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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  Best In Class - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jeff - September 2 - 6:26 pm

  This car excells in all categories. In all the test drives and research that I performed, the Sonata LX came out on top.

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  Best crossover suv - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By sandyc1 - September 2 - 4:33 pm

  I love the way my new suv drives , its so smooth and my family and I love the space it provides us on long rides . The safety features are incredible and rides great in the snow and on our off road street to our home . I could not be any more pleased .

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  Impressive! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By befink - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive only driven my new Hyundai Sonata SE for a few days now, but the only thing I can say about it is: IMPRESSIVE. I love the style, both exterior and interior, the ride, and most of all, the PRICE! Looks like its time for Toyota and Honda to take a back seat to Hyundai! When I went to the dealer I was undecided between GLS or SE, but as soon as I rode in the SE, I knew that was the one. SMART KEY/Push Button Start, Paddle Shifters, Dual Exhaust, Chrome, Leather Seat Bolsters, etc. Amazing! I live in a rural area, and drive only 20 minutes to work, and right off the lot Im getting 28 miles to the gallon. I just cant say enough about this car.

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  2005 Hyundai Elantra - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By gary f huth - September 1 - 11:40 pm

  This car was a good buy, and great gas mileage for not being a hybrid. The only thing I have detected so far is that the trunk lid sounds tinny when being closed. Good car, nice design, and great service from dealer.

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  3 year review - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By gd3 - September 1 - 11:31 pm

  Bought the Sonata almost 3 years ago and now have 55k mostly highway miles. Travel about 80 miles/day for work. The cloth seats are some of the most comfortable non leather, non premium seats Ive used. Nice thoughtful interior. It has so many upgrades that have trickled down to a base car over the years. The ac and heat are fine although climate control would be nice. The XM is a feature that I use regularly and enjoy. I have done nothing to it except regular maintenance and a new set of tires. I average about 30 mpg going 70-75 on the highway.

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  2nd Hyundai and LOVING IT! - 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By makemoves - September 1 - 4:44 pm

  Prior to this car, I was driving a 2004 Hyundai Tiburon Base. Like everyone out there, I was not sure if I wanted to buy a second Hyundai, but, once I drove this car, WOW, thats all I can say. The interior and build quality has improved by atleast 10 folds, from 2004 model and the soft touch is just perfect. The 2.0T, is fast enough to compete with the likes of IS250s, 328i, GTI, and many other high end imports out there. Dont be fooled by the name, Hyundai, has truly made a sport car that everyone can own and drive without, paying premium. If you are looking for a fun car to drive, this is perfect for you!

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  Worth every Penny - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By AnClybur - September 1 - 12:58 pm

  I got a Genesis for my wifes birthday. She couldnt be happier with the car. It was a 3.8 L with plenty of luxury accouterments. She certainly will drive this baby for the next ten years or so. It is snowy in Michigan, can this thing last in snow. well, the good thing is that the Genesis was fitted with winter tires. Hopefully, the RWD architecture will handle the icy conditions.

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  GREAT VEHICLE - 2007 Hyundai Entourage
  By Mini Mom - September 1 - 12:35 pm

  Ive owned the vehicle for 2 1/2 years & have over 64,000 miles the only problem I ever had was the sliding doors getting jammed we just had them repaired (nationwide problem we were told) never had any other problems dealership has great service they remember me by name when I go in for service (oil changes regularly) the only thing I dont care for is the resale value there is none depreciates too quickly

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  Drove Conn to Florida and loved it. - 2005 Hyundai TUCSON
  By ROBERT A. STATES - September 1 - 12:26 pm

  My experience with Hyundai started with the 2003 Sonata, a great car. After an accident, I had read about the Tucson and fell in love with it. It has been a great car, no problems. squeaks or rattles in about 6,500 miles, and great in snow. I think hit a home run. The service is great, too, and believe it or not, I enjoy having the oil changed at the dealer, and a free car wash.

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  I LOVE THIS SUV!!!! - 2007 Hyundai Veracruz
  By danacandy - September 1 - 7:06 am

  This car is really nice to drive. My husband who is 64" fits comfortably in the middle row, my 3 kids also fit very well, with room to spare(including a car seat). We have really enjoyed taking this car on trips. It has a lot of get up and go power, it rides smooth like a luxury sedan. We have been so happy with this purchase, we will more than likely purchase an upgrade in a few more years. I definitely recommend this SUV!!!