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v3.7.0.1

Document and Entity Information - shares | 6 Months Ended |
--- | --- | ---
Jun. 30, 2017 | Jul. 25, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Line Items] |  |
Document Type | 10-Q |
Amendment Flag | false |
Document Period End Date | Jun. 30, 2017 |
Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2017 |
Document Fiscal Period Focus | Q2 |
Trading Symbol | SAH |
Entity Registrant Name | SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC |
Entity Central Index Key | 0001043509 |
Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 |
Entity Filer Category | Large Accelerated Filer |
Common Class A [Member] |  |
Document and Entity Information [Line Items] |  |
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding |  | 31,832,131
Common Class B [Member] |  |
Document and Entity Information [Line Items] |  |
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding |  | 12,029,375

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