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Hyundai Sonata - What the Auto Press Says

The Hyundai Sonata has been refreshed for 2009, with a redesigned interior that out-classes previous editions of this car, improved fuel economy and a horsepower bump.  The result is a solid all-around family sedan, and with a longer warranty than many competitors, a good value. 

You'd have to dig deep to find flaws with the 2009 Hyundai Sonata. It earns solid scores in all categories, and with improvements for the 2009 model year, a boasts passenger cabin that could easily be confused with something Honda or Toyota would build.

But the Sonata is kept out of the top of its class by a simple lack of personality.  The Sonata offers one of the gentlest rides in the midsize car class, and lacks any sporty character.  Though interior changes are extensive, the car's sheetmetal is easy to overlook, many reviewers say. 

Neither of those complaints are things you're likely to hear about in the new Mazda6 -- if the Sonata is too tame for you, consider Mazda's redesigned midsize car as well. 

The traditional argument for the Sonata -- its tremendous value -- is undercut at the moment by the current recession.  Most cars are available at unusually heavy discounts this year.  Check out our best car deals page for details.

Hyundai's Assurance Plus plan, which allows buyers who lose their income to return the car with no negative impact on their credit, is a good argument in the car's favor -- similar plans from Ford and GM have expired.

• "Power is up, emissions are down, mileage has improved, and the cabin is a place in which you'll be happier to spend time. What a difference a little midlife-cycle product update can bring." -- Motor Trend
• "We think you'll like the 2009 Hyundai Sonata if you're looking for a comfortable, roomy mid-size sedan that won't break the budget. The Sonata continues to offer almost as much as the competition at a lower price." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "Excellent looks, room, comfort, mileage and price along with very good performance." -- Chicago Tribune
• "When you are competing in the family sedan market, you better bring your 'A' game. The 2009 Hyundai Sonata, which has been updated, does just that." -- Austin American-Statesman
• "It's tough competing with Camry, Altima, Malibu, Fusion, Accord and all the other great products in that category, but somehow Hyundai continues to match content at usually a few grand less than the others. Quality improves steadily and with this mid-run update style, content and ambiance keeps up reasonably well." -- The Auto Channel
• "It seems Hyundai has taken a lot of lessons from both Honda and Toyota, mathcing them in styling and build quality. The 2009 Hyundai Sonata...is clearly targeted at the American consumer. And it's a bulls-eye." -- Orlando Sentinel

Sonata Performance - 7.7 (Good)

Test drivers find a lot to like about the 2009 Hyundai Sonata's updated powertrain and chassis, as the engines have more oomph but better gas mileage, and the suspension is 10 to 15 percent stiffer but still provides a comfortable ride. Kelley Blue Book says, "The Sonata's road manners are similar to those of the Toyota Camry, which has the smoothest ride in the segment." However, the new Sonata is not the best purchase if you're interested in a sporty performer. The same KBB reviewer notes, "It isn't nimble, though, not even the SE model with its stiffer suspension settings." Read More

Sonata Exterior - 7.3 (Good)

According to Car and Driver, "The Sonata receives minor visual upgrades-the design team says it didn't want to mess with a design it considers to be successful." Others say the barely noticeable changes to the 2009 model's exterior are forgettable. Read More

Sonata Interior - 8.3 (Very Good)

The modifications made to the Sonata's interior are the most notable changes and the most praised. Reviewers appreciate the roomier seating for five, the high-quality cabin materials, and the new-for-this-year optional navigation system. BusinessWeek's writer says, "The Honda Accord still has the nicest cabin in the segment, in my opinion, but Hyundai has done a lot to further adapt the Sonata to American tastes (and plus-size rear ends)." Read More

Sonata Safety - 9.7 (Excellent)

The 2009 Sonata receives good scores in government and insurance industry crash tests. Read More

Sonata Reliability - 7.0 (Good)

The 2009 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 offers a new vehicle warranty for its Sonata for the first five years or 60,000 miles, and has a 10-year or 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. Read More