Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai Sonata
Car classification	Mid-size car
Body style	4DR Sedan
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Cylinders	4 6
Engine size	2.0 liters (until 1998) 3.0 liters (V6, until 1998) 2.4 liters (1999-2004) 2.5 liters (V6, 1999-2001)
Horsepower	128 (until 1994) 137 (1995-1998) 142 (V6, until 1998) 149 (1999-2003) 170 (GLS, 1999-2005)
Drive	Front-wheel drive
MPG	20/27 (base, 1992-1994) 18/24 (GLS, 1992-1997) 21/29 (base, 1995-1998) 21/28 (GL, 1995-1998) 17/24 (GLS, 1998) 21/30 (1999) 20/29 (GLS, 1999)

The original Sonata began as Hyundai's version of the Mitsubishi Sigma Galant, at that time Mitsubishi's premier offering in America. 

Year-to-year changes

1991

In the early '90s, the Hyundai Sonata had only two trim levels, both sedans: base and GLS.

1995

When the Sonata was redesigned for the 1995 model year, it became known as Hyundai's version of the Mitsubishi Diamante. The Sonata compared to the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Taurus, Nissan Maxima and the redesigned Chevy Lumina. The car was featured on the February 1994 issue of Popular Mechanics magazine, and was released in dealerships later that month.

The 2.0-liter Four was redesigned with increases in horsepower, torque and fuel economy. The entire body, platform and suspension were new as well, with improvements in front/rear balance, center of gravity, road feel, turning circle and ride.

The base and GL had the 2.0-liter Four standard, the GLS a 3.0-liter V6 (also optional on the GL with the leather package). 

Air conditioning was standard on all levels, as are a clock, cup holders, rear-window defogger, rear-seat heater ducts, tilt wheel, front and rear stabilizer bars, power steering, body-color bumpers and door handles, variable-speed intermittent wipers and the usual fuel-filler door and trunk releases.

The base and GL had standard 4-way adjustable driver's seat in cloth, and GLS had a 6-way seat in deluxe cloth with leather optional. GLS also received a 60/40 split rear seat with fold-down center armrest. ABS was available on GL and GLS, the V6 option on the GL brought with it 4-wheel discs.

The GLS had a power antenna to go with its standard 6-speaker stereo (10-speaker stereo optional). Base and GL had 4-speaker stereos standard.

Retail prices

As of February 1994:

• $13,299 (1995 Hyundai Sonata)
• $14,799 (1995 Hyundai Sonata GL)
• $17,199 (1995 Hyundai Sonata GLS)

As of August 29, 1994:

• $13,399 (1995 Hyundai Sonata)
• $17,399 (1995 Hyundai Sonata GLS)

As of April 17, 1995:

• $13,599 (1995 Hyundai Sonata)
• $15,129 (1995 Hyundai Sonata GL)
• $17,599 (1995 Hyundai Sonata GLS)

As of October 6, 1995:

• $13,999 (1996 Hyundai Sonata)
• $15,699 (1996 Hyundai Sonata GL)
• $17,999 (1996 Hyundai Sonata GLS)

Gallery

1995 Hyundai Sonata 4-door sedan

A pearl white 1995 Hyundai Sonata

Interior of a 1995-1998 Hyundai Sonata

1996 Hyundai Sonata

1997 Hyundai Sonata

1998 Hyundai Sonata

1999 Hyundai Sonata

Videos

Hyundai Sonata 4DR Sedan (1995)