2008 Hyundai Sonata [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 50 Sonata reviews and test drives.
Hyundai Sonata - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Hyundai Sonata ranks 10 out of 25 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 50 published reviews and test drives of the Hyundai Sonata, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Sonata delivers class-leading safety features, decent fuel economy, reasonable handling, and an incredibly spacious interior, but it can't match the more sporting performance and bold exterior body-styling of many others in its class.
The 2008 Hyundai Sonata offers adequate power and handling, generous cabin space, many standard safety features, and a warranty that is generally seen as leading its class. Nevertheless, its bland look, combined with somewhat poor road-feel and a hesitating transmission prevents auto writers from declaring the sedan ideal. Still, reviewers are, on balance, impressed. When the Sonata was redesigned in 2006, many reviews echoed the Detroit News words, "With the Sonata, the Koreans are no longer just keeping up with the competition and producing 'me, too' kind of cars. They are elbowing their way to the head of the pack."
The Sonata proceeded to 2008 relatively unchanged, but a redesign is expected for 2009. The sedan is still available in three trims -- the base GLS, the performance-tuned SE and the Limited. If you're in the market for an affordable midsize sedan, also consider the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry.
- "Sonata comes close to the refinement of competitive models from Toyota, Nissan, and Ford, while offering more room for less money." -- New Car Test Drive
- "It's no longer embarrassing to own a Hyundai." -- U.S. News
- "After years of diligence towards improving quality and attempting to produce a good product at an affordable price, Detroit and the Godzillas of the Pacific Rim are now seriously threatened by the Korean invasion. Sonata attacks!" -- BusinessWeek
- "The Sonata is a great all-around value, full of standard luxury and safety features that only exist as options on other mid-priced sedans." -- Car and Driver
- "If you want one of the finest mass-market midsize sedans on the market, swallow your foolish pride and consider the Sonata." -- Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Sonata Performance - 7.5 (Good)
The 2008 Hyundai Sonata is praised for its adequate power, decent fuel economy, impressive braking system, and a smooth ride. But stubborn shifting and poor steering and road feel detract from an overall solid performance. Continue with our full Performance Review for a comprehensive analysis of the front-wheel drive Sonata's two engines, transmissions and braking and stability systems. continue
Sonata Exterior - 7.1 (Good)
Most are pleased -- not astounded -- with the Hyundai Sonata's exterior body-styling. The San Jose Mercury News reports, "Design-wise, the new Sonata is pleasant enough. But in making an effort to create a car that will be sold against the Camry, the Hyundai designers sculpted one that looks just as ordinary." Check out the Hyundai Sonata Photo Gallery to see front, side and rear images of the Sonata, or continue with our full Exterior Review to read about design differences between the Sonata's three trims. continue
Sonata Interior - 7.8 (Good)
The Sonata's five-passenger interior cabin is spacious and equipped with a surprising list of standard features. New Car Test Drive says, "The overall look is clearly competitive with most in the class and better than some," while BusinessWeek finds the interior is "so spacious that even though Sonata is a mid-size sedan, U.S. government size classifications would deem it a 'large car.'" Check out the Hyundai Sonata Photo Gallery to see up close images of the Sonata's cabin in gray, or continue with our full Interior Review to for more information on the sedan's cavernous trunk. continue
Sonata Safety - 9.7 (Excellent)
The Sonata's impressive list of standard safety features makes it class competitive. The Detroit News writes, "If you are obsessed with safety features, the new Sonata is bound to come out on the top of your shopping list." Government crash test ratings award the 2008 Sonata a high score in both frontal and side crash tests. Continue with our full Safety Review for a complete account of the Sonata's standard safety equipment. continue
Sonata Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Hyundai Sonata reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Hyundai provides a five-year or 60,000-mile new vehicle warranty for all Sonatas. Continue with our full Reliability Review to learn about the Sonata's lengthy powertrain coverage. continue
