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2006
Hyundai SONATA

Starts at:
$17,895
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New 2006 Hyundai SONATA
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Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Sdn GL I4 Manual
    Starts at
    $17,895
    24 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn GL I4 Auto
    Starts at
    $18,795
    24 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn GLS I4 Auto
    Starts at
    $19,395
    24 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn GLS V6 Auto
    Starts at
    $20,895
    20 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn LX V6 Auto
    Starts at
    $22,895
    20 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2006 Hyundai SONATA 2006 Hyundai SONATA 2006 Hyundai SONATA 2006 Hyundai SONATA 2006 Hyundai SONATA 2006 Hyundai SONATA 2006 Hyundai SONATA 2006 Hyundai SONATA 2006 Hyundai SONATA 2006 Hyundai SONATA 2006 Hyundai SONATA 2006 Hyundai SONATA 2006 Hyundai SONATA 2006 Hyundai SONATA 2006 Hyundai SONATA 2006 Hyundai SONATA

Notable features

Standard stability system
Six airbags standard
Active head restraints standard
Standard antilock disc brakes
Five-speed automatic option
3.3-liter V-6 option

The good & the bad

The good

Epic standard-features list
V-6 acceleration
Handling
Interior quality
Warranty

The bad

Steering wheel doesn't telescope
Seat-heater option has one setting
High backseat floor hump
Base-model price increase
Awful new-car smell (cars.com evaluation vehicle)

Expert 2006 Hyundai SONATA review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Alicia Collins
Full article
our expert's take


I’m on a budget these days, which means that, product-by-product, I have to sacrifice style and luxury for cheap and “this will make do for now.” From clothing to household products, I abandon my desire to be fashionable for practical resources. It’s not bad being on a budget; it just makes it difficult to go on shopping sprees. It means fewer visits to the spa and additions to my shoe and purse collection.

For moms on a budget that still desire a dose of luxury, the Hyundai Sonata is a welcome surprise. There’s no coupon-cutting needed for this one, the value is there and the price is right. It’s not the perfect mom-mobile, but it has a lot going for it. With the money I can save on this car, I can prepare a nice family dinner instead of relying on Ramen noodles.

Although there’s leather seating, the interior lacks slightly in the luxury design department. While the exterior look of this car has me fooled that it’s a Hyundai (and from the rear actually looks like a Jaguar), the interior accents scream, “Hey, we had to keep this car affordable, remember?” I’m assuming Hyundai saved money when designing the climate and radio control area. Very “plain Jane.”

The rest of the interior is quite luxurious with a roomy and airy feel. The leg room is phenomenal! The accommodations in the Sonata are quite spacious and comfortable. The roominess in the trunk is just as generous.

As I’m driving down the road I notice my passenger seat belt light keeps blinking, yet no one is in the seat. Apparently my purse exceeds the weight capacity and the car thinks a person is sitting there. This light is annoying. It’s red and it blinks continuously until I move my purse to the floor. This won’t work well, as my purse is my companion and I like to have it at arm’s length. Perhaps I need to learn to pack less?

Another annoyance is the beeping sound the car makes when I take off my seat belt before I turn off the engine. The second I take off my seat belt the car beeps angrily at me. I know it’s a safety feature but, honestly, the sound is getting on my nerves. After all, I’m not driving as I take off my seat belt; I’m in park and about to turn off the engine.

Aside from a few annoyances and the lack of style in the interior accents, this car is an affordable dose of luxury suitable for most aspects of a mom’s life: career, kids, date-nights, and anything else that comes along the way (like room for more kids or more stuff that belongs to those kids). It even comes equipped with butt-warmers. Now, that’s luxury.

*For more information on the car and its safety features visit Cars.com.

Let’s Talk Numbers LATCH connectors: 2 Passenger seating (including driver): 5

It’s the Little Things That Count Storage Compartments (puny, fair, ample, galore): ample Cargo/Trunk Space(puny, fair, ample, galore): galore

Sense and Style Family Friendly (not really, fair, great, excellent): excellent Fun-Factor (None, some, good times, groove-on): good times

2006 Hyundai SONATA review: Our expert's take
By Alicia Collins


I’m on a budget these days, which means that, product-by-product, I have to sacrifice style and luxury for cheap and “this will make do for now.” From clothing to household products, I abandon my desire to be fashionable for practical resources. It’s not bad being on a budget; it just makes it difficult to go on shopping sprees. It means fewer visits to the spa and additions to my shoe and purse collection.

