By 
Paul Eisenstein, Executive Editor
Beauty, it’s often said, is only skin deep. The 2009 remake of Hyundai’s mid-size Sonata might lead you to re-think that saying. Though the automaker has made a few modest, cosmetic changes to its mid-market sedan, most of the significant updates are to be found under the exterior sheetmetal. “We wanted to make sure we were setting the benchmark high enough,” explains Hyundai’s U.S. product czar, John Krafcik, noting that the 2009 Sonata plays in one of the most competitive segments in the market, alongside such powerhouses as the Toyota Camry , Honda Accord , and the newly-resurgent Chevrolet Malibu . A close inspection will reveal a few exterior tweaks, including revised headlamps, front fascia and grille, but the major dollars spent on this upgrade went into the cabin redesign. The ...
Marty Padgett, Executive Editor | 07/02/08 11:32 AM
Yesterday, when even the radical weenies over at HuffPo were making hay about auto sales in June, the big obvious story was a step beyond the "death of GM, Ford and Chrysler " crapfest. Yes, truck... Read full review
Marty Padgett, Executive Editor | 06/27/08 5:45 PM
We drove the new Hyundai Genesis this week once more, and liked it so much we're adding some points to its review next week. In the meantime, Hyundai execs say the big four-door could get all-wheel... Read full review
Marty Padgett, Executive Editor | 06/25/08 11:49 AM
While Hyundai launches the new Genesis sport sedan this month, it’s already turning its attention to seven new vehicles it plans to introduce over the next 24 months. The Genesis sedan is the first... Read full review
Marty Padgett, Executive Editor | 06/04/08 2:50 PM
Ward's Automotive has picked its best interiors of 2008--and Chevrolet , Jaguar , Suzuki , Chrysler , Mazda , and Audi will be bringing home trophies. The "Interior of the Year" awards for this year... Read full review
Once in a while a car company gets a vehicle very right, which was the case made immediately obvious when Hyundai introduced its fourth generation Sonata in San Francisco during the summer... Read full review
The GoodClass-leading cabin space in the '09 Sonata comfortably accommodates four adults, while a newly updated interior and long list of standard equipment add a touch of luxury at a price... Read full review
What Edmunds.com says With a brand-new interior and improved engines, the 2009 Hyundai Sonata re-establishes itself as a serious contender in the cutthroat midsize family sedan segment. It... Read full review
Bought this car after considering the 08 for several months. Also considered Accord, Altima and Mazda6. With or without considering the bargain price, this was the car to beat. It's miles... Read full review
"I was going to buy an Accord or Camry when I decided to also test drive the 08' Sonata SE. As soon as I got it in, I knew it had something special. I had not expected this out of a... Read full review
Wow, just got this car home today! It's the V6 Limited model with navigation, which was the only option. The Limited model is fully loaded with just about every feature you could want... Read full review
| Trim | MSRP / Invoice | Fuel Econ |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 Hyundai Sonata: 4dr Sedan I4 Man GLS | $18,700 / $17,922 | City: 21 Hwy: 31 |
| 2009 Hyundai Sonata: 4dr Sedan I4 Auto GLS | $19,900 / $19,056 | City: 21 Hwy: 30 |
| 2009 Hyundai Sonata: 4dr Sedan I4 Auto GLS PZEV | $19,900 / $19,056 | City: 21 Hwy: 30 |
| 2009 Hyundai Sonata: 4dr Sedan I4 Man SE *Ltd Avail* | $20,520 / $19,436 | City: 21 Hwy: 31 |
| 2009 Hyundai Sonata: 4dr Sedan I4 Auto Limited | $24,550 / $22,959 | City: 21 Hwy: 30 |
| 2009 Hyundai Sonata: 4dr Sedan I4 Auto Limited PZEV | $24,550 / $22,959 | City: 21 Hwy: 30 |
| 2009 Hyundai Sonata: 4dr Sedan V6 Auto GLS | $22,450 / $21,466 | City: 19 Hwy: 28 |
| 2009 Hyundai Sonata: 4dr Sedan V6 Auto SE | $24,050 / $22,737 | City: 19 Hwy: 28 |
| 2009 Hyundai Sonata: 4dr Sedan V6 Auto Limited | $26,550 / $24,809 | City: 19 Hwy: 28 |
| 2009 Hyundai Sonata: 4dr Sedan I4 Auto SE | $22,050 / $20,867 | City: 21 Hwy: 31 |
| 2009 Hyundai Sonata: 4dr Sedan I4 Auto SE PZEV | $22,050 / $20,867 | City: 21 Hwy: 31 |
