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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  WOW What a Car - 2008 Hyundai Azera
  By Mary & Jim - July 22 - 3:39 pm

  Have had Tauruss since 1986. Went to look at a new Sonata and saw this used 08 Azera. We fell in love and a short test drive was all we needed. Ive driven BMWs, a Lexus and this is right at the top with them, only less expensive. We cant say enough about the car. Ride is smooth and quiet. XM Radio and stereo system is top notch. Power fold mirrors are the cats meow. Driver 1 and 2 position seting should be on all cars. So many features We are very impressed. If you are looking for a car and a value for your money you should drive one of these and purchase it. Oh, by the way.... The wife hardly lets husband drive it......its hers.

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  Great car, so far - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By gtrsrus - July 22 - 1:57 pm

  Bought this car new in late 2003. The only issue has been a failed rear window defroster. Hyundai installed a new rear window and everything has been fine since. I replaced the awful Michelin MXV4 tires with Kumho Solus KH16s which are light years better under all conditions. It still has the factory battery!

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  Amazing value! - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By John Nelms - July 21 - 5:39 pm

  Less expensive and more fun to drive than a Lexus GS-350. Eye-catching styling, great ride, and roomy interior, both front and rear. Shouts "quality!"

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  Not disappointed - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By MG41 - July 21 - 3:10 pm

  I purchased the top of the line Elantra (in Canada-limited edition) because of the ESC feature- but decided that the leather seats and sunroof and automatic climate control might be nice to have. I have thoroughly enjoyed the car so far- it drives beautifully and quietly and is responsive and roomy and very comfortable for driver and front seat passenger- no experience yet with someone in the back seat. The interior finish is first class and the layout of the dashboard and all features are consistent with a much higher priced vehicle. I checked out the competition- Corolla, Civic, Mazda3, Ford Focus and found the Elantra a better deal for the money and the 5 year/100,000 warranty is a plus.

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  Great - 2004 Hyundai XG350
  By America - July 21 - 2:13 pm

  This car is a great car for everything, and everyday driving.

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  Happy with my Hyundai - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Steve C - July 21 - 11:40 am

  I got a great deal on a year old Santa Fe with 14K miles, and very glad I bought it. The ride is very quiet and comfortable, and theres ample room for 4-5 people. It handles well and the 3.3 liter V-6 gives it plenty of power. I get ~24 mpg highway, and overall average 22 mpg, with about 70% highway driving. My 02 Subaru Outback averaged about 23 mpg, and considering the Santa Fe is larger, roomier and much more powerful, Im happy with the mileage. The interior of the Hyundai feels fairly upscale, and it is SO much quieter than my Subie ever was. Considering the size, it has a remarkably tight turning circle. The Santa Fe is a great choice if youre looking for a mid-size crossover SUV!

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  You Get What You Pay For... - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Honesty - July 20 - 10:34 pm

  Over all I enjoy my car. Its great on gas, smooth ride, great pick up,roomy, I get lots of compliments. I enjoy all the features,especially for the price. Its not a car thats good for driving up steep hills, especially in snow or icy weather conditions,its just down right scary. I was surprised at how easily the interior gets scratched up as well as the outside paint job.I have scratches galore from other peoples car doors, people walking by ect. Oh yes, apparently someone at the factory forgot to put a screw in my rear passenger window, it came loose. The dealership fixed it at no charge. Otherwise the car is ok & Im still happy I bought it.

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  My First "New" Car - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Sylvia - July 20 - 9:46 pm

  Im very happy with our New Elantra (so far) Just waiting to see how it will handle this winter in the Ice and Snow. With the rising price of gas...I cant complain yet about fuel efficiency..but then again Ive had it about four months and have not hit the 1000 mark.

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  Energizer Bunny - 2001 Hyundai Accent
  By parmelade - July 20 - 9:46 pm

  ...keeps going and going.... I love my little Hyundai, bought it new in 2001. It has saved me tons in gas over the years and has never once broken down. At 135,000 miles and 8 years old, I am now reluctantly selling it to my son. I will miss its peppy style and easy parking. The fold-down hatchback trunk holds so much, I will have to borrow it from my son the next time I rent 2 banquet tables and 12 chairs, which fit in it just fine. I am glad my Hyundai is staying in the family.

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  This Car is Exceptional!!!! - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Carolyn Todd - July 20 - 2:31 pm

  I Bought this Car the day after my birthday in April. I absolutely love this Car!! It is the best kept secret. Most people think that Mercedes,Lexes and BMW are the best, But "No"! This Car out rides and performs these cars and other luxury cars for less than their prices for sure! I have the 6 cyl and the black on black. I love the Lexicon sound system and the comfort and quiet cabin. I am having the wings put on and drive everyone crazy! I get alot of stares now while driving. Everyone should at least test drive it! You will NOT be sorry! Check it out!!!