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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  A Lot of Car For The Money - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mike Budget - July 6 - 2:26 pm

  After a pleasant ownership experience with our 2007 Tucson, we traded for this Sonata after researching all the sedans in this general price range. This car offers plenty for the budget buyer, and rivals the usual suspects in MPG, options and quality. I saw the design of the 2011 model and it definitely turned me off. Way too angular and edgy, IMHO. This Sonata, to me, at a glance reminds me of one of my favorite cars, the Toyota Avalon. There is plenty of room inside, a HUGE trunk, and a peppy (if not tire-squealing)4cyl that seems to just sip gas. I wish the headlights did not have such a marked line between the light and dark, and the speedometer needs to be redesigned.Overall, great car.

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  Great Limited car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Alan Bankhead - July 6 - 11:43 am

  We looked at several autos and for the money and options and styling. GREAT The car was a dealer trade had a stiff ride. My dealer checked the air pressure. Was 38 psi should be 33psi. Now the ride is normal. Always check everything before signing.

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  Bang for buck - 2003 Hyundai Tiburon
  By Taddar - July 6 - 2:56 am

  Overall its a great car, it has its short commings. Decent performance, supportive seats, takes regular gas, looks awesome. Handling is only so-so, big blind spots due to small rear windows, cargo area smallish. But cant beat the price and warranty you get this for. Fun to drive, but eventually it wears off. The handling just isnt there, it needs to lose a few 100 lbs. Better than a Scion tC.

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  Had to have two ! - 2005 Hyundai TUCSON
  By Steve - July 5 - 9:23 am

  We had been reading about these SUVs for months and couldnt wait until they hit the showroom floor. After we drove one we were hooked ! Love the size and V6 and its a kick to drive. We ending up buying two ! Fit, form and function on both of our SUVs are excellent and they are just really fun to drive.

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  2001 tiburon - 2001 Hyundai Tiburon
  By maria99f4 - July 5 - 5:51 am

  I bought my tiburon about 3 years ago it has yet to let me sit. however the only proublems i have had with the car is the breaks. i had to put a new master cylender new calipers all new break lines and hoses and a new break booster. other than that the car has been good to me it runs great and has 123000k miles on it. however i dont think i would see my sefl buying another one

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  Everything I was looking for and more!! - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By Jane D. - July 5 - 1:43 am

  I wanted a car that I could haul my stuff with ease and room to spare. I test drove everything in this class, and some larger, and found nothing that compared to the Touring, especially in its generous features. My touring has solid handling, turns on a dime and delivers everything it promised. I love the sporty exterior look and the roomy interior. I am amazed that Hyundai could offer so many features for the price...sunroof, blue tooth, xm capability (3 months free), 17" nitro-fill tires and much more, . The others I tested couldnt come close. This sweet car is a keeper!

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  A True Road Warrior - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ron - July 4 - 2:20 pm

  We have been following the improving Hyundai quality and value stats for several years. When we needed a daily driver, we decided on the Sonata GLS PZEV. It is not a sprinter but in the passing range of 60 - 85 it is quite surprising! My wife puts 120K+ miles per day on the car in high speed traffic. The safety features were paramount as well as the handling and mileage. With well over 30K miles, no problems and averaging over 28 mpg at speed, we are extremely pleased. The Dealership is better than my MB group. The styling is vanilla, but that is great given the number of speed traps on her route. Bluetooth and XM rounded out the package for her. She comes home with a smile on her face

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  scottsdale review - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By pokerman - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Car runs great. Sometimes engine seems to be working too hard

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  A Fun Car to Drive - 2002 Hyundai XG350
  By Wiley Daniel - July 4 - 2:00 am

  After an auto accident totaled my Acura, I looked at the Acura, Lexus, Nissan and Mazda. When my lease broker asked me to test drive a XG350L, I was pleasantly surprised at the ride, multiple luxury standard features, the warranty, the price and its appearance. The front end resembles a Jacquar, Infiniti or Lincoln. I was so impressed that I decided to buy the vehicle. I continue to enjoy its handling, quick response and smooth ride. For the price, this is an outstanding vehicle. When my CD changer went bad, it was quickly replaced by the dealer under the warranty. The service persons were professional and cordial.

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  Not worth it - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By connedout - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Check engine light was on and had to take it to dealer 4 times for fixing. The canister was leaking (imagine, on a 1 year old car!). 1 month back the cassette player got screwed. Resale value really sucks. Major service required every 6 months. Spent almost $600 on service the 1st year!! If you consider all this and the fuel economy, buying a Honda/Toyota really works out cheaper. Do your math, find out the true cost. Buy this ONLY if upfront cost is really important to you. Even then, I would recommend buying a used Honda/Toyota instead of a new Hyundai.