A few years after breaking into the US market with its compact Excels, Hyundai introduced the midsize Sonata sedan in 1989. Like other Hyundai models built in the 1980s and 1990s, the Sonata offered a compromise to American buyers: More standard equipment for a lower price than Japanese rivals, but at the expense of inferior reliability and build quality.
In the 2010s, however, that has all changed. The Sonata now compares favorably in head-to-head competition—without sacrificing the traditional Hyundai virtue of bargain pricing for well-equipped cars.
Overview
History of the Hyundai Sonata
2011 - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
Major changes included: The fifth generation Hyundai Sonata is all-new for 2010 and offers midsize car shoppers something substantially different than anything else on the market, featuring build quality and materials rivaling German luxury sedans with the fuel economy of a small Japanese compact car.
2006 - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
Major changes included: The fourth generation Sonata in GLS, SE, and Limited trims. It is offered as a sedan with a 2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine as well as a 3.3 liter V6 engine as an option in all three trims. The fourth generation Sonata introduces Hyundai?s first aluminum 4-cylinder engine. It is notably taller and wider than previous generations.
2002 - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
Major changes included: The Sonata is once again redesigned and shares components with sister, Kia Optima. It comes in three trim levels: base, GLS, and LX. GLS and LX sedans get larger V6 engines and standard four-wheel disc brakes. Traction control is optional on the higher trims.
1999 - 2001 Hyundai Sonata
Major changes included: The new model is more rounded and becomes more refined. Front side airbags are standard. Warranty was improved to 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper, plus 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage.
1995 - 1998 Hyundai Sonata
Major changes included: The Sonata is completely restyled. Dual airbags are standard and engines are increased: the base engine is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with 137 horsepower, while the more powerful engine is a 142-horsepower 3.0-liter V6. The V6 is only available as an automatic. The model was refreshened for 1997 with new front and rear ends.
1992 - 1994 Hyundai Sonata
Major changes included: The Sonata is the size of a large compact. It comes in two trims: standard and a higher-end GLS. Like other cars of the time, it has motorized front shoulder belts. Anti-lock brakes are available on the GLS V6.
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2012 Hyundai Sonata
$15,991 | 29,842 mi
2012 Hyundai Sonata
$16,291 | 28,193 mi
2012 Hyundai Sonata
$16,995 | 30,693 mi
2012 Hyundai Sonata
$17,695 | 29,507 mi
2012 Hyundai Sonata
$18,688 | 24,445 mi
2012 Hyundai Sonata
$18,988 | 25,380 mi
2011 Hyundai Sonata
$15,968 | 41,700 mi
2011 Hyundai Sonata
$15,996 | 42,263 mi
2011 Hyundai Sonata
$15,997 | 25,130 mi
2011 Hyundai Sonata
$20,988 | 47,729 mi
2011 Hyundai Sonata
$21,000 | 20,631 mi
2011 Hyundai Sonata
$23,598 | 22,100 mi
2011 Hyundai Sonata
$24,888 | 18,554 mi
2007 Hyundai Sonata
$9,881 | 85,096 mi
2006 Hyundai Sonata
$11,968 | 41,927 mi
2004 Hyundai Sonata
$4,995 | 127,407 mi
2004 Hyundai Sonata
$5,716 | 144,936 mi
