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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  ECONOMICAL AND RELIABLE - 2000 Hyundai Accent
  By owner of an accent - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought it for the 5 years warranty and never regret it. It runs very well, I did not have any problem at all in 3 years. It is not very powerful, but it is a good choice for somebody looking for a reliable and economical transportation. I went all around California, Nevada, Arizona and Mexico with my car!

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  Quick little 4 Cyl. - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By pat - July 31 - 12:23 am

  Every thing about this car is better, the trunk has more space and even with more HP than last years model this car still get between 32-37 mpg. on the highway.

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  Great Car - 1995 Hyundai Accent
  By Jay Ayyappan - July 30 - 2:00 am

  Its been fun driving my Hyundai Accent for the last 1 year. The only problem Ive had was with the Manual Windows, but otherwise its a great car.

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  Best Car Ever - 2004 Hyundai Tiburon
  By Swobo - July 30 - 12:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever driven, so much fun, so fast.

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  below expectations - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Bob Slobbins - July 29 - 2:00 am

  The standard equipment list and aesthetics of the Sonata were what led me to choose buying it over the base model Accord. After 12 months of owning it, I have just a few complaints. I needed new brake pads and front tires at 15,000 miles of mostly city driving. The wiper fluid pump and front headlight fuses needed replacing. And the window trim is already peeling. Also, Ive averaged 17 MPG in 95% city driving with automatic.

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  NOT HAPPY - 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Jinxy - July 29 - 2:00 am

  The first 3 months of ownership were wonderful. From them on it has been a complete nightmare. I have had an oil leak in the front differential; the ignition went out; the fuel tank doesnt register properly and only fills above 3/4 of a tank; the crank motor sensor went out on the freeway while I was in the fast lane; the center console broke twice and not the front bushings have gone out. WHAT MORE CAN I TAKE!!! This vehicle has been in the shop 21 times since I have owned it and I am currently waiting for my 22 visit once the parts come in.

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  Hyundai Accent is a dream come true!! - 2002 Hyundai Accent
  By Candice - July 29 - 2:00 am

  This little car is reliable, comfortable and looks great!!. I have the GSI which comes with a sunroof, spoiler, cd playre, alloy wheels, etc. It has everything I want for a real affordable price!!

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  Not your big brothers Hyundai - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Jack Hanning - July 29 - 2:00 am

  I was the last person to think I would buy a Hyundai. Our sales-person allowed us to us a Santa Fe for the day while we shopped for vehicles. We compared it side by side with Honda, Toyota, GMC, Saturn, Ford, Mazda, Mitsubishi, and Jeep. None of those came close as far as what you get for the money. None of them were anywhere near comprable when it came to comfortable ride. Some will think that they need more power in an SUV. Those are the ones that roll over on the interstate from going too fast.

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  Great van marred by bad transmission - 2007 Hyundai Entourage
  By CXL1 - July 28 - 10:20 pm

  We purchased the Limited w/ent pkg on 9/30/06. We took delivery with 257 miles and immediately noticed a transmission issue with engine braking when removing foot from the gas. We test drove 3 others on the dealers lot and none of them did this. Ours engine brakes until it hits idle speed and then the transmission finally releases from the engine allowing it to coast. We immediately reported this to the dealer. It has been in for this 3 times. They have re-programmed the transmission and still no fix. Now going on 7 weeks and 2200 miles and still not fixed. Hyundai DM due in Monday to evaluate. Wish we would have waited for the 2007 Toyota Sienna! Ill add followup after Monday

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Tom Ellick - July 28 - 5:16 pm

  My previous two cars were Cadillac DeVilles, the last an 03.I dropped into Hyundai dealership on a lark and was immediately impressed. I was originally planning to buy the top of the line Toyota Avalon. But not after seeing and driving the Azera. I purchased the Azera Limited with Ultimate package and two days later started out on a 5000 mile round trip. Car performed perfectly, great mileage and drove in total comfort. Outstanding quality, appearance, and marvelous sound system. This is truly the best car Ive ever owned and Ive owned lots of them.I recommend this car without equivocation. My Hyundai Azera Limited, with Ultimate package, is truly the best car Ive ever owned!