1989 Hyundai Sonata Photos, engines & full specs

Hyundai introduced the second generation of the Sonata in 1988, which was a big step forward for the Korean automaker, who became more relevant in international markets.

While the first generation of the Sonata introduced in 1985 was a wedged-shaped vehicle with underpowered Mitsubishi engines, the second generation of this nameplate was eons ahead of that. Hyundai understood that its own design department wasn’t ready to meet the tastes of American and European customers, so it hired Giorgetto Giugiaro from the ItalDesign styling institute. Then, the engineering department burned the midnight oil to develop new engines and transmissions and provide the vehicle with adequate performance for its class. As a result, the 1989 Sonata was sung on a better tune than its predecessor.

At the front, the 1989 Hyundai Sonata came with a stylish appearance, showing shaved edges for the headlights, which featured corner-mounted turn signal lamps. Between them, the Korean automaker placed the main grille that sported an egg-crate styling with a chromed trim on the upper side. The car also had the Hyundai word embedded into the front bumper, on the driver’s side. It was an unusual way to show the brand, but it was an era when the car manufacturer struggled to gain brand awareness.

From its profile, the three-box sedan-shaped vehicle was well-balanced and showed a slightly ascending waistline. The black door handles and mirrors were not exactly what a customer was looking for in a premium car, but Hyundai didn’t want to pretend to be such an automaker. Instead, it focused on details and unique design elements, such as the straight cut on the rear wheel arches, resembling those from a Ford Taurus Wagon. At the back, the automaker put wide and rectangular-shaped taillights, which looked like they were inspired by the Honda Accord from the same era.

Inside, the 1989 Hyundai Sonata still had an angular design, which was characteristic of the 1980s vehicles. Fronting the driver was an instrument panel that provided more information than other competitors. Besides the tachometer, the speedometer, the fuel level, and the temperature gauges, the automaker also had an ammeter and an oil pressure indicator. The top trim level, the GLS, featured velour upholstery and could be optioned with an AC and a six-speaker stereo. Between the front seats, the automaker installed a center console with an armrest and a small storage compartment underneath it. At the same time, in the back, there was adequate room for adult-sized passengers thanks to the tall greenhouse and the long wheelbase of the Sonata.

Under the hood, Hyundai installed a choice of gasoline engines, ranging between 95 PS (94 hp) and 146 PS (143 hp), depending on the market. In addition to the standard five-speed manual gearbox, the automaker also offered a four-speed automatic transmission for specific engine versions.