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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  Great Value - couple of small issues - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By jack4120 - July 9 - 3:53 pm

  I got an SE with s/r, upgraded stereo w/6cd and power seat. Car runs great with 2 minor issues. Occasional clunking sound in rear over bumpy roads, dealer said this will stop after break in. The clunking is not noticeable when the radio is on but it bugs me a little. The 2nd issue is very irritating. The steering wheel audio controls do not allow you to chg radio stations ??? what is that? It makes zero sense... but overall, very happy.

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  The opposing view - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Cheryl P. - July 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle after reviewing many and after feeling that "I would never buy one of those foreign pieces of crap!" The reviews from in-persons and through the computer have been incredible and I had to test drive for myself! I was EXTREMELY impressed with the handling, the standard features, the roominess, the looks and the warranty so much that after the test drive, I bought that "piece of crap!". Everyone that Ive taken with me to drive or ride cant rave enough about the handling and how comfortable it is.

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  Best in Price for Standard Options - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By gotmine - July 9 - 10:00 am

  Armed with an invoice and a desire to get the most for your money this is an excellent buy.

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  What a great car at an Awesome price. - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Rick S - July 8 - 11:13 pm

  I have had the car since Sept 2008. I was very apprehensive about buying a Hyundai but loved the look and styling of the car. After the test drive and reading many reviews I was convinced to take the leap. 3 months later I am still amazed and loving this car. I have owned Lexus & Cadillac but this is my favorite yet.

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  One Beautiful Car - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Canadian Car - July 6 - 8:49 pm

  I bought this vehicle in Jan after looking at Lincoln, Maxima, Chrysler 300 of which I had a 2005 and it seems a million others and this one came out on top every time. I have not had to go back to the dealer once since I have bought this car and people are always asking me about it. I have the 3.8 with the premium pkg and would not change it for any other car.

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  wow..fun to drive - 2003 Hyundai Tiburon
  By easygoing_f - July 6 - 10:00 am

  this has been the best car i have ever owned..from nissan pathfinder to blazer to chev camaro...this is a fun car...smooth good cornering..and fantastic sound system...great mileage..and fantastic room in hatchback.

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  im lovin my sonata - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By linda s. - July 6 - 10:00 am

  after having different cars this is the one for me. it not only has class and is truley affordable but it rides like a dream.. you would think your in a quite luxury car no noise at all..its affordable classy (my own little jag) and i just cant say enough good things about it.. except try it you*ll love it.. i sure do and now my two daughters bought new ones too.. !! im lovin it.

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  MY NEW SONATA - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By BJGUSSIN - July 6 - 10:00 am

  IN TWO MONTHS AND 3600 MILES I HAVE EXPERIENCED TOTAL COMFORT, AND 33 MILES TO THE GALLON, ON THE HIGHWAY. THE INTERIOR IS SIMPLE AND CONVENIENT TO REACH. THE CLOTH SEATS ARE A PLUS IN THE DESERT I LIVE IN, STANDARD.

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  Excellent - 2003 Hyundai Tiburon
  By buddy - July 5 - 11:23 am

  This is the best car I have ever had. I also have the hyundai sonata.

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  Great Car for the Value - 2006 Hyundai Tiburon
  By Ron - July 4 - 9:53 pm

  Im very happy with my purchase. Im not really a "car" guy, I see it mostly as transportation nothing else. When I saw this car I loved the look immediatly and the GT Limited leater interior is great looking. Performance wise its all I could want and need. Gas mileage isnt as good as many smaller cars but I knew that going in. Friends will always tell you its a nice car, but strangers come up to me commenting on what a great looking car it is and I can see it gets a lot of attention when Im going down the road. Great color (electric red) with a great design makes this car look at feel as good as the mor expensive sports cars. I love it.