Rogers Auto Group

The very first Hyundai Sonata was launched in 1985 and was only available in Hyundai's home Korean market.  Deriving its name from a musical term for a composition played by one or two instruments, the Sonata was based on the body style of the Hyundai Stellar, and featured a choice of a 1.8L or 2.0L I4 engine.

The Sonata made its way on to the American auto market for the 1989 model year, coming on the heels of the success of its subcompact brother, the Hyundai Excel.  Critics lauded the Sonata's competitive price tag and roomy interior, but some complained of its unrefined style and lackluster powertrain.

Hyundai responded to customer demands with continuous engine and style modifications to its 2^nd generation (1993-1997) and 3^rd generation (1998-2005) Sonatas.  The new Sonatas featured a sleeker exterior design, more standard safety features, higher quality materials, and more powerful engines that gave a smooth and quiet ride. Finally, the Sonata was a serious contender in the midsize marketplace.

 Hyundai maintained its momentum into the Sonata's 4^th generation beginning in 2006, debuting a new all-aluminum I4 engine with choice of 2.4L or 3.3L.  This generation was slightly larger than the previous Sonata and had top notch standard safety features like anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, traction control system, and six airbags. The public took notice of this new Sonata, and the accolades started pouring in.  In 2006 alone, the Sonata earned a 5-Star Crash Rating from the NHTSA, the Consumers Digest Best Buy Award, MotorWeek's "Driver's Choice Award" for Best Family Sedan, "Best in Class" and "Best New Car" from Kiplinger's Personal Finance, and The Car Book's "Best Bet."

The latest generation of Sonatas was unveiled in 2011, and further illustrates Hyundai's consistent history of improvements in a vehicle that had a very modest start over a quarter century ago. A powerful and economical engine, attractive exterior, a technologically-inspired interior, and uncompromising safety features make the new Sonata an outright stand-out in its class.