The Hyundai Sonata is a mid-size car that has been manufactured by Hyundai since 1985. The first generation Sonata, which was introduced in 1985, was a facelifted Hyundai Stellar with an engine upgrade, and was withdrawn from the market in two years due to poor customer reaction. While the nameplate was originally only sold in South Korea, the second generation of 1988 was widely exported.
The Sonata is currently manufactured in the United States for the North American market, China and South Korea for the Asian market, and Russia for other markets. It was named after the musical term, sonata.
First generation (Y1; 1985)[]
The first (after-Ford Model T Fordor Sedan, Ford Model A Standard Fordor Sedan (1927-1929), 1930 Ford Model A Standard Fordor Sedan, 1931 Ford Model A Slant Window Fordor Sedan, 1932 Ford 4-door sedan, 1933 Ford 4-door sedan, 1934 Ford 4-door sedan, 1935 Ford 4-door sedan, 1936 Ford 4-door sedan, Ford Model 62 4-door sedan, Ford Pilot 4-door sedan, Ford Consul EOTA 4-door sedan, Ford Consul Mark II 4-door sedan, Ford Cortina Mark I 4-door sedan, Ford Cortina Mark II 4-door sedan, Ford Cortina TC Mark III 4-door sedan, Ford Cortina Mark IV 4-door sedan, Ford Cortina Mark V 4-door sedan, and Hyundai Stellar) Sonata was introduced to compete with the Daewoo Royale series and was a more luxurious version of the Stellar. It included cruise control, power seats, head lamp washers, power brakes, electric operated adjustable side mirrors and chrome bumper trims. The Sonata was available with two trim options in Korea: Luxury and Super (the latter only available with a 2.0-liter engine). In the domestic market Hyundai attempted to sell the Sonata as an executive car using catchphrases like "Luxury car for VIP"; however, as the Sonata was based on the Stellar without any major changes, it was seen by the public as no more than a luxury version of the Stellar. In 1987 Hyundai added two tone color schemes and a trip computer option, but sales soon went down and the car was discontinued in December of that year. The Sonata was sold only in the South Korean domestic market. The vehicle was unveiled in South Korea on 4 November 1985.
Engine choices included 1.6-liter Mitsubishi Saturn (only available outside the domestic market), 1.8- and 2.0-liter Mitsubishi Siriusinline-fours. The latter unit also found its way into the 1987 and later Stellar, and in MPI form the 1986 Hyundai Grandeur. The body was a largely unchanged Hyundai Stellar.
It was sold in New Zealand (right hand drive)[citation needed] with the 1.6-liter Mitsubishi engine with the five-speed manual gearbox; an automatic transmission was an optional extra. The original importer was a unit of the Auckland-based Giltrap Motor Group.
The final version of the Stellar was known as the Stellar 88 and was launched to celebrate the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. Afterwards, Hyundai discontinued the Stellar and replaced it with the all-new Sonata.
Second generation (Y2; 1988)[]
The Y2 Sonata (after-Ford Model T Fordor Sedan, Ford Model A Standard Fordor Sedan (1927-1929), 1930 Ford Model A Standard Fordor Sedan, 1931 Ford Model A Slant Window Fordor Sedan, 1932 Ford 4-door sedan, 1933 Ford 4-door sedan, 1934 Ford 4-door sedan, 1935 Ford 4-door sedan, 1936 Ford 4-door sedan, Ford Model 62 4-door sedan, Ford Pilot 4-door sedan, Ford Consul EOTA 4-door sedan, Ford Consul Mark II 4-door sedan, Ford Cortina Mark I 4-door sedan, Ford Cortina Mark II 4-door sedan, Ford Cortina TC Mark III 4-door sedan, Ford Cortina Mark IV 4-door sedan, Ford Cortina Mark V 4-door sedan, Hyundai Stellar, and Hyundai Sonata Y1) was part of Hyundai's expansion in North America after the success of the Excel. It was introduced in South Korea on 1 June 1988. It was then introduced in Canada in September 1988 as a 1989 model, where it also entered production locally during 1989. It was presented on 14 November 1988 in the United States as a 1989 model, with sales beginning early 1989, and in March 1989 in Australia. The exterior was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro of ItalDesign. The vehicle received a mid-term facelift in 1991. It replaced the Stellar as Hyundai's large family car. Sonatas were built in Ulsan, Korea, and in Bromont, Quebec. Hyundai and Chrysler had planned to sell 30,000 Canadian-built Sonatas yearly in the United States beginning in 1991, under Chrysler's Eagle brand. This, however, was not to be. Some Canadian Sonatas, starting with 500 cars in 1989, were exported to Taiwan to avoid that country's import quota on South Korean cars.
