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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  I love my car !!! except no CD - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Yunky - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Its brand new so what could be wrong with it !!! yet... I picked from quite a few cars out there and really liked the whole car. A big bonus is the 10 year warranty. Problems with the dealership ..you betlots of concerns with them. Thats the one thing I would do different would be to pick another dealer.

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  my hyundai - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Jillyoldbean - July 30 - 10:00 am

  purchased this car to drive back and forth to NJ wanted something cheap, economical and reliable and this was and has been all three. I love my Hyundai!!

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  My two cents - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By mmc - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I believe that its a great car for the money. Its roomy and somewhat comfortable. The stereo system is not bad, either.

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  After a Durango this car is a dream - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By rugratz923 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I cant say more good things about it. Most important the minor problems I did have have been resolved by the support of the Service Department. I did not get this from several Dodge Dealerships with my Lemon Durango. Their concern has been outstanding. So far I can say Im truly happy with my Hyundai and have sent others to them and they are happy with their purchase too.

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  Lexus, Camry, Accord in trouble! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By TBK - July 30 - 8:13 am

  I had the car for 2 month with over 3000 miles. The Car Rocks. Found New joy driving with manumatics. Traded 07 Lexus GS 350 due to on going brake problems and Lexus refuse to buy it back. This is far better car and its $24K cheaper. It was an even trade. Lexus is basically an over dressed Toyota and charge $24K premium for the name. Good car but not $24K better. Lexus, Toyota better get their act together or they will go bankrupt. I lost all the faith in Lexus and Toyota. Sonata Rocks. Car is stable, solid and handles better than GS. Little noisy but I have $24K reasons to compromise and I still save on gas. I am Hyundai loyal owner for life. Soon, Equus, Genesis coupe conv is next buy.

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  Awesome - 2008 Hyundai Tiburon
  By Shark - July 30 - 4:30 am

  When test driving teenagers on the street said "nice car" and men stopped to watch us drive by. The real test was when we drove it home and our kids asked to drive it and said it was "tight". The body style looks similar to the Celica and is a definite head turner. Plus, the price was right.

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  "Hey! What kind of car is that?" - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By R-HES - July 29 - 10:51 am

  The Genesis Turbo Coupe is impressive. Its A Rear-wheel Drive turbo sports car, just the platform I wanted. The body of the vehicle appears as if it was shaped by the wind itself. It has an aggressive stance, and it seems to stand out from other cars on the road. It isnt uncommon for someone to ask me what kind of car it is. People have stopped lights and rolled their windows down and ask. --aside from how it looks- My genesis Turbo coupe is a 6-Speed Manual. The car runs very strong through the gears. The engine power is strong and sounds great -its satisfying behind the wheel, and luckily the Genesis Turbo Coupe can be easily modified for those who wish for a tad more boost. Shifting the Genesis is smooth and easy, however I must say, the rpms do seem to hang just barely between shifts as compared to previous 6-Speed manuals Ive driven in the past. However, this isnt a big deal - but I think its an honorable mention. The traction control button on this car is extremely important. To the left of the steering wheel there is a button "TCS" - Traction Control System. If traction control is turned off, the car will let you go in for a driving move, that of which you are in over your head. With TCS ON, the wheels use electronic control to prevent from breaking loose. This is a common button in sports cars, but for someone curious about things that are important with this car, this is. I have rules: If Im on the highway, TCS must be ON. If it is raining, TCS ON. Winter time...TCS ON! The winter in this vehicle makes for a questionable journey. A touch snowy winter, with snow covered roads, is not fun. Ive made it though the last 2 mild winters here. Lots of tire spinning. OVERALL: The Genesis Turbo Coupe looks incredible, sounds and performs terrific. When treated with care and well maintained, this car is a gemstone.

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  Mostly Great - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Bosley1 - July 29 - 9:40 am

  The acceleration is smooth and if done properly, feels as if you are gliding in an airplane. No complaints with the noise level. It handles very well in ice and snow with proper driving skills. The downsides are that the gas mileage is not as good as I had hoped, the front seats seam to have a lot of give as you are entering and exiting the car (and I am not a heavy person). I have two chips in the windshield within a year vs. no chips in the windshield of my old Dodge Caravan after taking many heavy hits, and driving the same routes as I do in the Hyundai.

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  My First New Car - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By Robb - July 29 - 8:46 am

  So far I am happy with my 2006 Elantra. Its my first brand new car, so that might have a lot to do with it. However, It has pep, its comfortable inside and I enjoy driving it... My husband who drives a mini van said it drives nice too. I wish it had cup holders in the back, other than that I have no complaints..

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  Hooked on Hyundai - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Bryan - July 28 - 9:13 pm

  After dumping my mint condition 98 Lincoln Continental, I was worried about adjusting to a smaller engine. No worries now! No adjustment issues, Sonata is more quiet with a smoother ride. Paid a little extra and got the 10 yr bumper to bumper warranty. Upgraded raido to Eclipse GPS through dealership and love it, would never own a car w/ out one. Im getting 24 - 26 mpg on the hwy, but am doing 80 mph. Ill have a good laugh at the Honda Accord buyers when they take their cars in for service when their 3 yr warranty runs out! Parents dumped Cadillac for the Azera, sister dumped Civic for a Sonata, too. Stop hesitating and get one.