Hyundai Sonata

2011-hyundai-sonata

The Hyundai Sonata is a mid-sized four-door sedan model produced by Hyundai Motors Corporation. It was first introduced in the model year 1985 as 1986 vehicle and these models are also called as Embera in India and Sonica in Italy.

1990 Hyundai Sonata

First Generation (1985-1993)

The first generation Hyundai Sonata model featured engineering technology from Mitsubishi and design cues from Hyundai. Two different trim versions are offered base model GL and high performance oriented GLS. The standard engine to the 1985 model include 2.4 liter Sirius I-4 version that delivers 110 hp of power and 90 lb ft of torque. The other engines available to the model include 2.0 liter I-4 and 3.0 liter V6. The sedan model received slight changes in the model year 1992.

Second Generation (1993-1997)

1993-hyundai-sonata

The mid-sized model is slightly redesigned in 1993, gaining more powerful engine and few upgrades. The only engine available to the model include a 2.0 liter I-4 version that delivers 128 hp of power at 6000 rpm and torque of 121 lb ft at 4500 rpm. It can be mated to either 5-speed manual or to a 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.

With the powerful engine, the sedan model can achieve fuel economy of 20 miles per gallon in the city premises and 27 miles per gallon on the highway roads. The acceleration time from 0 to 60 miles per hour is just 7.2 seconds.

Third Generation (1998-2004)

2004-hyundai-sonata

The Hyundai Sonata model is totally redesigned for 1998 and it received slight modifications in 2002. The notable features in the third generation model include its superior ride quality, passenger and cargo room, acceleration and optional antilock brakes, while the wind noise and automatic transmission performance are considered as existing drawbacks. Despite its goodness, there are certain problems reported with the model, mainly with the 1998 Hyundai Sonata.
The standard engine to the redesigned model include the same 2.0 liter I-4 model, but produces 17 hp more power than the previous version. Also available include 3.0 liter V6 that generates 142 hp. I-4 engine has the choice of 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmissions, while the V6 engine has 4-speed automatic transmission.

Fourth Generation (2005-Present)

2009 hyundai-sonata

The new trim version offered for 2005 is LX, while the other trims, GL and GLS remain same. Newly added feature is heated front seats and it is offered as standard in high performance GLS model, while it is offered as optional in other trim models.The standard engine to the model include a 2.4 liter I-4 version that delivers 138 hp of power and 147 lb ft of torque, while it offers 2.7 liter V6 version as optional. Available transmissions include 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic. With the V6 engine, the mid-sized sedan model can achieve fuel economy of 22 mpg in the city premises and 30 mpg on the highway roads. The best buy vehicles apart from Hyundai Sonata model include Subaru Legacy and Outback, Nissan Altima, Mazda 6, Kia Optima and Chevrolet Malibu.