2008 Hyundai Sonata

The 2006-2010 Hyundai Sonata is the NF generation and the first Sonata assembled in the United States, built at Hyundai's Alabama plant. Engines were the 2.4-liter Theta four-cylinder and the 3.3-liter Lambda V6, paired with a five-speed manual on base four-cylinder models or a four- and five-speed automatic, driving the front wheels. The body is a four-door sedan.

This generation moved the Sonata into direct competition with the Camry and Accord on size and equipment, with standard stability control and a full airbag complement ahead of much of the segment. Interior quality improved substantially over the previous car though it still trailed the Japanese leaders. The YF generation that followed in 2011 abandoned the V6 and adopted dramatic styling.

For used buyers, the NF Sonata is an inexpensive and generally durable mid-size sedan. The 3.3-liter V6 is the more refined choice and avoids the concerns that later affected Hyundai's four-cylinders. The 2.4-liter Theta of this generation predates the direct-injected Theta II that became the subject of large-scale recalls, though some four-cylinder Sonatas of this period were included in later service campaigns. Corrosion and general wear govern most purchase decisions at this age.