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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  Beware a bumpy ride - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By D - July 25 - 10:53 pm

  I just leased a base model Genesis a week ago. Sadly I like everything about it except the suspension. When I first test drove it, I noticed it was a bit bumpy, but I thought maybe it was because of the road I was on. I also noticed a few reviews mentioned bumpiness. But when I test drove it the second time it felt OK so I went ahead and leased it. After I took it home, I started feeling that the bumpiness was quite pronounced and at times jarring. I often find myself getting bumped up out of my seat, akin to the feeling of airplane turbulence. The vehicle has an odd combination of soft and hard ride. It feels cushy on a perfectly smooth road, but imperfections make the ride feel very bumpy.

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  Its better then expected - 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By Mitch - July 25 - 9:28 pm

  While milage drop during the winter 24 city / 32 highway, it gets good when it worm up. Last trip from Iowa to Salt Lake City I got 36.7 avg while using cruise control at 80 mph. Comming back I drop the speed to 72 mph and use my skill to see what can I get out of this car. My average was 40.6 mpg

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  Quality of leather seat is poor. - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By Taylor - July 25 - 9:41 am

  Bought a 2015 Sonata Sports in July 2015. The drivers seat leather color is coming off. Its turned grey and looks worn. I have contacted Hyundais consumer department and the dealership about the problem. They say its worn out from getting in and out of the vehicle. This is poor quality!!! They say they cant correct the problem. Why do I have a warranty if the problem cant be corrected? I have had leather seats in other cars I owned and his has never occurred. One car I had for 10 years and this never happened. A vehicles leather seats should not begin to deteriate within a year. Its disappointing that Hyundai doesnt stand behind their products. This is the first and last Hyundai I will purchase.

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  Completely satisfied! - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By tedrik - July 25 - 8:43 am

  Purchased a 2010 Hyundai Sata Fe SE, FWD with the 3.5L 6cyl 6A. This is my first Hyundai and I was really surprised at the quality and refinement. I think it compares favorably with more expensive SUVs (Nissan Murano etc.) I really wanted the Limited version-but could not get the gray interior-only on the SE. However, I am very pleased with my SE. Its very quiet with outstanding ride/handling characteristics. I also calculated approx. 19.5 mpg on my first tank of gas (mostly city). Excellent mid-sized SUV!

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  Seat of the pants - 1991 Hyundai Sonata
  By philosopher - July 25 - 2:00 am

  We drove the Hyundai as a lark and it blew away the competition. The test drive made you feel you were king of the road. I save 4k and got the best riding vehicle in its class. The only thing I would do better is get a v6.

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  100,000+ NO PROBLEMS ! Still Going!! - 1998 Hyundai Accent
  By Drifus - July 25 - 2:00 am

  This car has been no trouble. For less than 5 years old and 100000 + its been great. I have replace tires once, spark plugs once. Regular oil changes. This car has never been serviced other then what was mentioned. I have driven this car hard the whole time. (Shifting at 5500 rpms most of the time) If it can endure me like this car has I call it either a fluke or a great car. This car was in Minnesota for 4 years of its life and was wonderful in the snow.

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  Love my new car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By K Crawford - July 24 - 8:36 pm

  Ive had my new Sonata Limited, all black with gray leather interior for about a month now, and I love it! It has everything I ever wanted in a car for a reasonable price, yet features compare with Lexus, Mercedes, Acura, etc.

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  Mission Accomplished!!! - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By imtraveler - July 24 - 6:20 pm

  I was following & really looking forward to this motor car, so I bought it! Owned 7 series & was nice compromise, esp. price. Hyundais first foray with an all-new RWD platform & V8 engine in this class is impressive. My car turns heads and I love its understated execution. Has the luxury amenities I need and $$$ to spare. Wish it was sold in a dedicated channel -- i.e., Genesis brand -- wouldnt mind stripping the H logo and replacing it with domestic market Genesis wings logo (front, back, wheel hub & horn pad)

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  Happy Driver - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Happy Hyundai Driver - July 24 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Santa Fe for a year.I love it. It is a great size for a small person that wants a vehicle with substance. I especially like the lumbar support on the drivers side. It is great when on those long trips. It gets great gas mileage and is very roomy. I have even used it to haul garden supplies around. I already have the next color picked out on my next Santa Fe.

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  I love it but. . . - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By SantaFeGurL02 - July 24 - 10:00 am

  My Santa Fe is the best purchase ever. Too bad I have already had to use the warranty for my windshield being cracked from the heat, some loud unexplained ticking that they fixed. Now there is some sort of belt or something that is squeaking that Santa Fe is going to go in for next. Dont get me wrong. I absolutely love it to death.