2006 Hyundai Sonata Review: A Cheap Unreliable Car With High Ownership Costs Buyers Should Avoid

Jul 8, 2022

The 2006 Sonata only lasts around 150,000 miles with expensive engine and airbag issues. At $3,251 to $5,847, it’s cheap, but not worth it for a car that has engine failures.

The Good

The V6 engine offers good power for the class, the suspension is smooth and there’s a lot of space in the cabin.

The Bad

The transmission is clunky when shifting between gears, the front seats wear out quickly and the steering is unresponsive.

Is the 2006 Hyundai Sonata a Good Used Car?

No, 2006 is a bad year. Owner reviews complain about broken parts, reliability issues, and some uncomfortable seats.
Interior materials are better than other midsize cars in the same price range, with soft leather options, upscale trim, and comfortable seats available..
Reliability ratings are below average. Models from 2008–2009 are some of the best with fewer engine problems.
Performance is average from the 4-cylinder, but the V6 offers a bit more power.
The 2006 Sonata is a very safe car, getting a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests.
Fuel economy is good, at up to 25 MPG combined.

Positive Owner Reviews

Jay S

Looks and acts like a sports car.

Bought it almost new. Have never had any major problems. Maintenance up to date. Easy to maneuver in all traffic. Comfortable interior. All instructions are simple and easy to accomplish. Exterior still looks new, no fading of the paint. Back seat has room for three passengers. Easy to get in and out of. Parts are easily accessible if needed. The only minor problem was the electric windows.

Sandra G

Extremely comfortable cloth interior

The interior is extremely comfortable and it rides very nice. Could possibly use a rear window wiper. Otherwise I like my car.

Nate W

Hyundai Sonata is a great reliable car.

I love my Hyundai Sonata. It is very liable. I have not had any performance issues with is. I love the retractable sun roof. It has a spacious trunk, and the back seats also lay down if I need to haul something a little longer than my trunk (it can stretch from the trunk into the back seats). It also performs well in inclement weather. I drove on an interstate through a major snowstorm for several hours a couple years ago, and I was certainly driving much slower than normal, but I had not problems driving in snow. I also love having cruise control, which makes it more comfortable to drive long distances, if we're going on vacation or something.

Peter E

It is bigger than you think it is.

Best car I have had, minimal repairs ever needed, mostly just preventative maintenance, great gas mileage and range. Comfortable.

Monica S

Great for family, spacious and powerful.

Great performance, low fuel Usage, great economy, spacious and family friendly, comfortable and convenient, looks good, nice body style, powerful v6 engine, quiet, great driving experience, for both men and women, great on the road, big trunk, back seat comfortable.

Nora Y

It is good on gas and easy to steer; it is a small sedan.

I like my car , it is good on gas. There is nothing to dislike. There are no complaints.

crystal Z

I like that it fits me well. It is a small yet decent size for my height. It does not waste gas at all. It is very reliable and takes me everywhere I need to go.

It is very reliable and saves a lot on gasoline as well.

Brandon L

My vehicle is dependent good on gas and runs great.

I love my car it has never let me down and it takes me wherever I want to and everything works in it and also good on gas I get 23 miles to the gallon it has a 2.3 liter motor and a automatic transmission it also has 4 doors also has a sunroof windows are slightly tinted it is very roomy and has a jack and a spare tire in the trunk.

Negative Owner Reviews

Katie H

Hyundai Sonata runs good but accessories junk.

For it being a 2006 it runs really well but the door handles a fallen off all of them the sun visor broke the middle console broke it is a very nice car but I also hate the way the oil filters on the top of the engine. The factory rims are still on it but because of where we live at we get a lot of rain which caused me to have to change my brakes even more.

Katie E

It gets me to places I need to go but isn't a reliable car

I feel like the vehicle should last longer it is breaking apart the door knobs are all falling off and I have had to put new ones on it. I like that it gets me places

Jill C

Best bang for the buck. Looks and rides like a much more expensive car.

Comfortable as the day we got it. Great visibility. Very smooth ride at any speed. Trunk holds tons more than expected.

Sean D

My vehicle is a 2006 Hyundai Sonata, and I do not recommend that make, model, and year to anyone.

The car seems to need a new alternator every six months, and there is a bad fuse that keeps the parking lights from turning off, so I have to disconnect the battery to avoid draining it.

Kathy R

2006 Hyundai Sonata review.

This is good for people who like cars. . I like SUV. It has a transmission sensor issue and a window does not roll down anymore. . Other than that it's ok for a car. Gets pretty good gas mileage but the oil filter is ridiculously expensive for being a paper filter.

