HYUNDAI Sonata 1996-1998 Photos, engines & full specs

Hyundai introduced a facelift for the Sonata's third generation in 1996, as a serious contender against the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry on the U.S. market and the French and Italian mid-size sedans on the European shores.

The facelifted version showed a better understanding of the car industry. While some carmakers just laughed (then) at the Sonata, others were already concerned. And they had to.

With the third generation, Hyundai finally created a composed front fascia, but it was rather bland. The facelifted version came and fixed that, even if it didn't look that good anymore. Its headlights featured an unusual-looking wider bump on their inner sides for the high-beam lamps. The narrower grille sported the chromed H-badge in the middle. Unlike other carmakers, who didn't bother too much about the back of their vehicles at the facelifted models, the Korean carmaker completely changed the car's back. It featured corner-mounted lamps which didn't cross on the trunk lid. Even the wrapped-around plastic bumper was different.

Inside, the carmaker enhanced the cabin with wood trims on the dashboard, door cards, center console, and the center stack. Even though it sported the same instrument cluster as before, it showed greater attention for details. Like its predecessor, it offered enough room for the front passengers and adequate for up to three people in the back. Although it was a front-wheel-drive vehicle, it still featured a center tunnel that crossed the car from front to back for safety reasons.

Under the hood, the carmaker dropped the formerly used 98 hp 1.8-liter engine. The Sonata kept only a 2.0-liter inline-four and a 3.0-liter V-6.