STELLAR & SONATA Heritage:
The significance of
long-lasting relationship
7 minute read
The SONATA, Hyundai Motor's global best-selling and longest-running passenger model, marks its 40th anniversary this year. Evolving from its predecessor, the STELLAR, and through eight generations, the SONATA has been a part of our everyday lives—creating cherished memories with the people we love.
In this article, we take a closer look at the development philosophy and evolution of the STELLAR and SONATA, as well as the heritage campaign launched to commemorate SONATA's 40th anniversary.
The STELLAR & SONATA by our side through the years
In 1976, Hyundai Motor successfully launched its first independently developed, mass-produced model—the PONY—propelling the Korean automotive industry to new heights. However, the mid-size sedan market posed a different challenge. At the time, mid-size cars in Korea were mostly assembled under foreign brands and accessible only to the wealthy few. Amid these constraints, the desire and ambition to develop a proprietary mid-size car steadily grew.
Guided by Founding Chairman Chung Ju-yung's philosophy— ‘to deliver better cars, at a more reasonable price, to more people’—Hyundai embarked on a mission to develop its first independently engineered mid-size sedan. The result was the STELLAR, launched in 1983. True to its name—derived from the Latin word stellaris, meaning ‘like a star’ or ‘excellent’—the STELLAR shone brightly in the Korean automotive market, becoming a symbol of national pride.
Introduced during the early days of Korea's 'My Car' era, and sparked by the PONY, the STELLAR met the growing demand for mid-size cars—helping families travel together and friends create unforgettable memories on the road.
In 1985, Hyundai introduced the first-generation SONATA, which was based on the premium trim of the STELLAR. The second-generation SONATA was launched in 1988. An interesting aspect of the second-generation model is that it featured front-wheel drive, aligning with global trends. More than just a technical upgrade, this move to front-wheel drive demonstrated Hyundai's ambition to expand into international markets.
Setbacks and comebacks
The second-generation SONATA was conceived with ambitious goals. To enter the U.S. market, Hyundai quickly built its first overseas plant in Bromont, Canada, in 1989. However, not everything went as planned. Fierce competition in the U.S. mid-size car market, combined with a series of quality issues, led Hyundai to withdraw from the plant four years after its completion.
Although there were challenges at the Bromont Plant during the early stages of the SONATA's overseas expansion, this presented an opportunity for Hyundai Motor Company to focus more closely on quality improvement, technological development, and customer feedback.
The fourth-generation SONATA, featuring Hyundai's own developed platform, marked a turning point, leading to a higher export volume. A further milestone was reached with the fifth-generation SONATA, which featured Hyundai's independently developed engine model.
The sixth-generation SONATA was even more remarkable. It was the first production car created in line with Hyundai's new design philosophy, 'Fluidic Sculpture.' The model was an instant hit in North America, causing a significant design sensation in the mid-size sedan market, later titled 'SONATA Shock.' From then on, there was no stopping SONATA, which quickly evolved from a fast follower to a trend-leading mover in the global mid-size sedan market.
The SONATA proved that with enough trial and proof, success is achievable. More than just a family sedan, it represented Hyundai's technological innovations, including the Theta1 engine, exported overseas, marking a milestone in technological independence, and the first parallel hybrid engine equipped with an independently developed system.
It's been a long road since starting out in 1985, and the SONATA is still going strong. With cumulative sales of nearly 10 million units globally, the SONATA is Hyundai's longest-running passenger model, boasting a worldwide fan base dedicated to the beloved mid-size sedan.
An exhibition dedicated to celebrating long-lasting relationships
This aspect of long-lasting relationships is celebrated at an exhibition held at piknic, a cultural venue located in Namsan, Seoul. Under the title 'By Your Side', the exhibition showcases how both models have been trusted 'companions' over the years, and the relationships people have with both their STELLAR and SONATA.
The STELLAR 88 on outdoor display is a model that was restored after more than 40 years. What made the restoration process so special was that it offered a glimpse into Hyundai Motor Company's past achievements—visually showcasing the dedication of its employees to independent technology development.
Released in 1987, STELLAR 88 was a special edition celebrating Hyundai Motor Company's role as the official vehicle provider for the Olympic Games Seoul 1988. Serving as a ceremonial vehicle for the international event, it earned its place as a ‘new star of the world.’
Inside the greenhouse space at piknic, visitors experience an exhibition that celebrates the deep connection people have had—and continue to have—with the STELLAR and SONATA. Daily lives of customers, historical moments, behind-the-scenes stories of pioneering technologies by Hyundai employees, and past catalogs, along with advertisements that captured the essence of vehicles and the era.
RETRACE Magazine:
STELLAR & SONATA
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the SONATA, Hyundai's second issue of the RETRACE Magazine series explores people's relationships with their STELLAR and SONATA. This magazine delves into the meaning and significance of ‘long-lasting relationships.’ It features stories from customers and Hyundai Motor employees who have shared their experiences with STELLAR and SONATA over the years. A book talk event will take place on October 18th at Hyundai Motorstudio Seoul to further engage with audiences.
What long history has proven
Hyundai Motor's desire—to bring the joy of automobiles to more people and to offer innovative technology and the latest features at a reasonable price—led to the creation of the STELLAR, and later, the SONATA.
At the forefront of the mid-size sedan segment, the SONATA has evolved across generations, setting new benchmarks in quality, technology, and design. It has become Hyundai Motor's showcase, acting as a pioneer for the models that followed.
More than anything, the STELLAR and SONATA expanded the boundaries of people's lives and embodied the idea of moving forward together. This aspect of "togetherness" became a fundamental principle for Hyundai Motor Company, continuing in other models such as large sedans and SUVs.
Just as the STELLAR and SONATA once did, people have always been at the center of Hyundai Motor Company—even today, as mobility continues to evolve. Guided by the belief that technology must always head toward people, Hyundai continues to redefine the concept of mobility.
Hyundai's heritage is about rediscovering an era made special by automobiles and sharing inspiration for a future shaped by advancing mobility.
Over the past six decades, guided by our founding belief in sharing better cars with more people, our journey has been intertwined with the lives of millions. Looking back on the path we've traveled with our customers is more than history – it's what drives us towards a better tomorrow for humanity.
Follow @hyundai on Instagram for updates on Hyundai's Heritage Project.