For moms on a budget that still desire a dose of luxury, the Hyundai Sonata is a welcome surprise. There’s no coupon-cutting needed for this one, the value is there and the price is right. It’s not the perfect mom-mobile, but it has a lot going for it. With the money I can save on this car, I can prepare a nice family dinner instead of relying on Ramen noodles.

Although there’s leather seating, the interior lacks slightly in the luxury design department. While the exterior look of this car has me fooled that it’s a Hyundai (and from the rear actually looks like a Jaguar), the interior accents scream, “Hey, we had to keep this car affordable, remember?” I’m assuming Hyundai saved money when designing the climate and radio control area. Very “plain Jane.”

The rest of the interior is quite luxurious with a roomy and airy feel. The leg room is phenomenal! The accommodations in the Sonata are quite spacious and comfortable. The roominess in the trunk is just as generous.

As I’m driving down the road I notice my passenger seat belt light keeps blinking, yet no one is in the seat. Apparently my purse exceeds the weight capacity and the car thinks a person is sitting there. This light is annoying. It’s red and it blinks continuously until I move my purse to the floor. This won’t work well, as my purse is my companion and I like to have it at arm’s length. Perhaps I need to learn to pack less?

Another annoyance is the beeping sound the car makes when I take off my seat belt before I turn off the engine. The second I take off my seat belt the car beeps angrily at me. I know it’s a safety feature but, honestly, the sound is getting on my nerves. After all, I’m not driving as I take off my seat belt; I’m in park and about to turn off the engine.

Aside from a few annoyances and the lack of style in the interior accents, this car is an affordable dose of luxury suitable for most aspects of a mom’s life: career, kids, date-nights, and anything else that comes along the way (like room for more kids or more stuff that belongs to those kids). It even comes equipped with butt-warmers. Now, that’s luxury.

*For more information on the car and its safety features visit Cars.com.

Let’s Talk Numbers LATCH connectors: 2 Passenger seating (including driver): 5

It’s the Little Things That Count Storage Compartments (puny, fair, ample, galore): ample Cargo/Trunk Space(puny, fair, ample, galore): galore

Sense and Style Family Friendly (not really, fair, great, excellent): excellent Fun-Factor (None, some, good times, groove-on): good times

Available cars near you

Safety review

Based on the 2006 Hyundai SONATA base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
5/5
Frontal passenger
5/5
Nhtsa rollover rating
4/5
Side driver
5/5
Side rear passenger
5/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
5 years / 60,000 miles
Corrosion
7 years
Powertrain
10 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
5 years

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Less than 80,000 miles; less than 7 years old (currently MY18- MY24)
Basic
Remainder of the 5-Year / 60,000-Mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty. From original in-service date and zero (0) miles.
Dealer certification
173-point inspection

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Consumer reviews

4.4 / 5
Based on 117 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.4
Interior 4.2
Performance 4.5
Value 4.6
Exterior 4.4
Reliability 4.4

Most recent

  • Great rode

    Well just got to 190K miles with minimal trouble. Hit two deer and had repairs other than that just tires, oil, a couple lights was the maintenance. Mine is a 4 cylinder but has been up to 123 mph. Impressive power for a 4 banger I hate to think of giving it up.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    11 people out of 11 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • My best car ever

    I purchased my 2006 v6 Hyundai Sonata GLS 16 years ago. I’ve regularly maintained the car. It now has 137,000 miles in it; so I’ve bee averaging 8,600 miles a year. Until recently, no problems but recently it had trouble starting. First it would start ok, then it wouldn’t start, then it would start again, Two different auto repair shops couldn’t determine what the problem was. So today I had it towed to the dealer. They should be able to figure out what the problem is. I really like/love this car and wish Hyundai would still make a V6. When it reaches 200,000, I’ll probably buy another Sonata Sedan.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    8 people out of 10 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great Car

    I still Drive a 2006 Hyundai Sonata 3.3 L V6, I love this car! You are in for a treat to anyone who finds a well-cared-for version of this car. This car has saved me from a severe accident at least three times. The handling and the power and the braking are phenomenal! Best car I ever owned.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    14 people out of 14 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Most reliable car I’ve ever owned

    This car is so reliable. Doing your oil change is all you will need. I never had a problem with it. I love this car
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    12 people out of 12 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Very reliable car with great handling !!

