The model is credited with helping the Korean automaker grow in terms of both sales volume and reputation, at home and abroad. It has since tallied more than 7.3 million sales, spread across seven generations.
The sedan switched from rear-wheel to front-wheel drive for its second generation, introduced in 1988 as Korea’s first independently-designed model. The third-generation introduced several technological upgrades, such as automatic side mirrors and anti-lock brakes, while the fourth generation was powered by a new engine developed in-house.
The fifth-generation Sonata was introduced in 2004 with global ambitions, adopting a more European design theme and offering a wider range of safety features. The sixth generation switched to Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture design philosophy, achieving record sales and introducing a hybrid variant for the first time.
The model is now on its seventh generation, further refining the company’s current design language. The 2015 refresh received a slight price break to further promote sales, with upgraded interior features and a few exterior tweaks.
“The Sonata has been a huge factor in Hyundai’s growth not only in the U.S., but around the world,” said Hyundai Motor America chief Dave Zuchowski. “During its 30-year history, we have been able to craft and evolve Sonata to the ever-changing needs of our customers. And, with the Sonata family growing this summer to include the all-new Sonata Plug-In Hybrid, we’re expanding an already diverse lineup with something for everyone.”
The US market accounts for nearly a third of the Sonata’s total historical sales, with more than 2.3 million units sold throughout the 50 states. The total includes more than 80,000 hybrid models.
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