Beauty, it’s often said, is only skin deep. The 2009 remake of Hyundai’s mid-size Sonata might lead you to re-think that saying. Though the automaker has made a ... Read full review
MSRP: $18,700 - $26,550
Bought this car after considering the 08 for several months. Also considered Accord, Altima and Mazda6. With or without considering the bargain price, this was... Read more
"I was going to buy an Accord or Camry when I decided to also test drive the 08' Sonata SE. As soon as I got it in, I knew it had something special. I had not... Read more
Wow, just got this car home today! It's the V6 Limited model with navigation, which was the only option. The Limited model is fully loaded with just about... Read more
©2008 by The Car Connection™ All Rights Reserved—The Car Connection is a Trademark of Car Advisory Network
The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and not those of R. L. Polk & Co. or its licensors.
RSS
Send Feedback!
Comments (6 total)
very nice
By dan | Posted: 15/6/2008
looks pretty nice
Pleasantly Surprised
By Viola | Posted: 20/6/2008
I have had the 2009 Hyundai Sonata for almost a month. I am a former Honda Accord owner; I can barley recongize the difference in the drive, it drives great. It is a very good looking car; the gas mileage is good. The interior size is good, lot of leg room both up front and in back. I have a 4 cylinder car, it has a lot a features for a car that is not top of the line. It comes with XM Satellite, Ipod, MP3 player and serial bus in the hidden storage area. It has a nice sound system. I have a beige interior, but the neat thing is that the floor area is a deep chocolate. The controls are easy to operate. Small complaints, the side mirrors do not fold in, the trunk will unlock but not go up enough to avoid having to lift with a free hand while carrying groceries. Although I am mostly pleased with this vehicle, if I could afford it I would buy the top of the line sonata, because if the scaled down Sonata has all these feature, I would imagine the top of the line version will blow me away.
Just Bought
By Jason | Posted: 3/7/2008
I just bought the '09 Sonata, great price but dont settle for the 2000 dollar rebate, I got double the rebate!
n
By yosef | Posted: 9/7/2008
Hi, I am Yosef Azizpor and I'm a student in university. I designed and invented one new type of device (system) for exchange of color according to desire of car owner in minimum time with the best efficiency that was invented without use of painting system that we can use it over car body in a few minutes unlike present painting system and provide variety of color simply for and with lowest amount for maker and owner of cars that it is a wish for them. Also I want to complete several design and invention, too. If you are interest, I can cooperate with you and also sell this invention device for you.
ir
By yosef | Posted: 14/7/2008
Hi. I’m very thankful of you for your answer. If you are tendency to cooperate or buy this invention “a system for changing of car color” And to see of details and function quality of this system, we can put an appointment with together directly or with their agency in Iran. I haven’t financial ability for coming to your country unless you support me. Mane companies of car maker want to cooperate with them but I’m interested to your country and your cars, there fore I’ve selected to cooperate with you for this present invention and other designs and my ideas. I hope by the grace of God and friendly cooperation of you can invent the best sincerely yours. Yousef azizpor
iran
By yosef | Posted: 14/7/2008
Hi. I’m very thankful of you for your answer. If you are tendency to cooperate or buy this invention “a system for changing of car color” And to see of details and function quality of this system, we can put an appointment with together directly or with their agency in Iran. I haven’t financial ability for coming to your country unless you support me. Mane companies of car maker want to cooperate with them but I’m interested to your country and your cars, there fore I’ve selected to cooperate with you for this present invention and other designs and my ideas. I hope by the grace of God and friendly cooperation of you can invent the best sincerely yours. Yousef azizpor
Post a comment: