none compared to Hyundai.