DecodedCars2005 Hyundai Sonata
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan Gl, 4dr Sedan Gl V6/Glx
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.7L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 20 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 187 in
- Curb weight
- 3,217–3,254 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 36 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Hyundai Sonata is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 2.7L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 187 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,217 lb (4dr Sedan Gl).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 28 highway), 12% better than the 2005 midsize car average of 20.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 69 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the suspension.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan Gl | 187 in | 71.7 in | 55.5 in | 106.3 in | 61.4 / 60.6 in | 3,217 lb | 61/39 |
| 4dr Sedan Gl V6/Glx | 187 in | 71.7 in | 55.9 in | 106.3 in | 61.4 / 60.6 in | 3,254 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonata | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | +12% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Sonata | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | +7% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Sonata | 2.7L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -3% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Sonata | 2.7L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 20 | -3% | $3,350 | 444 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Hyundai Sonata under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Hyundai Sonata (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Toyota Corolla | 31 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2005 Ford Mustang | 20 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2005 Honda Accord | 28 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2005 Toyota Camry | 25 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2005 Hyundai Elantra | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Chevrolet Malibu | 25 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Hyundai Sonata.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2005 Hyundai Sonata is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2005 Hyundai Sonata buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Suspension — 24 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Structure › Body — 18 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Air Bags — 17 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 117,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Hyundai Sonata. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Sonata years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Sonata | 51 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Sonata | 51 | 193.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 6 |
| 2025 Sonata | 47 | 193.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 28 |
| 2024 Sonata | 47 | 193.3 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 56 |
| 2023 Sonata | 52 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 103 |
| 2022 Sonata | 52 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 114 |
| 2021 Sonata | 52 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 190 |
| 2020 Sonata | 52 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 198 |
| 2019 Sonata | 42 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 172 |
| 2018 Sonata | 42 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 384 |
| 2017 Sonata | 42 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 880 |
| 2016 Sonata | 41 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 887 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →