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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  When the new one comes out I am buying!! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Drew from ND - January 28 - 7:06 am

  I have had my Sonata for a little over a year now. I have traveled all over the U.S. with it as it is now showing 56,000 miles. I absolutely love this car. Its powerful, the warranty is great, and I feel like I have nothing to worry about when I drive down the rode. I have owned both Accords and Camrys. This car is just as much of a car at those others which will run you about $5,000 more for the same options. I will definitely buy another Hyundai. I am hooked and stand behind it.

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  What kids... - 2003 Hyundai Tiburon
  By Jeff_M - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I am proud to own the vehicle and would not have changed my choice. I think Hyundai has done a wonderful job showing that they can make good cars. It is up to the consumer to get over their "Its a Hyundai" fear. I actually find the interior well thought out. Everything is within easy reach. Yes it is a bit bland, but thatll leave the aftermarket open for flashy stuff if you want it. Although I find the suspension a bit harsh, its not the cars fault, I like it the way it is. Its the blasted roads that need to be fixed...grin.

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  Trust Me - 2004 Hyundai Tiburon
  By strtrcr - January 27 - 3:13 am

  I bought the car with it having 32,000, It was all good for awhile then a pully went out, then the thermostat broke, then I had to replace the clutch and flywheel at 50,000. The mechanic at the dealer said he was not surprised to know that. Now, the BCM chip is out and is causing my car to have major electrical problems. This car stinks with all the mechanical work that it needs. Just one thing after another. The car is nice for looks but when it comes to reliability, its out the window.

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  Great Car - 2004 Hyundai Tiburon
  By rishthe1 - January 26 - 7:06 am

  This car exceded all of my expectations.

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  Hyundais come a long way - 2008 Hyundai Veracruz
  By Pinevalleyite - January 25 - 8:43 pm

  My first new car (in 1986) was a Hyundai Excel. Perfect price for the newly graduated and employed. People made fun of "Hyundai" back then. Seems the rep has changed and Im loving my new Hyundai Veracruz. Ride is so smooth and it feels like a luxury vehicle. Lots of nice interior touches and great handling and maneuvering. While competing dealers will tell you the Veracruz is not "in the same class" as their crossover, its priced right and Im listening to the reports from the experts that Hyundai is making a quality vehicle. Time will tell, but love it so far.

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  Poor gas milage - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By jenkins170 - January 25 - 9:18 am

  I purchased a 2013 sonata new last year and have been fighting with hyundia and the dealership ever sice over gas milage. Advertised is 24 to 35 with 28 combined. Best I ever got was 23 on a flat stretch of highway through ohio. Down to 10 in the hills. But according to hyundia and the dealership that is operating within specs. Would not suggest to by this at any cost

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  What a car!! - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By Chess - January 25 - 9:03 am

  Ive had my Genesis Coupe GT for only a week now but all I can say is "Wow, what a car!" After test driving a Camaro and then laughing at the salesman when he told me of the $3,ooo minimum mark up above sticker, I tried my luck on a Pontiac G8. Nothing doing there either. So I went across the highway to the Hyundai dealership to test drive the Genesis Coupe, and boy am I glad I did! The Gen Coupe handles amazingly on all types of roads. Ive already driven it on the interstate, local roads and hilly, winding roads as well. Power is abundant, and the transmission shifts smoothly. The suspension and cornering are sports car tight and it hugs the road like it is bonded to the pavement.

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  who would have thought??? - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Paul - January 24 - 3:26 am

  I am an avid car enthusiat who has subscriptions to all the major mags. I do a lot of homework before purchasing a vechile. My wife and I needed to downsize from our Durango so I started looking at the usual suspects (Escape, Liberty,etc). I came across the Sante Fe by mistake. I took all 3 for test drives and the Sante Fe just blew them away! I couldnt belive this was the same Hyundai that was the joke of the auto industry 10 yrs ago. You simply cant beat the value they offer. I have the 3.5L motor and its awesome. I also have a modified Ford Lightning and an 05 Stang GT so I know about performace. It may not be the best looking SUV on the road, but it cant be beat for the money.

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  Multiple Problems - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Lauren81M - January 23 - 9:20 pm

  The second day I had it I took it on a long trip to Florida and the AC froze up after 2 hours. I got no support from the dealer of course. Ive replaced compressor, checked for leaks, replaced sensors...nothing works, cant take it on trips longer than 2 hours when I need AC. Also have had to replace O2 sensor 3 times. Was in shop for almost 3 months straight when I first bought it. Warranty is not transferable if bought used. Would never buy one ever again.

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  More than enough - 2009 Hyundai TUCSON
  By Aaron - January 23 - 6:40 pm

  I was expecting an under powered SUV and I was pleasantly surprised when it had more than enough. This vehicle just continues to impress us. My wife and I have to take turns driving it. Our other mode of transportation is a V-8. Were already getting 10 more MPG. With the warranty its truly worry free driving. Id recommend it to anyone.