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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  11 Sonata - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Teacher Jim - April 11 - 11:50 am

  I was a muscle car person for years, and the practical side of buying with my head vs. buying with my heart led me to the new 2011 Sonata. Even though I have only had the car for a few days, I am EXTREMELY impressed with every aspect of this vehicle. I could always judge how fast I was going with my Mustang GT by feel and manual transmission, but I am going to have to watch my speed in the new Sonata based on how smooth it shirts and the impressive ride. Hats off to the redesign and all the new features.

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  2007 Sonata - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By RO - April 11 - 4:53 am

  IÂ’ve driven it 7500 miles so far. I wasnÂ’t expecting much from this car, I brought it for commuting purposes, but, itÂ’s exceeded my expectations; itÂ’s quick, has firm handling and is fun to drive. IÂ’m averaging 23 MPG combine highway/city. You canÂ’t beat the price!!! Ill definitely buy another Hyundai

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  Really excellent low-end car - 2003 Hyundai Accent
  By ggurr - April 11 - 2:00 am

  We *were* a 100% Toyota family until we tried the Accent GSi looking for a 2nd Echo. Our criteria was just the best we could get for the least $$. We considered all the low-end cars: Mazda, Mitsubishi, Honda were too expensive Kias still a little on the fringe, North American is still a maintenance problem although the Cavelier/Sunfire powertrain was nice (simple/powerful). The Accent has 2 things that are truly excellent: excellent fit&finish (inside & out) and excellent handling (GSi is sport- tuned). Since the engine will be low- powered when youre buying economy its those other two features that can make your day-to-day driving a real pleasure.

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  Live this car! - 2005 Hyundai XG350
  By vitasfan - April 11 - 12:03 am

  I bought a dealer model 2005 in 2006. I still have it, and plan to keep it until it dies....which I do not think will be any time soon. I have had no repairs, just routine maintenance. Love this car, and wish it would last forever.

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  22500 miles and all good except... - 2011 Hyundai TUCSON
  By jshea11 - April 8 - 4:50 am

  Until the last month or so, no real complaints. Never felt it was quite as solidly built as my 98 Honda Accord EX (which my kids are now driving with no problems) but was willing to overlook as I havent bought a new car in 10 yrs and figured maybe standards have changed. However, now Im hearing a bit of rattling in the rear seat left side door that starts up anytime I get over 45 mph.

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  Compliments Galore - 2004 Hyundai Tiburon
  By Linda - April 8 - 2:22 am

  My car will never be for sale. I love it now more than I did when it was new now that the restrictions are lifted due to the age of this car. Needed a new gas tank and cat after 14 years and need a new sway bar. Other than that this car has held up the test of time in my book. Head lights had to be replaced only because I just could not see with them any longer. They did yellow and night driving was hard with 2004 lights. This car still rides like it is on a cloud for me and I can not bare to part with it. My son has tried to get me to buy a new car and I am just not ready to let this one go. New cars are made so cheep and this one has been good to me.

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  Surprisingly Great Car! - 2007 Hyundai Veracruz
  By BCS - April 7 - 11:03 pm

  I looked many crossovers. I decided to check this one out just for the heck of it and quickly purchased it. This car is wonderful. Fantastic smooth ride, very luxurious (and solid!) interior features. I got the SE with the 10 speaker Infiniti surround system, and I have never heard such a great sounding stereo system (stock or aftermarket!). I am very pleased with this automobile.

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  Unexpectly Great Car - 1994 Hyundai Elantra
  By RomanK - April 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new because it had 5yr. unlimited mileage warranty. I expected to throw it away after the 5 yr. period. 9 years later, we still have the car. The only expense were regular oil changes, new tires, brake pads. No rust! Starts in -40. Has lots of power for a 4banger (125hp). Looks great even after 9 years.

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  High Class Look for Middle Class Budgets - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Missy13 - April 7 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased a 2002 Sonata today, and I love the way it looks!! That was the main reason I bought the car, the rich looking exterior. Beautiful curves. And even though Ive only had it for a day Im in love already!

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  Fantastic Family Sedan - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By carboneer - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Ive recently made the jump from a BMW 318i convertible, to a Sonata. So far, I love the change. While it was tough to admit that it was time for the Family Sedan, I did my homework, and pick a definite winner. The ride is soooo smooth, and fun when you want it to be. It handles as well as my BMW (96) and has a lot more room.