The Sonata was launched in Europe in June 1989, as the third model to be sold there following the Hyundai brand's European launch in 1982. It was aimed at buyers of cars including the Ford Granada Scorpio, but was priced to compete with smaller cars like the Ford Sierra.
The Sonata was designed by Hyundai and featured Mitsubishi's engineering, including the platform from the Galant Σ and its 2.4-liter, Mitsubishi-designed engine. The engines were made under license in South Korea, and had Hyundai codes stamped on them, but otherwise were almost identical to Mitsubishi's Sirius inline-four engines. A 3.0-liter V6 enginebased on the Mitsubishi 6G72 arrived in 1990. In European specifications, the 2.4 develops 118 PS (87 kW; 116 hp) at 4500 rpm, identical to the federalized version. Other markets also received 1.8- and 2.0-liter engines carried over from the first generation, but equipped with Hyundai's own MPI, replacing their carburetedcounterparts used in the Y1 Sonata. The U.S. model received the DOHC 2.0-liter G4CPengine for the 1992 model year, replacing the original 2.4-liter SOHC G4CS engine.
Trim levels offered in the US:
- GL (1989-1991) with a 116 hp (87 kW) 2.4 single overhead cam engine [G4CS], (1992-1993) a 126 hp (94 kW) 2.0 DOHC engine [G4CP]
- GLS with a 142 hp (106 kW) 3.0-litre V6 engine
Third generation (Y3; 1993)[]
The Y3 Sonata debuted in 1993 (after-Ford Model T Fordor Sedan, Ford Model A Standard Fordor Sedan (1927-1929), 1930 Ford Model A Standard Fordor Sedan, 1931 Ford Model A Slant Window Fordor Sedan, 1932 Ford 4-door sedan, 1933 Ford 4-door sedan, 1934 Ford 4-door sedan, 1935 Ford 4-door sedan, 1936 Ford 4-door sedan, Ford Model 62 4-door sedan, Ford Pilot 4-door sedan, Ford Consul EOTA 4-door sedan, Ford Consul Mark II 4-door sedan, Ford Cortina Mark I 4-door sedan, Ford Cortina Mark II 4-door sedan, Ford Cortina TC Mark III 4-door sedan, Ford Cortina Mark IV 4-door sedan, Ford Cortina Mark V 4-door sedan, Hyundai Stellar, Hyundai Sonata Y1, and Hyundai Sonata Y2). The base engine in most markets was a 2.0-liter 77 kW (105 hp) Sirius inline-four, but there was a 3.0-liter, 107 kW (145 hp) Mitsubishi V6 option in some markets. This generation continued after the demise of the Bromont, Quebec plant in September 1993. After that, all Sonatas would be built in Korea, until the opening of the Beijing Hyundai plant in December 2002.
The third generation Y3 model was also produced as the Hyundai Marcia between 1995 and 1998, selling alongside the Sonata in South Korea only. The Marcia differed from the Sonata with its restyled front and rear fascias.
Fourth generation (EF; 1998)[]
The new EF series Sonata arrived in 1998 (after-Ford Model T Fordor Sedan, Ford Model A Standard Fordor Sedan (1927-1929), 1930 Ford Model A Standard Fordor Sedan, 1931 Ford Model A Slant Window Fordor Sedan, 1932 Ford 4-door sedan, 1933 Ford 4-door sedan, 1934 Ford 4-door sedan, 1935 Ford 4-door sedan, 1936 Ford 4-door sedan, Ford Model 62 4-door sedan, Ford Pilot 4-door sedan, Ford Consul EOTA 4-door sedan, Ford Consul Mark II 4-door sedan, Ford Cortina Mark I 4-door sedan, Ford Cortina Mark II 4-door sedan, Ford Cortina TC Mark III 4-door sedan, Ford Cortina Mark IV 4-door sedan, Ford Cortina Mark V 4-door sedan, Hyundai Stellar, Hyundai Sonata Y1, Hyundai Sonata Y2, 1993–1995 Hyundai Sonata Y3, and 1996–1998 Hyundai Sonata Y3), debuting the Hyundai-Kia Y4 platform. Compared to the Y3 predecessor, the EF grew slightly in size, but shared the same 2,700 mm (106.3 in) wheelbase. It also introduced double wishbone front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension. Initial engines from launch were the 2.0-litre with 136 hp (101 kW), and a 2.5-litre with 168 hp (125 kW)—the G6BW model of Hyundai Delta V6.
The EF Sonata shares its underpinnings with the Hyundai Trajet and first-generation Hyundai Santa Fe, which became the company's first compact crossover SUV. The first generation Kia Optima (marketed as the Magentis outside the United States) was also based on the EF Sonata, sharing doors and roof panels.
Fifth generation (NF; 2004)[]
The NF Sonata was launched in August 2004 (after-Ford Model T Fordor Sedan, Ford Model A Standard Fordor Sedan (1927-1929), 1930 Ford Model A Standard Fordor Sedan, 1931 Ford Model A Slant Window Fordor Sedan, 1932 Ford 4-door sedan, 1933 Ford 4-door sedan, 1934 Ford 4-door sedan, 1935 Ford 4-door sedan, 1936 Ford 4-door sedan, Ford Model 62 4-door sedan, Ford Pilot 4-door sedan, Ford Consul EOTA 4-door sedan, Ford Consul Mark II 4-door sedan, Ford Cortina Mark I 4-door sedan, Ford Cortina Mark II 4-door sedan, Ford Cortina TC Mark III 4-door sedan, Ford Cortina Mark IV 4-door sedan, Ford Cortina Mark V 4-door sedan, Hyundai Stellar, Hyundai Sonata Y1, Hyundai Sonata Y2, 1993–1995 Hyundai Sonata Y3, 1996–1998 Hyundai Sonata Y3, 1998-2000 Hyundai Sonata EF, and 2001–2004 Hyundai Sonata EF) in South Korea, based on a new platform created from the project NF. The company's first all-aluminum I4 engine, dubbed Theta, debuted in the new Sonata. Engine choices at launch were a 2.4-liter I4 rated 164 hp (122 kW) at 5800 rpm with 4-speed automatic by Mitsubishi, and a 3.3-liter V6 rated 237 hp (177 kW) V6 with 5-speed automatic. In Korea, the 2.4-liter option was sold as the F24S (24 = 2.4L, S = Special). The 2.0-liter gasoline version was only sold in Korea and proved more popular there due to added gas, tax and insurance savings. Diesel versions are available in Europe, New Zealand and Singapore, where they are a popular replacement for the Toyota Comfort taxi cab.
The U.S. May 2005 launch of the new Sonata coincided with the production commencement at the company's first U.S. assembly plant, in Montgomery, Alabama.
Classified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a mid-size car, the fourth generation was 2 in (51 mm) longer and taller and 1 in (25 mm) wider than the previous generation. Standard features in U.S. models included anti-lock braking system/electronic stability control/traction control system as well as six airbags (driver/front passenger front and side, and side curtain).
Facelift (2008–2010)[]
The redesigned (after-Ford Model T Fordor Sedan, Ford Model A Standard Fordor Sedan (1927-1929), 1930 Ford Model A Standard Fordor Sedan, 1931 Ford Model A Slant Window Fordor Sedan, 1932 Ford 4-door sedan, 1933 Ford 4-door sedan, 1934 Ford 4-door sedan, 1935 Ford 4-door sedan, 1936 Ford 4-door sedan, Ford Model 62 4-door sedan, Ford Pilot 4-door sedan, Ford Consul EOTA 4-door sedan, Ford Consul Mark II 4-door sedan, Ford Cortina Mark I 4-door sedan, Ford Cortina Mark II 4-door sedan, Ford Cortina TC Mark III 4-door sedan, Ford Cortina Mark IV 4-door sedan, Ford Cortina Mark V 4-door sedan, Hyundai Stellar, Hyundai Sonata Y1, Hyundai Sonata Y2, 1993–1995 Hyundai Sonata Y3, 1996–1998 Hyundai Sonata Y3, 1998-2000 Hyundai Sonata EF, 2001–2004 Hyundai Sonata EF, and 2004-2007 Hyundai Sonata NF) vehicle was unveiled at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show as a 2009 model year vehicle. The production version was sold as the Hyundai Sonata Transform in Korea, and the model debuted elsewhere as an 'early' 2009 model.
