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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  Awesome - 2008 Hyundai TUCSON
  By Lori - July 13 - 12:26 am

  I absolutely love the way my new SUV handles. The gas is pretty good on highway, 28 and 22 around town. Not too shabby. Its extremely comfortable and very roomy. It offers a lot for the price. Tinted windows in the back, the seats fold down and the window in the way back can open with out opening the hatch back. I dont really have any dislikes. The only thing that I wish I could have gotten is four wheel drive. The warranty is Fantastic.

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  GREAT VALUE - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By LISA - July 12 - 2:00 am

  I couldnt pass up the deal on the Sonata LX! I still get comments on its handsome exterior and leather/wood interior. A few months after buying the car, I had problems with it acting like it wanted to go dead. The dealership found a loose wire and fixed it with no problem. This is my first V6 its a lot of fun and useful in quick passing.

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  Great suv - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By R Haines - July 12 - 1:06 am

  This is one of the best cars I have ever owned. I reviewed every vehicle in this category and I found this was by far the best choice for me. We have had one year of trouble free driving and I still would buy the Santa Fe again. I love the ride, the interior, the quietness, and the performance. All my friends are impressed with this vehicle because we can carry four or five comfortably. The size is just right. I have never gotten less than 20 mpg.

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  Excellent - 2005 Hyundai TUCSON
  By Andrea - July 11 - 7:46 pm

  This is my first new car, and I love it. I started looking at the Santa Fe, but then I saw the Tuscon and I loved it. It drives smooth, great on gas and is a pleasure to own. If you are looking for a compact SUV this is it!

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  Good fuel economy. Bad parts - 1998 Hyundai Accent
  By Adriana - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Nice design and economy with bad quality parts. After 56K miles, the (automatic) transmission went out and the resale price is too bad, so it is not worth to fix it. I am now looking for a more reliable vehicle (not a Hyundai). Maybe later models are better or at least the warranty will cover something like this.

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  2011 SONATA HYBRID PREMIUM - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By fdrp534 - July 10 - 7:39 pm

  I dont drive it as much as i would like but the wife loves it.Fuel milage is what we expected.Was recalled once for three repairs,all went well even recieved a $50 gift card from Hyundai for our troubles.Have recieved many compliments also was offered trades with other motorists cars. Car runs great .It only has 4000 miles on it so far but the only issue is the fuel gauge it is not accurate it never read a full tank since we owned it.We put $20 in it and it goes up a few lines,shut it off turn it back on and it goes up another line but otherwise a great car

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  Valuable car - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By Steven M - July 10 - 3:56 pm

  I looked to spend 25,000 dollars for a sports car this year. It was up to the Camaro and the 3.8 V6 Hyundai. The biggest differences between these cars is the creature comforts inside that the Genesis Coupe provides at a much higher level than the American counterpart. Although the Camaro is a nice bargain, the Genesis Coupe is a better deal

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  Jaguar Dumper - 2005 Hyundai XG350
  By Steven - July 10 - 5:00 am

  I traded a XJ8L because I was not going to spend that kind of money any longer. I bouhgt my Hyundai right off the lot without even a test drive. One of the best bargains for the money and warrenaty.

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  Hyundai can handle its own - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By mellkirk - July 10 - 2:50 am

  We were skeptical when we bought our Hyundai. When Hyundai first came out years ago, I referred to them as "throw away" cars. I really wanted a Toyota Camry or a Honda Accord, but I couldnt afford one. I liked the new look of the Sonata and i was in the right place at the right time. We love our car. Hyundai is keeping up with its competitors - The Camry and the Accord. We are pleased

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  Love my first car!!! - 1999 Hyundai Elantra
  By christobal - July 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used with only 8,700 miles on it in 2001. Since then I have had only good things to say. It has been more reliable than my mothers new Chevy Trailblazer and my brothers Jeep Grand Charokee. It goes great in the snow and I get very good gas mileage. I love this car. It is just the right size for me. My relative bought a 2001 Accent and what a great little car too. After driving hers I get in mine and realize mine is so much quieter and nicer. I have had no major problems with my car. Love it. Love it. Love it. Way to go Hyundai.