    Car is very fun 2 drive!! And with it's v6 motor & rack & pin steering, it aids this car's performance level up there near the far top ratings!! VERY reliable, dependable, & hasexcellant gas millage; super good pick up with a lot of York & power to it!!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    6 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Not Good, Not Bad

    This was the top-of-the-line limited edition. It was a sharp looking, comfortable car, with plenty of nice features, and it had plenty of power with the optional V-6. However, I took good care of it, and feel like it should have lasted longer without needing major repairs. (I ended up selling it to a salvage yard rather than spending the thousands it would have taken to fix it.) It was two years old when I bought it, and had low mileage. I sold it at the 148,000 mile mark because the power steering pump, power steering fluid lines, and rack and pinion all needed replaced. Also, the driver's side window wouldn't go down, and the front suspension made a loud squeaky noise over bumps. Also replaced the AC compressor twice, a bent alloy wheel, the electronic throttle control, and all ball joints over the course of ownership.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 3.0
    13 people out of 14 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • I cannot even consider selling this car.

    As I approach 200,000 miles, while I have considered trading in for a new car, I cannot. Hyundai does not make the 6-cylinder model anymore and I love the extra pick-up and excellent gas mileage. Replacing the starter, struts, and new tires have been my only major expenses. Since it looks as good as the day I purchased it, why waste money on a new vehicle with too many gimmicks that can go awry.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    10 people out of 10 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Think Twice

    Bad suspension,horrible electrical system,Bad am reception .Dealer network stinks.Had more problems after hyundai servicing then when I brought it in.You'll need their10 year powertrain warranty as you'll be at the dealrship service dept most of the time.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Reliable, good on gas, very fast for a v4, comfort

    This car is the best for a car under 5k, I bought for to resell it then after driving it for a few days I decided to keep it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Not worth it

    To be honest, they aren't bad at first, but down the road, they begin to have a ton of issues. The paint is peeling, it needs constant maintenance. The transmission has issues and has trouble shifting from 1st to 2nd because it leaks. The worst part is that it needs its own special fluids. most cars have fluids you can usually get easily at walmart or an auto parts store for 2-4 bucks. Hyundais fluids are almost 7 bucks and you can only get them at a dealer.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 1.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • This is the most reliable car anyone could own

    This car is amazing it is a great car for someone who travels a lot or if this is there first car even if you have maybe 1 or 2 kids this is a nice size car & it’s very comfortable
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Love this car!!

    I have had the 4 cylinder GLS from day one. Now November 2018 with 64k original miles only. She's nothing fancy, but reliable since day 1. Only issue is airbag light and starter starting to hesitate a bit..time will tell. So far only brakes and tires replaced.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2006 Hyundai SONATA?

The 2006 Hyundai SONATA is available in 3 trim levels:

  • GL (2 styles)
  • GLS (2 styles)
  • LX (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2006 Hyundai SONATA?

The 2006 Hyundai SONATA offers up to 24 MPG in city driving and 34 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2006 Hyundai SONATA?

The 2006 Hyundai SONATA compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2006 Hyundai SONATA reliable?

The 2006 Hyundai SONATA has an average reliability rating of 4.4 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2006 Hyundai SONATA owners.

Is the 2006 Hyundai SONATA a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2006 Hyundai SONATA. 92.3% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.4 / 5
Based on 117 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.4
  • Interior: 4.2
  • Performance: 4.5
  • Value: 4.6
  • Exterior: 4.4
  • Reliability: 4.4

Hyundai SONATA history

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