The styling was done primarily at Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) in Superior Township, Michigan in 2006.
The redesign features revised engines, front fascia and chrome 3 bar grille, taillights (turn signals became red in North America only), jewel-projector headlights, new 10-spoke alloy wheel design for the Limited models (as opposed to sharing the 5-spoke design from the SE model), and an extensively revised IP (Instrument Panel). Hyundai adopted "slush molding", a production technique that enables a much higher grade of texturing and shaping of the IP surface.
Redesigned gauges feature a blue backlight, and a touch-screen navigation system, optional on the Limited trim level only, includes satellite radio capability. Bluetooth capability is available as an optional unit, separate from the audio or navigation system, and all models include both a USB port along with an auxiliary input jack. An optional USB adaptor cord allows integration of an iPod, and chrome interior door handles are standard on the Limited trim.
The 2.4-liter G4KC Theta engine was rated 162 hp (121 kW) at 6000 rpm and 164 lb⋅ft (222 N⋅m) (164 hp (122 kW) for PZEV model), 2.0-liter G4KA Theta engine was rated 143 hp (107 kW) at 6000 rpm and 140 lb⋅ft (190 N⋅m) at 4250 rpm and the 3.3-liter Lambda V6 was rated 235 hp (175 kW) at 6000 rpm and 229 lb⋅ft (310 N⋅m) at 4500 rpm.
The Diesel engine (D4EA) variant is available for the UK market with the option of 4-speed automatic or 6 speed manual, and was introduced into the Australian market for the first time, replacing the V6 option.
The base model GLS is available with a manualfive-speed transmission. GLS, SE and Limited models feature a newly available, manually shiftable five-speed automatic transmissionmarketed as "Shiftronic".
There are minimal changes for the 2010 model, which includes the optional navigation system on the SE as opposed to being a Limited-exclusive option, and the V6 engine is no longer offered on the GLS model.
Sixth generation (YF; 2009)[]
Hyundai commenced development of the YF Sonata in 2005, with a development cost of ₩450 billion (US$372 million). In the Australian, New Zealand, Singapore, and Colombian markets, the YF is retailed under the name Hyundai i45, following the alphanumeric i-series nomenclature established by Hyundai in these markets. The vehicle was badged as a "Sonata" in Eastern Europe, just as in North America and South Korea.
Sales of the YF Sonata in South Korea began on 2 September 2009, before the production vehicle's South Korean launch. The US version of the sixth generation Sonata was unveiled at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show, with sales beginning in 2010 for the 2011 model year. The Sonata was the second vehicle, after the Tucson, to carry Hyundai's then-radical "Fluidic Sculpture" design language.
For the US market, the sixth generation Sonata boasted a direct-injection 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. This new engine improves fuel economy and produces a maximum of 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp) at 6300 rpm and 25.5 kg⋅m (250 N⋅m; 184 lb⋅ft) at 4250 rpm. It is part of the Theta II engine lineup. Furthermore, a timing chain was introduced along with a new six-speed automatic transmission. This Sonata is built with hot-stamped ultra high-strength steel. In South Korea, the YF Sonata is delivered with a 2.0-liter Theta II MPi gasoline engine (Max output 165 PS (121 kW; 163 hp), Max torque of 20.2 kg·m). Its fuel economy has improved 11%. A direct-injection 2.4-liter four cylinder engine and a 2.0 turbocharged engine was available.
Exclusive options for the Korean model includes a three-piece panoramic moonroof, electroluminescent instrumentation, fender-mounted turn signals, and a special Premier Beige model. Upgraded audio uses a JBLsystem, and certain navigation packages come with a telecommunications system with Hyundai's Mozen system.
For the North American model, GLS, SE, and Limited trims were offered. A six-speed manual transmission came standard on the GLS, and a six-speed automatic is available. Differences with the Korean model include differences with the GLS model, which features a body-colored grille and door handles, and different steel wheel covers. Limited models and optional stereos on the GLS and SE now have "Dimension" audio systems, and the Limited trim has an optional Infinity stereo. Limited models have standard front and rear heated seats, the first such offering in this segment. Additional differences include different cupholders, a redesigned straight leather shifter as rather than the gated one on Korean models, and an additional exterior color choice, Indigo Blue Pearl. The 6th generation Sonata was awarded Top Safety Pick from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the United States. The Sonata 2.0T was released in December 2010.
