I have a friend that has sonar considering buying a $9 USB budget sound card that does not require drivers! I said...don't waste your money,buy a "professional" card cause the software may not function properly! Comments?

$9? That'll get you half a set of Apple earbuds. Hope it comes with a fire extinguisher! And a coupon for a free $100 mic preamp.

If he increases his budget x10, he might be able to get a 1/2 way decent audio interface that'll run Sonar. Is he planning on using soft synths? audio only? or both?
 
Here's a Cakewalk Audio Interface guide that might help in the decision making and I'd avoid SoundBlaster cards.......Focusrite make very good interfaces.
 
http://www.cakewalk.com/Support/Knowledge-Base/2007013101/Open-Audio-Hardware-Guide 

Any budget interface that has dedicated asio drivers should be fine - asio4all does not count!