With over 7.3 million sales around the globe over the course of its 30-year existence, the Hyundai Sonata has kept up with the demands of its drivers. While we here at Frank Myers Auto Maxx, your Winston-Salem used car dealership, have sold numerous Sonatas over the years, let’s take a moment to look at the storied history of the vehicle! This way you’ll practically be an expert on it when you’re looking to buy one.
The 1980s
In 1985, the first generation of the Hyundai Sonata debuted. It was one of the first Hyundai models to be designed in full by Hyundai’s in-house design teams and exceeded 1 million sales in Korea. In 1988, the second generation of the Sonata was released and featured a front-wheel drive system and adopted a much more aerodynamic design.
The 1990s
The third generation of the Hyundai Sonata was introduced in 1993 and began a transition into incorporating digital technology in place of its analog abilities. The third generation also included automatic side mirrors and anti-lock brake systems, though in 1998 the fourth generation was introduced and essentially blew the third generation away. The fourth generation was the best-selling model in Korea from February 1999 to August 2000 and came equipped with an in-house developed engine, as well as Hyundai Intelligent Vehicle Electronic Control!
The 2000s
In 2004, the fifth generation of the Hyundai Sonata saw major advancements in safety, giving it a top-ranked safety rating and universal praise from media and customers alike! In 2009, the sixth generation of the Sonata became one of the first Hyundai models to employ the industry-leading Fluidic Sculpture design philosophy and, combined with a new engine, instantly became one of Hyundai’s most recognizable models.
The 2010s
In 2010, between the sixth and seventh generation, Hyundai introduced a hybrid Sonata model. Then in 2014 came the seventh and current generation of the Sonata, or the (used) Hyundai Sonata you’re likely driving around the Winston-Salem area! The seventh generation refined the Fluidic Sculpture design, expanded its powertrain offerings and has been consistently modified in order to offer new hybrid and eco-friendly versions.
Contact us today to set up a test drive in one of our Sonata models!