For the 2012 model year, Hyundai's new Blue Link system was offered as standard equipment, and the Limited model included a new standard three-piece panoramic sunroof. SE models had an optional backup camera included with navigation packages, and navigation systems included a new 7-inch display from the previous 6.5-inch.
For 2013, the list of standard features was changed slightly, including heated front seats on SE models, and heated rear seats on Limited models. An automatic transmission also came standard on GLS models, the manual was no longer offered. The GLS Popular Equipment Package now included fog lights and heated front seats. The Limited trims now no longer included the panoramic sunroof, but instead included a standard size sunroof. A panoramic sunroof offered on the Limited Premium Package.
In January 2013 the i45 was discontinued in Australia following slow sales and limited supplies. In turn, the expanded i40 range filled the gap left by the i45. The i45 has also been discontinued in Colombia, and replaced with the smaller i40 sedan, leaving Singapore and New Zealand as the only two markets still selling the vehicle under the i45 name at that time.
Seventh generation (LF; 2014)[]
Originally internally coded as LFA, the 2015 Sonata was unveiled in South Korea on March 24, 2014. It made its North American debut at the 2014 New York International Auto Show. While the previous model incorporated significant aesthetic changes and sold successfully within the U.S., sales in Korea failed to meet expectations. A more conservative approach was thus taken, to appease the Korean market, resulting in Fluidic Sculpture 2.0. The car inherits many styling features from Hyundai's Hyundai HCD-14Concept unveiled at the 2013 New York International Auto Show. The car also takes interior and exterior styling based on the 2014 Hyundai Aslan. In Australia and New Zealand, Hyundai have reverted to the use of the Sonata badge, replacing the i45 badge that was used only on the sixth generation Sonata in that market. Some cars had to be recalled in South Korea because of manufacturing defects that affected safety.
Eighth generation (DN8; 2019)[]
The eighth-generation Sonata (codename: DN8) was previewed in early March 2019 and officially launched on March 21 in South Korea. It was also debuted during the 2019 Shanghai Auto Show for the Chinese market and made its North American debut at the 2019 New York International Auto Show on April 17 for the North American market. Despite being sold in the North American market as mid-sized, the cabin volume places it in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's full-size classification.
Compared to the previous generation, the DN8 Sonata stands 30 mm (1.2 in) lower to the ground, with its width extended by 25 mm (1.0 in). Its wheelbase is lengthened by 35 mm (1.4 in) and total length by 45 mm (1.8 in).
The eighth-generation Sonata uses a new third-generation architecture and uses Hyundai's latest "Sensuous Sportiness" design language which was first previewed by the Le Fil Rouge concept. The styling is less conservative and more pronounced compared to the previous generation. It now sports a fastback-like shape and features driving lights which run all the way up the hood and full-width, C-shaped taillamps. The interior has been redesigned significantly as well, with an optional 12.3-inch digital cluster and 10.3-inch centre screen.
The safety system, which comprises three radar systems, five cameras and thirteen ultrasonic sensors, allows for driver-assist features such as standard adaptive cruise control, forward-collision braking and lane-following assist.
See also[]
External Links[]
News and References
- Chicago '08 Preview: 2009 Hyundai Sonata
- 2009 Hyundai Sonata Facelift Revealed
- 2009 Hyundai Sonata Pricing (US)
- Hyundai Sonata gets redesign for China, we want too
- New Chinese-market Hyundai Sonata revealed
- Hyundai Sonata
- Hyundai Sonata EF Facelift Unveiled at Shanghai Auto Show
- 2011 Hyundai Sonata / i40 photos uncovered
- 2011 Hyundai Sonata Officially Revealed: First High-Res Photos and Details
- Officially Official: Hyundai reveals 2010 Sonata in Korea
- LA 2009: 2011 Hyundai Sonata debuts with style, four-cylinder only and less weight
- Hyundai prices the 2011 Sonata starting at $19,915
- BREAKING: Hyundai issues stop-sale on 2011 Sonata over possible door latch malfunction *UPDATE
- New York 2010: 2011 Hyundai Sonata turbo with 274 HP and 34 MPG!
Enthusiast Sites and Discussion Forums
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