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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  Hyundai can come a long way! - 2007 Hyundai Entourage
  By JG - April 29 - 11:50 am

  Reliable truck so far, Made trip to Orlando from Dallas without any problems. Acceleration and gas mileage are only negatives so far. Reliability, ride, comfort and functionality are all pluses.

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  sonata 99 - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By edavid42 - April 28 - 2:00 am

  the only thing I can say in a negative light is that the transmission in the 0-5 mi per hour range feels loose.

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  Outstanding small car - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By David - April 27 - 6:17 am

  My Elantra is one of the best cars I have ever owned at any price. It is comfortable for long trips, gets excellent fuel economy, feels solid, and is pretty reliable. This is one of the few cars I have owned that shines for long distance driving comfort. The car has quality materials except for the paint on the wheels. The wheels showed surface rust after less than two years and had to be repainted. I also had to have the exhaust "down" pipe replaced twice under warranty. It starts fo leak and gets noisy. Otherwise, no problems or complaints. My car is approaching 50000 miles and I still love it. Fuel economy is 34-40 mpg.

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  hyundai is the way to go! - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By george hurowitz - April 26 - 3:03 pm

  I traded my 2004 Maxima with only 27,000 miles for the 2007 Azera limited w/ultimate package in August, 2007. My purchase was based on the features included with the car, especially 8 airbags! The Azera outshines my old car in everything wanted or desired in an automobile. The turning radius is unbelievable compared to my trade-in. My wife loves the way the Azera handles, as I do.

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  Better than expected - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By BILL IN SO. CALIF - April 26 - 12:19 pm

  Had 13,000 when purchased. Complained about possible suspension issues, Hyundai replaced all 4 struts and shocks. Had some minor problems that were taken care of under warranty. Mileage has been very good, well over 25 mpg. Had a Toyota Avalon and Mercedes e class, but this is much better car for the money. I am 6,4, but have plenty of room. I get a lot of "what kind of car is this", it looks great. Will be anxious to see the new Genesis.

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  Tiburon Or Bust - 2003 Hyundai Tiburon
  By eighty88 - April 26 - 10:00 am

  I put this car through its paces a couple weeks ago. Took a drive over the Cajon pass into Californias High Desert. I was in 6th gear all the way, and the car was hardly working. Stearing was precise and effortless. Go ahead and spend 5 or 7k more for a Toyota, or Mitubishi.

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  Great Car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Smith - April 25 - 3:18 pm

  We love this car and will definitely get another Sonata. We had a 89 Honda Accord and this is just as good if not better.

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  Hope they can fix or wont buy another. - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By D. Hughes - April 24 - 3:28 pm

  Impressed by the fit, finish, and options for the money. Didnt like the way the transmission shifted from day one. Under light throttle at 20-30 mph it cant seem to decide what gear it should be in. Also, torque converter lock up frequently wont release under load on a grade without first forcing a 5-4 downshift. More recently, I have been experiencing an intermittent but pronounced bucking/jerking under light load at 25-40 mph. It appears to be related to torque converter lock up problems. Engine is noisy (probably piston slap) until fully warmed up. Suspension transmits a lot of noise over rapid bumps such as rail road tracks or rough pavement. Tire noise is apparent on smooth roads.

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  Love my baby!!! - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By Amanda - April 23 - 1:02 pm

  This is a great and reliable car. I feel very safe with my 2 month old daughter. It gets great gas mileage, easy to drive, and it never costs over $30 to fill.

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  Stiff Seats - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By JamieR - April 21 - 12:22 pm

  I bought my Azera last spring after researching a number of comparable models. I chose the Azera because of its Consumer Reports ratings compared to other similar models, and the value for all the goodies I wanted. My only complaint is that the seats are incredibly uncomfortable. I thought the seats would soften up but after a year theyre just not any better. I found my MPG got much better after my 15 month tune-up when they did the injector service. Im now getting about 24-25mpg, with close to 28-29 if I do nothing but highway driving.