1996 Hyundai Sonata Review
1996 Hyundai Sonata Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What’s new
Noise, vibration and harshness are quelled with the addition of insulation to the floor and cowl, and liquid-filled V6 engine mounts. ABS is available as a stand-alone option on the GLS, and Steel Gray joins the color chart. Upgraded seat fabric comes in the base and GL models, while all Sonatas get CFC-free A/C.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1996 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.35 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$219/mo
Sonata GLS
vs
$171/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
Sonata is Hyundai's midsize entry, and faces some very stiff competition in this category. Ford's new Contour/Mystique populates this class of automobiles, as does the new Cirrus/Stratus duo from Chrysler, and perennial favorites such as the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and Mazda 626. Heady competition indeed.
Hyundai's forte to date has been budget prices and standard (or low priced) luxuries that couldn't be matched by competitors. It seems those days are over. The Sonata GLS we sampled ran nearly $21,500. True, it was well loaded with automatic, sunroof, leather and power everything, but a similarly equipped Contour SE or Chrysler Cirrus is priced less than the Sonata. Considering Hyundai's quality record, we don't find the GLS to be a viable option in this class, particularly since the Contour/Mystique twins are a real kick in the pants to drive.
That's not to say that the Sonata isn't a satisfying car. The doors thunk shut nicely, it is quiet and comfortable inside, and the leather makes it feel like a much more expensive sedan. Everything looks and functions as though quality has been built-in, but the radio and climate controls are a tad overdone. The back seat could benefit from better thigh and back support, but it isn't any more uncomfortable that the rear quarters of a Dodge Stratus. Overall, we are impressed with this roomy effort from Hyundai.
Unfortunately, the Sonata competes with many cars that feel as good and often cost less money. Factor in the depreciation that the Hyundai is sure to endure, as well as the questionable quality levels of past Sonatas, and this new one's shine begins to dull. At $18,500, the leather-lined Sonata GLS would begin to look like a bargain, but $21,500 is better spent on something else.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1996 Hyundai Sonata.
5 star(43%)
4 star(37%)
3 star(20%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
16 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.5 out of 5 stars
Surpirsed
Stewart, 04/07/2002
1996 Hyundai Sonata 4dr Sedan
I bought the car as the cheapest car in
which I could comfortably seat 5
people. It has turned out to be a
longterm dependable car. At 100k it hos
only been in the shop a couple times
and still runs strong.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Sonata Requiem
cicco, 08/28/2002
1996 Hyundai Sonata 4dr Sedan
My neighbor just totaled my parked
Sonata. I will miss this car. I
bought it in spite of my kids scorn and
never regretted it. I had no repairs
other than maintenance in the 122,000
miles I drove it. I was expecting to
get another 50K miles of satisfied
driving out of it.
4.25 out of 5 stars
Great car, could do better on the road
Binnie The Gooh, 09/07/2003
1996 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan
It´s a great car, but they could make
it better suitible for the raod like
when you are taking sharp turns it
slides to the sides alot but it can be
controlled, this is a sedan version, so
why not make it perfect!!
5 out of 5 stars
I like it alot
noodle_head, 02/17/2004
1996 Hyundai Sonata GL 4dr Sedan
When i got on this website i looked
through the cars i didnt find one my
style or in my price range.Im sixteen
years old and my parents are on a
tight budget and i need a cheap car
and this one looks real cheap and very
nice.But i know i could not and cant
really afford it so i guess im just
gonna rate it.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1996 Hyundai Sonata, so we've included reviews for other years of the Sonata since its last redesign.
1996 Sonata Highlights
Base
| Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
|---|---|
| Cost to Drive | $189/month |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
| Engine Type | Gas |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalPoor
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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More about the 1996 Hyundai Sonata
Used 1996 Hyundai Sonata Overview
The Used 1996 Hyundai Sonata is offered in the following submodels: Sonata Sedan. Available styles include GLS 4dr Sedan, 4dr Sedan, GL 4dr Sedan, and GL V6 4dr Sedan. Pre-owned Hyundai Sonata models are available with a 3.0 L-liter gas engine or a 2.0 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 137 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 1996 Hyundai Sonata comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual.
What's a good price on a Used 1996 Hyundai Sonata?
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 1996 Hyundai Sonatas are available in my area?
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Should I lease or buy a 1996 Hyundai Sonata?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Hyundai lease specials
Check out Hyundai Sonata lease specials
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