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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  Awsome Car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Craig M - January 16 - 11:33 pm

  I purchased this car to replace my dying 2000 Focus. I really wanted an economical, RELIABLE car (who wouldnt after owning a 2000 Focus). When I started looking, the Hyundai dealer was beside a Honda dealer. I was interested in the Civic, but the Sonata caught my eye. I almost didnt look at the sticker, because I was sure I couldnt afford such a nice looking car. I was wrong. This car is quiet, well built, roomy and the 4 cyl has plenty of power. The interior is laid out well, and the trunk is HUGE. This car has options (especially safety features)I would have to do without if I had purchased a Honda at the same price. Unbeatable Warranty, excellent value, and 33 MPG isnt bad either.

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  2000 Hyundai Elantra - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By Glenn Gillis - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Been a reliable car so far, but, I have this sneaking suspicion that the drive train will start having problems after the 100,000 mile warranty runs out. Only major problem has been a problem with the brake caliper sticking. Also a replacement battery was installed on 1/03, but, considering that this is a manufatcters battery....

• 

  crap - 2001 Hyundai Accent
  By bquimbey - January 16 - 2:00 am

  worst vehicle ever. I filed it as a lemon and had to fight for a year to get anything done. Dealership refused to service my vehicle for a SAFETY recall. would never buy a hyundai again, EVER!

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  Poor Mans Porsche? - 2003 Hyundai Tiburon
  By BlackSox - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I hate to use a cliche, but the Tiburon is really a great way to enjoy a nice sports car at a highly affordable price. There is a small exchange of comfort, but it is worth the trade for the eye-catching looks and above- average performance of the Tiburon.

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  cool car - 2003 Hyundai Tiburon
  By yoyo70 - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Cant ask more than this.

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  Great Car - 2003 Hyundai Tiburon
  By MalShopper - January 16 - 2:00 am

  The car is Great! It looks great, and drives and handles exceptionally well. The cost of the car, after working with the dealership, does not seem excessive. The particular model I bought is loaded. I love it. We were also able to buy ding and door insurance, so we will be able to maintain its sleek appearance.

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  senior driver - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By winterpeg - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I have 8000 KL. on my S.Fe& love it, it makes my feel like I did in the 50s when I drove my MGB. Handles beautiful smooth ride,but this winter in snow & ice it proved its self. has go, had Toyota Previa AWD for 12 years pior and it would spin a lots more. I think it is because of the higher ratio for the 1st.speed & larger wheels plus it is lighter. Gas consumtion is fair, whsh the rear seats would fold flat.

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  would not buy another one - 2005 Hyundai TUCSON
  By tony - January 15 - 6:40 pm

  poor milage, tires worn out at 20000 mi has been in the shop for over 2 weeks now needs a new transmission an absolute piece of garbage.

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  Fun to start with, but just wait... - 1999 Hyundai Elantra
  By msmit4wm - January 15 - 2:00 am

  The cruise control was broken when I bought it. They fixed it under warranty after installing a new cruise switch and new cruise computer, after 3 trips to the dealer. List of things repaired/replaced so far (outside of normal wear and tear): front rotors resurfaced twice, replaced once, throttle position sensor, idle speed actuator motor, drivers side power window motor/track, exhaust manifold, fuel pressure regulator, both front interior door handles, rearview mirror, windshield, driver side window trim/gasket. The engine now idles so roughly that the steering wheel shakes violently...dealer claims there are no problems.

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  Excellent car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Tibor - January 14 - 9:50 pm

  I drove the car for 3 months and 3200 miles. I am very pleased with the car in general. Especially I like the power and fuel economy. Everything works perfectly, no complaints. When I want some action I take over the shifting and this car flies. I replaced the headlight bulbs with HID bulbs and added GPS with rear camera an now it is perfect. For the price I do not think you can get anything close to this. Just a remark I tried to lease a Ford Focus and they wanted $330 per month? For Focus base model? I have 3 Hyundais I am very pleased with them.