Sara R

It would be the brake system it terrifies me.

The brakes feel and sound bad. The handling is awful. The car only lasted me a year before I had issues.

Malik W

It is reliable and good on the highway and good on gas

It is white. It runs well but has had a few problems. Had to change alternator twice.

Michelle Y

It is a comfortable ride and great gas mileage.

The interior is spacious and comfortable. It has both automatic and manual settings which are easy to use and they never fail. The trunk is huge and the seats fold down for more storage. The car hugs turns and you cannot feel all the bumps in the road. Has not needed any major work done, very great mechanically sound.

What Do Critics Say About the Sonata?

Consumer Reports says the Sonata is performs worse than older models, and has average owner satisfaction scores.
Edmunds gives the Sonata a 4.7/5 liking the upscale interior, but disliking the engine issues.
Kelley Blue Book users rate the Sonata 4.6/5 and enjoy the smooth suspension but don’t like the high maintenance costs.

What Common Problems Does the 2006 Hyundai Sonata Have?

The most common problems found on the 2006 Sonata include engine failures, airbag system issues, and damaged suspension components.

Engine failures are the most common complaint from owners at around 100,000 miles. The pistons and connecting rods wear out and destroy the motor. A new engine costs about $6,500 to install.

Airbag system issues are another frequent issue in the first 65,000 miles. The sensor located in the seat fails and it costs $1,300 to replace the sensor and the seat to get the system working again.

Suspension problems show up on a lot of Sonata models at roughly 125,000 miles. The front subframe that the suspension connects to cracks, and costs upwards of $2,500 to change out.

There are 11 recalls, with the most serious being for the steering system which can cause a loss of control and increase the risk of an accident.

How Long Will the 2006 Hyundai Sonata Last?

A properly maintained 2006 Sonata may last around 150,000 miles if there are no serious failures, which is half as long as top-rated competitors like the Toyota Camry. Regular annual maintenance costs are average for a sedan at around $400, according to Repair Pal.

Since most Sonatas will have over 100,000 miles owners should be prepared to replace items including the radiator for $1,000, fuel tank costing $1,300, and the engine front gasket which costs $725.

Carey M

Gas tends to run and burn quick. The alarm system is touchy. Build up in the fans, vents. Buttons seem to stick. Engine parts and repair hard to get to.

Danna B

Well a few. My air conditioner went out. The window regulator has messed up for the second time so I have to buy another one.

Ang G

Yes it is very reliable. No major problems since I purchased it. Just have to maintain regular maintenance.

Sharon M

No. Problems it is reliable never any problems with it I would get another one I like it and find it to be great.

Janiel L

Yes it is very reliable and has no problems but I would suggest getting spare tires for the car if you live somewhere with bad roads.

Steven K

Only minor things go wrong with it but it gets me where I want to go and is good on gas which is a plus.

Holly D

Yes it is a reliable vehicle it was helped me go everywhere I need to go. I love it. Have traveled to other states to see the world.

Lisa C

The only problems that the brakes are starting to scrape other than the brakes I've really have had no problems.

How Much Is the 2006 Hyundai Sonata Worth?

Blue book values range from $3,251 to $5,847, which makes the Sonata about $1,000 less than a Honda Accord or Nissan Altima. When new, the price range was $17,895 to $22,895. Depreciation is worse than average, losing about 12% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Sonata?

There are three models of the 2006 Sonata available. The technology was last updated in 2005, with a minor redesign coming in 2008.

GL is the entry-level model with:

16-Inch Steel Wheels
Cloth Seating
Keyless Entry
6-Speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 Stereo System

GLS is a step up, adding:

16-Inch Alloy Wheels
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Automatic Headlights

LX is the flagship version and has:

17-Inch Alloy Wheels
Leather Seating
Heated Front Seats
Chrome Exterior Trim

162 HP 29-29 MPG

View Details

GLS

235 HP 25-25 MPG

View Details

235 HP 25-25 MPG

View Details

What Engines Come In the Sonata?

The base engine is an average 2.4L-4-cylinder making 162 horsepower, which gets up to 25 MPG combined.
An available upgrade is the more powerful 3.3L V6, which makes 235 horsepower and gets up to 21 MPG combined. Performance is okay taking 6.2 seconds to go 0-60 MPH.

What Colors Does the Sonata Come In?

How Big Is the Sonata?

The 2006 Sonata is an average midsize sedan, similar in size to the Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima. Passenger room is great throughout the cabin, with very comfortable seats compared to rivals.

Cargo space is above average with a 16.3 cubic foot trunk, which easily fits 4-5 suitcases.

How Does the Sonata Compare to the Competition?

