Overview & Reviews

A relative newcomer to the American marketplace, Hyundai is a Korean automaker with a product line that has improved greatly over the past decade. Hyundai cars and SUVs provide a high level of content for an affordable price, and are currently backed by one of the industry's longest warranties.

In 1947, Chung Ju Yung founded the Hyundai Civil Engineering Company. Mere months later, the outfit was bombed in the Korean War. However, the company regained its footing to distinguish itself as one of Korea's leading construction enterprises during the 1950s.

By the late 1960s, Chung had turned his attention to the automobile industry. The Korean government at that time believed that it made more sense to import vehicles than produce them domestically, and had made its opinion known. Still, Chung opted to follow his own convictions, and in 1967, he founded the Hyundai Motor Company.

The company quickly established an alliance with one of the industry's oldest automakers, signing a two-year contract with Ford in 1968 to share assembly technology. Hyundai's first car, the Cortina, was created from that partnership. The manufacturer's first car to be designed and built in Korea was the compact Pony (although the car was based on Japanese technology courtesy of Mitsubishi). The vehicle made its debut in 1974, and the following year Hyundai began exporting it to overseas markets.

Hyundai entered the U.S. market in 1986 with the introduction of its subcompact Excel. The car was an immediate hit, with its supreme affordability being a primary selling point. More than 100,000 Excels were sold stateside in the first seven months. By 1988, Hyundai had begun to produce cars using its own technology. The midsize Sonata was the first fruit borne of this endeavor.

Unfortunately, Hyundai's nascent image was soon tarnished by the poor durability and reliability of its vehicles. Sales tanked. However, rather than abandon the American market in the '90s, Hyundai chose to invest heavily in new product designs and improvements in overall quality and reliability. In 1998, Hyundai also purchased Kia, another Korean automaker, to expand its business and economies of scale.

It all started to pay off by the start of the new millennium, with the 2001 Elantra in particular showing massive improvements in overall quality, reliability and performance. Other models followed suit and the desirability of Hyundai cars increased sharply. Providing an extraordinarily long warranty period didn't hurt either.

Today's lineup is indicative of Hyundai's complete turnaround. Hyundai has a vehicle for nearly every segment, including the economical Accent subcompact, the popular Elantra compact, the midsize Sonata sedan (also available as a hybrid), sporty Genesis and Veloster coupes and a couple of stylish SUVs. Hyundai has also expanded into the entry-level and premium-level luxury sedan markets with its Genesis and Equus sedans. Having gone from being the butt of late-night TV jokes in the 1980s to a well-respected manufacturer of quality vehicles, Hyundai has created a very inspiring rags-to-riches story.

User Reviews:

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  Great car, few problems with noise and leather - 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By susan72065 - July 29 - 3:39 am

  Bought this version in August of 2013. The dealer had put almost 500 miles on it when I bought it. No problems until it rained hard. There is a loud rain noise near the rear on the drivers side. Dealer says they cant figure it out, although it persists. A similar noise has started when the wind is blowing hard. About two months ago I noted that the leather on the drivers side seat is wearing thin on the edge. Dont know if this is unique to the saddle leather or not. Awaiting dealer comments. Rides well, otherwise very quiet, good pick up, great sound system with the upgrade and navigation. Navigation maps are already out of date for where I live and it costs $250 to upgrade.

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  LOVE IT - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By macjack - July 28 - 10:10 pm

  I really like like this car. It offers alot of power, performance and standard features for the money. The interior space is decent and the design sleek. It was worth the time to take a look.

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  2013 Hyundai GT hatch Auto - 1 month review - 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT
  By mergatroid - July 27 - 11:31 pm

  Came from a 2010 Mazda 3. Love this car so far. I am 6 1" tall and have great leg room in front. Back seat is also very spacious. I have the base model but it is very well equipped. So far averaging about 32MPG in about 80% hwy, 20% city driving. On one 60 minute freeway stretch at 65mph I averaged 36mpg. Pleased so far and I am hoping it will improve as time goes on. Keep it in ECO mode all the time. Very quiet car, average acceleration but plenty of power in manual mode. Sport mode in steering my favorite and handles very well, but not quite as good as my Mazda 3. Fantastic dash set up - Bluetooth works great, AC strong, above average stereo - nice bass. Competitors have their work to do.

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  Hyundai Accent - 2003 Hyundai Accent
  By sjones958 - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Sales People are very friendly. Price is excellent. The warranty is best available. I received a full tank of gas. The 1st oil change is free. Ive never been happier about a new car.

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  First time Hyundai owner - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By urik - July 26 - 8:20 am

  Bought my 06 GLS V6 used with 14K. Liked the style and drivability. Combines comfort with a sporty feel, and the V6 is an added plus. We have an 05 Camry SE 4I, which is a super car and gets great gas mileage. The mileage for a V6 Sonata isnt much different, which was an added attraction. I actually prefer my Sonata to the Camry, but both cars are great. Except, my Sonata cost less and gave me more bang for the buck. My hope is that the value will hold up over time, and that it will be as reliable as my Camry.

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  Probably not - 2006 Hyundai TUCSON
  By gk - July 26 - 4:36 am

  Bought the GLS 6 cyl new from dealer. Very reliable for the first three years I owned it. Good drivers visibility. Not exciting to drive, and not very fuel efficient (for 3500 lbs). Puny V6 engine. Useless rear trunk cover. Tire pressure light too sensitive. Ride was a little smoother carrying a full load vs. traveling light.

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  Lemon - 2001 Hyundai Accent
  By HyundaiLemon - July 26 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car into the dealer 30 times and 50 some days for 5 problems. The Service stinks.

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  A Great Deal - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Scordova - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Overall, this car has a great, great ride. It is very smooth in comparison to the Toyota Camry. With its low wheelbase, it corners very well with stable, predictable handling. The six cylinder motor gives plenty of extra kick when accelerating and going up steep grades, even with a full load.

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  Head Turner - 2004 Hyundai Tiburon
  By Kevin - July 26 - 1:10 am

  Husky sound from the exhaust! 6 speed, all leather interior, premium sound system, great value!!! If you are thinking of whether you would have buyers remorse after purchasing this car, let me help you!! Just buy it. Great on fuel, great on style. Sun roof gets a 10.

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  cost to own - 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By ksig - July 25 - 11:33 pm

  The good news is that this is a great road car and does a nice job in snowy weather. On mixed town and highway im getting 23.5 mpg. Now for the bad news, with just a little over $26,000 miles Im looking at a total maintenance cost of just over $1,300. this is well over the Edmunds figure. the 15k service was $282. the 30k will be $550. Im also expected to have serivce to the rear differential and transfer cases @$120 each. Finally, there is some filter that needs to be replaced at 30k that will cost $250.