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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  SUV -No other SUV is even close! - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By FloridaBeachBum - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I went searching for an SUV for my husband (for business clients and business travel). He wanted a reliable & comfortable 4WD SUV that was stylish and roomy...he also did not want to pay 30,000K for it. Well, my 2.5 year daughter and I must have test driven every 2003 4WD SUV that was available. Like the: Tribute, Rav4, XTERRA, Rendezvous, Blazer, Tracker, VUE, Escape, CR-V, 02 Passport, Rodeo, Liberty, Sorento, Montero Sport, Outlander, X-L7, Grand Vitara, Highlander.... Out of all of the Above 1. 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe 4WD V6 SUV Led the way in style, and price!

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  Pleasant Surprise from Hyundai - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Tamma - June 20 - 4:16 pm

  Researched for over 2 months for a good SUV and zeroed onto Acura MDX and Hyundai Santa Fe. Of course, both cars are not in the same league to compare, but when value for money and budget push to make a choice, Santa Fe is a nice pick. Drove about 2K miles in last 40 days and its been a great ride so far. Its very smooth, nice pick-up and a great handling. Rides like a car. Mileage improved to 21 MPG HWY from 17 MPG HWY over the period. I prefer fill up with Premium fuel as I get better pick-up and less engine noise than the regular fuel.I think $100/year extra on fuel for better engine life, pick up and good feel is worth paying for(purely personal opinion) Two Thumbs up, Hyundai :)

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  Dam good driver - 2005 Hyundai XG350
  By farace - June 20 - 11:40 am

  I own a automotive repair shop in Huntington beach California. I never thought I would ever own a Hyundai! I have to say this 350 is one of the best cars I ever had and I have had a lot autos. Dont take my word for it,,, Go down take one for a drive!!!!!!!

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  Great looking, fun car to drive - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By Bryan Gotch - June 18 - 2:58 pm

  I bought a GL model (Canada) based on all the positive expert and owner reviews I read about it, including its above-average warranty and great price. Ive had it for just under a month and so far I havent been disappointed. Im especially impressed with the interior room. Im 6-feet, 250 pounds and the head and leg room in both the front and rear seats is excellent. I find the seats very comfortable. The dashboard layout is well thought out and convenient (stereo, storage compartments). Ive read negative reviews about engine power, but its plenty for me. Overall, its a great looking, comfortable, fun car to drive.

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  Best Auto I have ever had - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By sardonea - June 18 - 11:13 am

  The Azera is a very impressive car. I purchased the higher cost Limited Edition which has all the bells and whisles available for this model. I found that the tires were over inflated on delivery and once I reduce the preasure to the recommended 30psi the ride inprovement was significant. The only other problem I have had is that the sunrooof has a slight air leak at times. Dealer has adjusted it.

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  Safety of driver and passangers - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Diane - June 18 - 2:30 am

  All doors unlock when placed in park! Thieves and gangs will love this feature that puts all occupants at risk as soon as they park. Evidently the makers of this lovely car felt it was too much trouble to hit the button to unlock the doors when ready to get out of the car. The only thought of your safety when moving the car not when you stop it. This car was purchased for my elderly mother whom I now amy worried about going anywhere alone because of this new feature that puts her at risk. My 06 does not have this safety risk and when dealer tried to disconect it they could only stop it from locking not stop it from unlocking. Never again will I recomend this car to anyone who values life.

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  A expcellent very dependable car - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ronald - June 17 - 4:43 pm

  I have driven this car for 2+ years and have had not one problem. I have average 30 miles per gal. over the 63000miles i have driven. I did perform he scheduled maintenance. i have taken long trips and commute to work 45 miles one way per day. I am trading it in for a new model and my monthly note is going done by $35. both notes for 36months. What a value?

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  The Best,, better choice than Lexus&BMW - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Azeran - June 17 - 12:16 am

  Azera would be your bet choice without a doubt! I have never driven any cars better than Azera. At $30K, you will have a car equivelent to $50K worth cars like Jaguar, BMW, Lexus. Just Go ahead and have a test drive, you will see what we, Azeran (people who drive Azera :-), talk about

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  Great Car - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By dreamideation - June 16 - 8:53 pm

  Ive put 24K miles on my limited turbo Sonata and I like it even more than when I bought it. Its fast, comfortable, gets great gas milage and...most importantly...so much fun to drive. I would definitely buy this car again.

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  Buy this super nice car! - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By E C Zanini - June 16 - 7:20 pm

  I have owned this car for over five months I I could not be happier! It has the feel of a much more expensive luxury car and it comes with features that belong in a luxury car. The best value for the money out there!