The Honda Accord is a competitor costing about $1,000 more. Technology and performance are both better in the Accord, but the Sonata has a more upscale interior. We recommend the Accord since they last longer, and have fewer serious mechanical problems.

The Ford Fusion is another midsize sedan offered in the same price range. There’s slightly more rear legroom in the Fusion, but there’s more technology in the Sonata. We recommend the Fusion since they have fewer complaints from owners.

Ranks #7 Midsize Cars by Owners

2006 Toyota Camry

4.43

2006 Toyota Camry Solara

4.41

2006 Hyundai Sonata

4.18

Do Owners Recommend the Hyundai Sonata?

Carey M

Yes. Minor issues. Comfortable and space. Easy to drive, smooth on highways. Handles well in bad weather.

Danna B

Yes this vehicle has worked well for as long as I had it. I take care of it and in turn it takes care of me.

Ang G

Yes it is dependable car. Have not had to do much more than regular maintenance on it since I have owned it.

Sharon M

Yes it is a good reliable long lasting vehicle to own it is really good and nice to drive it is reliable to have.

Janiel L

Yes it drives well and you can have it for a long time because the gas is good. I love the interior, lots of storage and the trunk is big.

Steven K

Yes it drives fine and it gets me where I want to go it is also good on gas and is big enough for the whole family.

Holly D

Yes I really enjoy it had so many good times with it. The gas mileage is really good better than any other vehicle I ever had.

Lisa C

Yes I have had no problems since I purchased it only one problem my brakes are starting to scrape I've had it for 1 year.

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Alex on October 4, 2021

Very reliable

I bought my Used sonata in 2019 only had a few minor problems like the brakes the struts which is very common in these type of cars to go bad but gas mileage is very dependable sadly it was wreck from a head on collision but I and survived and had only Minor scars the air bags in this car is very reliable THE SONATA IS A VERY GOOD CAR THAT WILL LAST YEARS!! 10/10

Eileen C on April 2, 2021

That it is easy to take of it last a lot of years before you have to buy a new one

I like it run good and give know problem. Easy to take care off. It is fun to drive

Jesse G on March 28, 2021

Good boring reliable car.

Bought the car used. Has a few problems with the front end. A few weeks after purchasing the front brakes locked up. Other than those minor issues it is a solid good running car. Nice leather seats. A speaker is blown out inside though. Does seem like an average, boring car but is very reliable.

Polly M on March 26, 2021

Great little car! Great gas mileage and interior!

It's a great little car and has excellent gas mileage! I don't know what I would do without my car! Thank you for making a good car!

Mars K on March 13, 2021

Space and comfortably of a 2006 Hyundai Sonata.

I love my car! We take 3 hour trips often, and nobody has ever complained about the seats. The back seat has THREE shoulder belts, which is what I was looking for. I have 3 kids aged 9, 5 and 3 and safety is number 1. The backseat has enough room for 2 car seats while keeping my older child comfortable in the middle. I've had to change the starter, but that was expected. I bought the car with over 200,000 miles on it and it is STILL going strong! Best car I've ever had.

larry H on March 4, 2021

Safety and it rides very well and handles good

I like everything about my car there is really nothing that I can say negative about this car

Charles H on February 26, 2021

Quality of performance is very good.

It is very well built. Still running well at 135K miles. Needs some body work now

Beth M on February 11, 2021

Old, but extremely reliable for my needs.

The car is well over 10 years old now and still running well with very little maintenance (knock on wood). It is roomy enough, comfortable on long drives and I really have no complaints other than it being so old that there are no USB ports to plug in phones, etc. I enjoy having the sunroof.

Kevin C on February 10, 2021

Fast and comfortable drive.

Oil leak and ignition switch. It has to be serviced. It has over 200 thousand miles on it. New tires and brake pads.

Sarah L on February 10, 2021

My vehicle can go really fast surprisingly.

When I first got the car everything was good but now my brakes are starting to wear out. Other than that it's a really good car and is good on gas. If you take care of it everything will work out fine. I like how it has seat warmers and 4 wheel drive. Also a very spacious car as well.

Joseph E on January 29, 2021

Very nice car for the price.

The car has very bag mpg, even for a v6. Dealer sucks for repairs. The car is slowly falling apart with age. All Hyundais have very low resale value. Even when new, the interior and exterior was dated looking. It has all pee yellow background interior lights and a bad audio system.

Tiffany P on January 27, 2021

My Hyundai Sonata set in some guys backyard and I bought it for $560.

