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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  Nice car glad I have the warranty - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Marc - October 5 - 8:56 am

  I have had the car since 2007. A great car to drive, but I have had many problems. Check light comes on for no reason sometimes. Trunk would not close one day. Visor would not stay up. Drink holder broke. Car jumps a bit when I change from 1st to 2nd sometimes. About 2% of the time. Electrics are been faulty and I have had to replace 4-5 bulbs. I think that is about it. Quite alot though. The warranty is great and they have repaired everything, but I am tired of taking it into the shop for repairs. Nice car, but just too many problems for me to consider buying another Hyundai.

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  I like the car very much. - 2016 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ken Dranchek - October 2 - 8:06 pm

  Purchased new Sonata; Silver, SE in March 2016. 2300 miles on the odo. Replaced OEM Khumo Solus tires with Continental TrueContacts at 900 miles. Transformed the cars ride and handling, much quieter, as well. Im breaking in the car using the manual shift mode because the full automatic-normal setting lugs the engine. Have recently begun driving in full automatic in the Sport setting. The shift points in Auto-Sport are very close to the shift points I was using in manual shift mode. The engine stumbles when moving away from a dead stop in full-auto but not in manual shift mode. Hoping Hyundai soon owns-up to this fault and issues a TSB to increase the engine idle speed. Slight rattle from the glove box area over rumble strips. Will wait until it is constant before taking to the dealer for repair. I will change the oil and filter at 3000 miles per the owners manual and will use Mobil 1 Full Synthetic with factory oil filters. By accident, I discovered the mat in the trunk is reversible. Access to the engine air filter and cabin filter is very easy. Getting 29.8 mpg so far.

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  Need new suspension - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By ottok - September 29 - 6:51 pm

  Overall I have been pretty happy with my 07 Sonata GLS. No technical or mechanical issues yet after 20,000 miles. My biggest problem has been the suspension which is designed for a light bicycle. Bumpy roads provides very strong feedback into steering wheel. Bottoming out is donw easily. So you Hyundai engineer lear from Honda Accord.

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  Sell/Trade after 6-7 years - 1999 Hyundai Sonata
  By sarah - September 28 - 6:11 pm

  Was happy with my purchase, even though I had a lot of warranty work done on it during the first 5 years. Beginning in the 7th yr., Ive dished out more money for repairs than I care to remember, every six months or so. Nothing less than $200 each trip to the service dept! Now, for the past 2 yrs., Im paying for repairs every other month, in the neighborhood of $700-900 per visit. Ive owned other Brands that didnt have the problems Im having with this Sonato! It drives like a dream, but these costly repairs are a nightmare. Dont think Ill buy another Hyundai. I normally keep a vehicle 10-12 yrs, before buying a new one, but dont think I can put up with these problems much longer!!

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  love / hate relationship - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By tonysi - September 23 - 6:59 pm

  My first non honda product in many years. Love the features, performance, mileage and style. What i hate are the problems, waste gate issue after 1000 miles, spider webs in the turbo, waste gate reprogram again and finally at 50k the engine light on again and a fuel pump replacement. While all were under warranty there were no loaner cars offered by my dealer. Its like my Corvette, great car when its running right !

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  3 Years owned and No Problems - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Eric - September 11 - 12:48 pm

  I have owned my Sonata for 3 years now and the only thing I have done (besides the usual oil changes and tire rotation) is purchased tires. It has been better then I could have hoped for. Like most people I shopped around and was saying to myself, "Are you sure you want a Hyundai?". Im pleased I took the chance.I paid 17,500March of 07. It as sun roof, XM, AM/FM Radio, CD, alloy wheels, automatic, all the controls on the steering wheel, well its loaded for a GLS model. Any other brand with the same options was $28,000 for the cheapest. I want mention brands but it was the standard companies. Way more BANG for the BUCK.

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  Excellent Car - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By tmp - September 10 - 2:56 pm

  I bought my Sonata GSL 03 with all the bells and whistles new and couldnt be happier. Going on 6 yrs replaced brakes @50,000, just did timing belt @ 83,000. Did oil change every 3,000- 5,000 miles other than that general maintenance.Not thrilled with dealer very poor customer service. I have found overall excellent performance and comfort level. Arm rest worn and power lock just went. Previously owned Mederces, Cadillac, TBird, Mustang, Lincoln,

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  Hyundai has come a long way - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By C.W. - September 8 - 4:43 am

  Ive had my Hyundai Sonata Limited for a little more than a month now, and I am loving it. I have never owned a Hyundai, and have always driven Nissans. Traded an 04 Maxima SE for the Sonata because of the remarkable warranty. You cant beat it. The Sonata is fun to drive, and I found it to be much quieter than the Nissan. Power is more than sufficient, and the CVVT shifts flawlesly. Interior room is spacious, but I think the fore/aft position on the seat tract should be a bit longer. I love the Infinity sound system, however I had to take it back to the dealer 2X to fix an annoying rattle in the rear deck coming from the 3rd brake light. I also think the suspension should be firmer.

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  2003 hundai sonata - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By David Liu - September 4 - 10:00 am

  this vehicle rides well and is well built. It come standard with a lot of features that you pay extra for in a US or Japanese car

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  Dons opinion - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By donald - September 3 - 11:23 am

  The vehicle has poor suspension in the rear and the seats are not comfortable. The seats should have more padding and the interior is too plain.