Hyundai Sonata Review

2009 Hyundai Sonata Limited V6 Sedan Shown

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 four-cylinder or V6 engines. Setting the Sonata apart, however, is Hyundai's outstanding warranty coverage.

While the current Hyundai Sonata takes no styling risks, inside or out, its generous height and width translate into abundant headroom, a spacious rear seat and a huge trunk. Nice touches such as a two-tone dashboard and abundant metallic trim pieces spruce up its generally conservative interior. Craftsmanship still doesn't quite match that of the leading Japanese-brand midsize sedans, but remains impressive enough to surprise anyone who hasn't noticed Hyundai's steady improvements in build quality.

When value is a top priority, the Sonata — particularly in lower trim levels — shines with enough features to ensure lasting popularity among the bargain-hunter set. It also significantly undercuts many of its competitors when similarly equipped.

Current Hyundai Sonata

Today's Hyundai Sonata was fully redesigned for the 2006 model year. The Sonata is offered only as a four-door sedan. Initially, three trim levels were offered: GL, GLS and LX. The base GL comes with a healthy list of standard features, including air conditioning, a CD/MP3 player, power accessories, cruise control, keyless entry and more. The list of standard features is longer on the mid-grade GLS. The leather-lined LX has enough extras to feel reasonably upscale, if not truly luxurious. Even loaded, the low price of the Sonata LX could leave room in the budget for a navigation system and/or a rear-seat entertainment system. But alas, neither is offered on the Sonata.

The following year saw a shuffling of the trim levels as the GLS replaced the GL, the Limited replaced the LX and a sporty SE version debuted wearing 17-inch alloy wheels and foglights.

Both of the Sonata's engines deserve praise. The 2.4-liter, 162-horsepower, four-cylinder engine that powers GL and GLS models is surprisingly responsive, whether paired to the five-speed manual (GL only) or the four-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability. Optional on the GLS and standard on the LX is a 3.5-liter, 235-hp V6 matched to a five-speed automatic transmission (also with manual shift capability). Both engines are reasonably fuel-efficient and very quiet at speed. And while its handling is far from sporty, the Hyundai Sonata nonetheless turns with poise and delivers feedback via its speed-sensitive, variable-assist power steering.

In the area of safety, today's Sonata benefits from front seat side airbags and curtain airbags. Antilock brakes, traction control and stability control are also standard. Furthermore, outward vision is favorable, thanks to large windows and a commanding seating position.

Past Hyundai Sonata Models

The Hyundai Sonata was 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.

The sleeker second-generation version, introduced in 1995, offered better fit and finish and dual airbags, but little improvement under the hood. In 1997, the Sonata was restyled dramatically, but not necessarily for the better. Finally, in 1999, the Sonata came into its own with a vastly improved appearance, far better engines and significant improvements in noise and ride quality.

Another update from Hyundai in 2002 brought a fancy chrome grille, reshaped headlights and a cleaner-looking tail end. Just as welcome was the newfound grunt for the V6 engine, which grew to 2.7 liters, adding 11 much-needed horsepower and 10 more pound-feet of torque. Minor suspension tweaks resulted in slightly better ride quality. Pre-2006 Sonatas remain a risky used-car proposition. Only in recent years have we seen the kind of build quality and structural integrity that might portend long-term durability.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.