The vehicle is very reliable almost to 300, 000 miles now, very good on gas. My issues are with the age of the car and obviously it has some years on it. The car was once t boned and got fixed so its been through a lot.

lydia m on January 25, 2021

It is well made and it's very easy to take care of. It has a comfortable ride too.

I love my car. It has been very good to me and I like that it has a 10 year warranty on the car. I have had a few issues with it over the years but it has never been too expensive to fix it.

Linda M on January 18, 2021

Overall the outside of the car is in good condition.

Right now the ac does not work on this car. However it rides nice, get good mileage and I have a lot of miles on this car. Overall haven't had to many problems other than the usual maintenance work.

Makayla M on January 18, 2021

It is reliable, as well as tough.

No complaints about my sonata. It is reliable and a great car. I have never had an issue with it, and it is fairly cheap.

Bran R on January 13, 2021

I love my vehicle. It has everything I need in a vehicle.

Since I bought it I have had a problem after problem with it. I just had to put a sensor in it. Besides that it is good on gas. It is comfortable. It has everything I need but hands free calling. They have enough gadgets out to add this future. Overall I love this care.

Larry D on January 13, 2021

Reliability and comfortability

Like: styling, performance, reliability Dislike: sun visors, driver door lock control, minor things

allen c on January 8, 2021

Nothing, it is mine and no one else needs to know anything about it

It is very nice. It is older. I still like it. I will keep it as long as I can.

Chelsea D on January 7, 2021

Great car to get you to and from places!

It is a great car. Has awesome pick up when driving. Great AC/Heat settings. There is also seat warmers in the front, which is the best. Have not had much problems with the engine. The tires need to be constantly replaced, but I think that is only from the roads I drive on.

Martha J on January 6, 2021

A dependable car if you're ready to spend for upkeep

The door handles break off, I've replaced the fuel pump twice in the past 6 months, had to replace the oil pan, oil filter, oil dipstick and all the related gaskets six months ago. The front end suspension (ball joints, shocks, struts, etcetera, need replacing every couple of years. The hood latch cable broke and I have to use pliers to open the hood. The thing that holds the hood open is broken so I have to use a post to keep the hood open.

Jill C on December 28, 2020

Best bang for the buck. Looks and rides like a much more expensive car.

Comfortable as the day we got it. Great visibility. Very smooth ride at any speed. Trunk holds tons more than expected.

Matthew B on December 27, 2020

Its reliable and runs great.

It is a reliable car. I like the leather seats. It also has a lot of little things like heated seats and a ceiling window.

Carol A on December 25, 2020

Reliable and comfortable, would not trade it for the world

I really have no complaints. My car is sturdy and reliable. I would get another Sonata when it's time to retire my current one! I feel super safe in it, and handling is good. No real blind spots (for me anyway). The only thing is that my visors don't stay up, but I was able to fix that myself.

Pearl L on December 21, 2020

Hyundai Sonata: old cars don't let you down

Performance is great. Yearly maintenance can be expensive. It runs great and has not let me down yet! It is a silent drive for the most part. I rarely run into issues other than my flex pipe every year to year and a half. It is very reliable and comfortable it is a smaller vehicle so it is more comfortable for me since I am only 5 feet tall.

Jessica B on December 13, 2020

My Sonata is 12 years old, and has needed only basic maintenance. The battery is still the original battery. It's comfortable. It gets decent mileage. I would consider buying one again.

It's reliable. I have only needed basic maintenance, like brakes.

jennifer S on December 9, 2020

Incredible Hyundai runs amazing

My sonata has treated me very well. I haven't had any mechanical issues except for those that come with high mileage. Hyundai is a very reliable choice of car. They can run on very high miles and still act like they have low miles. I have had nothing but a good experience with my Hyundai.

Julie W on December 5, 2020

The Hyundai Sonata is reliable and comfortable.

I have not had any mechanical problems with my car. The performance is wonderful. My brother drove it and got in a car accident, but the worst damage was that the headlight was smashed and there were a few scratches. The other car had worse damage even though they hit my brother. My vehicle is super comfortable and the driver's seat has back support for long drives. The feel of the drive is smooth with the exception of my worn out suspension.

Emily S on December 2, 2020

It has never broken down.

The car is older, has a lot of maintenance issues. Body style is really basic.. Good gas mileage though. Gets me from place to place..

Kathy R on December 1, 2020

2006 Hyundai Sonata review.

Peter E on November 23, 2020

It is bigger than you think it is.

Best car I have had, minimal repairs ever needed, mostly just preventative maintenance, great gas mileage and range. Comfortable.

Amber C on November 14, 2020

2006 Hyundai Sonata GLS review

My car is front wheel drive. It's silver with a black bumper (only downfall) needs a paint job but I can't afford one. It drives really nice and smooth, I like to say it's pretty fast compared to my neon.

