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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  2015 Hyundai Elantra SE - 2015 Hyundai Elantra
  By jmarie3 - August 19 - 10:48 am

  I love this car! I was going to get the 2014,but these just came out so I decided to go with the 2015 Elantra SE. I just came out of the 2009 Hyundai Elantra GLS, which I loved as well. So sticking with an Elantra was no question for me. There is no difference really with the 2014 and 2015. But, the car I bought had a package with bluetooth, touch screen, rear view camera, and 16 in alloy wheels, which is all fantastic to have. The car was around 20k. If you are looking to get a newer Elantra, the 2014 is cheaper and pretty much the same except the extra package options of course. The car has very good get-up-and-go, awesome updated features, large back seat room and roomy trunk.

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  wonderful van - 2007 Hyundai Entourage
  By kgwirz - August 14 - 12:45 pm

  Ive had my van for 5 yes I still love like it was the first day I got it I didnt really want a van but the family needed one and Im so glad we did. I can fit 7 comfortably and it drives so nice. It doesnt feel like Im stuck driving a van.the kids live the DVD and I love the sliding doors!

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  The Germans Should Watch Out - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
  By msticks - August 14 - 11:47 am

  I took delivery of a 2015 Genesis AWD with the Signature, tech and Ultimate Packages just over 6 weeks ago. This was my second Hyundai as I traded a 2013 Azera in on the Genesis. The car is a wonder. It has so many features it took me a few days to figure them all out. But on a purely subjective assessment the exterior exudes "luxury". The fit and finish are up to luxury car standards. The interior is also outstanding with butter soft leather, burled walnut and nary a hard plastic surface to mar the ambiance. It is a great value and you are getting a superior car. How much is a BMW propeller or Mercedes Tri-Star worth? Not the $15,000 - $20,000 they charge for a comperable vehicle.

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  Value - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
  By jparry6 - August 12 - 2:17 pm

  I have the 6 cylinder with premium and tech package. First with the high tech equipment this car compares favorably with a BMW or Lexus costing $20k more. This is the quietest car I have ever driven. I have had Lexus and BMW 5 series. The ride is more Lexus like. Handling isnt as sporty as a BMW but compares favorably Lexus and Mercedes. Has very little roll while cornering. At highway speeds it feels glued to the road. Have had for two months, no problems at all. Very comfortable interior and well laid out controls. Entertainment system is superior.

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  Love this car! - 2014 Hyundai Elantra
  By chrisw5000 - August 5 - 11:10 am

  I bought my 2014 Elantra Sport one month ago. I have 1000 miles on it and have enjoyed every mile! I love the larger 2.0 engine and more power over the the 1.8 liter. Its like driving a sportscar with the functionality of a sedan. I have a 4 year old so you can see how functionality is important. Im getting better gas milage than what was shown on the window sticker (with the Active ECO turned on). You do sacrifice power for the economy however. I almost bought a Sonata turbo but decided the Elantra Sport was a much better value for my budget and I still get the sporty feeling I was yearning for. The more I drive it, the more I like it. Get yours today, youll like it too!

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  Excellent Car - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By blaakhawk - July 29 - 11:17 pm

  I just bought a 2003 Hyundai Sonata with only 41,000 miles on 1 owner carfax showed no accidents and schedule repairs on this car. It rides like brand new.

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  This car is tough!! - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By maytons - July 26 - 8:16 pm

  At 171k I decided to change my timing belt and filter FOR THE FIRST TIME! Both were in remarkably good shape! Did my first tune up at the same time. Even driving in the mountains and with the electrodes on the spark plugs completely burned off I was still averaging 22.7 MPG. Had a radiator flush at 100k and it still looks and smells fine, as does the oil and tranny fluid. I bought this car new and would definitely buy another!

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  Great styling and warranty, loaded with features, good handling, fuel economy and reliability - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By trmichaels - July 20 - 12:57 pm

  The car is elegant and stylish, inside and out. The tan interior is classy. The Civic was my second choice, but a little too boring (the Corolla even more so). The Elantra has the combination of handling, styling, and fuel economy that were my three main requirements. Its fun to drive. It is nice to look at. The features are many, especially on this trim with the NAV package. The navigation system/stereo/touchscreen is simple to use (you hardly need the manual) and is loaded with convenient features. The integration of XM radio, Internet music sources, external media and phone functions is seamless and convenient. The warranty rocks. The dealership treated me right. Excellent documentation.

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  So far, so good... - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
  By frustrated86 - July 19 - 9:47 am

  Moved up from a 2009 Sonata (which was a fairly reliable car and a good value) to a 3.8 Genesis RWD with Ultimate Package. I have had the car for about 3 weeks and driven 2,000 miles, both hwy. and city. I must say that I am very impressed. The car is very quiet, responsive to all driving situations and has a ton of features all which improve the driving experience. The interior layout is clean, logical, and elegant. Seating is very comfortable and ergonomically designed to fit almost anyone, including rear seating. The exterior design, albeit not my favorite compared to Cadillac or Audi has been a head turner and a source of several compliments at gas stations and supermarket lots.

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  Very Good Car - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By 05_hyundia - July 1 - 8:28 pm

  Bought New. At 75000 changed timing belt n plugs. CV Shaft, was under the 100k warranty. O2 sensor twice but under warranty as well. I got 114k out of the front braKe pads. turned the rotors and new ceramic pads and were good as new. The electronic tuned suspension really holds down the g forces in curves. I a bigger guy so the front seat is a little crowded but my shorty wife has plenty of room and loves all of the extras. Ive had it to 120mph. The car settled down quite nicely and maintain that speed with ease. It doesnt look sporty but it can hold its own if you need it to.