The Hyundai Sonata is a mid-size four-door sedan from South Korea's Hyundai Motor Company. It is available in three different trim levels, the GLS, SE, and Limited. First introduced in 1989, the Sonata is in its fifth generation, and has seen a number of changes during that time.

The first generation Sonata, in 1989, was cheap in price, and considered cheaply built as well. It had a weak four cylinder engine, and a "boxy" look.http://www.edmunds.com/hyundai/sonata/review.html

The second generation came around in 1995, and only slightly improved on the first. It boasted a small improvement in engine power and dual airbags. In 1997 it received a style update.http://www.edmunds.com/hyundai/sonata/review.html

1999 saw much more dramatic changes for the third generation of this model. Not only appearance and engine upgrades were made, but noise level and ride were also improved.http://www.edmunds.com/hyundai/sonata/review.html

The fourth generation ran from 2006-2010. It was during this period that this model came into its own. There were significant upgrades to ride performance, interior styling, and improved engine performance, which brought it up to more level with the industry standard. 2008 saw more items being added as standard for all trims, with a V6 engine as an option, and the 5-speed manual transmission was switched to the four cylinder as the standard. http://www.edmunds.com/hyundai/sonata/review.html

The Sonata was redesigned again for 2011, as the fifth generation. The EPA changed the class from mid-sized to full-sized family sedan. Additional option packages were also added to the lineup.http://www.edmunds.com/hyundai/sonata/review.html

• "The Hyundai Sonata is a comfortable and likable midsize sedan that proves Hyundai can build cars that are not just easy on the pocketbook, but easy to live with as well."—Edmunds.comhttp://www.edmunds.com/hyundai/sonata/review.html

• "The 2009 Hyundai Sonata delivers full-size, family-style room and comfort with 30 mpg highway fuel economy. The new interior for 2009 and available navigation system take appearance to contemporary standards while retaining Hyundai's strong cost / warranty / features value statement."'—JB Car Pageshttp://www.jbcarpages.com/hyundai/sonata/2009/

• "The Sonata is a great all-around value, full of standard luxury and safety features that only exist as options on other mid-priced sedans. Drive the Sonata, then try its more expensive Japanese competitors; if you can't tell the difference, your purchasing decision has been made."—CarAndDriver.comhttp://www.caranddriver.com/buying_guide/hyundai/sonata/2008_hyundai_sonata

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