David L on November 6, 2020

Great car for the price and more reliable than most cars I have owned.

I like the power and comfortable interior. I dislike the mileage.

Alexis D on October 31, 2020

Trustworthy because of safety features and design.

It is safe, has lots of safety features. I like how roomy it is and all the trunk space. Complaints, it had several recalls.

Joseph N on October 28, 2020

It is a very good car for the money.

Poor gas mileage, kind of cheap interior. Has been a very reliable car for me though. Good value for the money.

Sarah P on October 25, 2020

It has great gas mileage and is very fast.

It has great gas mileage and can go really fast. It gets you to places you need to be and rides very smoothly. It is not a loud car which is nice and is the perfect size for a 5 person family. It is very comfortable for a car its size. Sonata are very good cars for long distance travels or just to get you from point A to point B.

Kels H on October 21, 2020

It can make it for a while as long as you continue to give it the proper maintenance.

It requires quite a bit of maintenance, in comparison to some of the other brands. I love the car, it has gotten me where I need to be for many years- even cross country.

Jeremy C on October 13, 2020

It accelerates very quickly.

I like It's quick acceleration and easy handling. The only issues I have with it are ones that can be fixed such as the a/c does not work. Overall it is an awesome vehicle.

Sierra V on October 10, 2020

It is good on n mileage and has a lighter

It is a reliable CAR if you maintain it. The shocks and struts are broken so the drive is a bit bumpy and I need to get them fixed. It is comfortable I do have a lot of back pain and the seats aren't luxurious but it doesn't cause any further pain. It has very basic features, no aux cord

Gor D on October 3, 2020

Most reliable car I have ever owned

Over 150000 with no major repairs is great This car is quiet and smooth riding and very reliable I will buy another

Sandra G on September 18, 2020

Extremely comfortable cloth interior

The interior is extremely comfortable and it rides very nice. Could possibly use a rear window wiper. Otherwise I like my car.

Charles B on September 11, 2020

Sonata is a relatively good car.

The car runs very smoothly. Aside of regular maintenance, I haven't had to do much work on the car. The electrical components to tend to have some issues, but nothing major. The window switch on the driver side front door goes in and out. I have also had issues with the driver seat adjustment. It tends to jam with a heavier driver.

Jack W on September 9, 2020

The Hyundai Sonata is a vehicle that for the money is hard to beat. The car operates very efficiently including gas mileage and a smooth ride. The interior is roomy and comfortable while the exterior is not flashy but attractive to look at.

Reliable and comfortable automobile at a very affordable price

Mariah G on September 4, 2020

The ups and downs of my car.

The engine grinds a bit and it smells kind of dusty, however it drives beautifully. I have been driving it for a month or so and I enjoy it overall. I just do not think it was worth as much as I paid for it, which topped off at around 6,000 dollars. It wasn't worth it.

No N on September 1, 2020

It's reliable. It works well, and it keeps working well.

I really like that it is reliable. I also got a great deal, and it works well. I haven't had many problems with it at all.

Jessica B on August 27, 2020

Affordable car that ages well

Reliable vehicle with decent gas mileage. Sturdy, but it can get pretty loud on speed bumps. I've has some issues with the electronic stability control light and the antilock brake light. I've put 70 thousand miles on it since I've had it and haven't had many issues besides the door handles sticking.

Marlicia L on August 25, 2020

Love my very reliable and cheap to maintain Hyundai sonata

My Hyundai Sonata is very reliable and durable. It has lasted for years and cheap to maintain even with high mileage on it. It currently has 202,000 miles and runs great.

Laura B on August 22, 2020

It is good for a small, efficient car.

It is a bit old but it is steady. I have had a few maintenance issues but it still drives pretty well. I like how comfortable it is and how good it is with gas mileage.

Matthew L on August 21, 2020

The brakes are very touchy on the car.

Everything works great on it. Gets me from here to there. From work and back home. From the grocery store and back home.

Katie E on August 20, 2020

It gets me to places I need to go but isn't a reliable car

I feel like the vehicle should last longer it is breaking apart the door knobs are all falling off and I have had to put new ones on it. I like that it gets me places

Alicia T on August 19, 2020

My Hyundai Sonata is from 2006 and is amazing on gas.

My car is great on gas and durability. My Hyundai Sonata is 16 years old and runs great it looks great too, I have had it for 4 years and I will buy another Hyundai Sonata just a bit newer. It has never had anything happened to it except the battery had to be change. Hyundais are reliable, look good and are very affordable.

Alex Showalter

Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.