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:

• 

  Hyundai EQUUS Signature - 2016 Hyundai Equus
  By Rev Sam - October 10 - 9:58 pm

  I purchased the Signature new in 2015, in comparison no other sedan could match the emenities for the cost or ride. In 2015 we drove to San Diego, Ca., the ride was silky smooth and very fuel cost efficiency. Unfortunately I was headed to TN, on April 7, 17 @ 5:45 am and three deers crossed the expressway and I hit the 3rd deer. I got word that the car is totaled and it literally hurt. My family and I were safe, not a scratch. I want all Equus owners or potential buyers too know the cars safety features are awesome. Im in the market to purchase another vehicle; guess what it will be ...an Equus! This time the Equus Ultimate trim. Rev. Sam

• 

  2002 Hyundai Santa Fe LX 4WD V6 - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By E Dawes - October 10 - 3:10 am

  This has been a very satisfactory car for me. The features are excellent for the price. It is a bit underpowered for the weight of the vehicle, but Hyundai has corrected that in newer models. The only failure in 5 years has been the interior clock for which a replacement doesnt seem to be available. I am considering purchasing another Santa Fe when I replace my present car.

• 

  nice car - 2003 Hyundai Tiburon
  By duane john abbott - October 10 - 2:00 am

  i enjoy the vehicle and receive many comments on the looks.i purchased the four cylinder and it lacks some power,mainly when the air conditioning is in use.i am unhappy of the two recalls.the motor in the sunroof and the horse power was wrong with my vehicle.overall,i have fun with the car and for the price,you get quite a bit....happy driving....duane abbott

• 

  great - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By joe retzer - October 10 - 2:00 am

  buy one, great ride comfort handle great nice interior. strong motor with alot of great features.

• 

  Fantastic Car!! Best in its class!! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mike S. - October 8 - 11:50 pm

  This is the best car I have ever purchased. For around $21,500 plus taxes and fees, you cannot beat it. Steel Gray exterior is gorgeous! With the sport package alloys the car turns heads. I get compliments all the time. The gas mileage is good for a V6, and the interior is of high quality (Tip: the cloth interior is nicer than the leather). Hyundai is definitely making a run at Honda and Toyota with this car.

• 

  Great Car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By imlostnow98 - October 8 - 7:10 pm

  Owned the car for about a year and have 24k miles on it. This is the best car I have ever owned. It is well built with logical layout of all controls. A lot of standard features that are options on other makes. The ride is compliant and the chassis is well sorted but steering is numb. It is quite fun in turns for a family sedan. The transmission is smooth but the manual mode is useless since it automatically upshifts in manual mode. I average 26 mpg in mixed driving and 36-38 mpg on the highway. No problems in the first year and with how things have gone for the first 24k miles I dont expect issues anytime soon. Overall best value and car in its class.

• 

  Hyundai - 2008 Hyundai Veracruz
  By Bob Boeschel - October 8 - 10:10 am

  At first I was impressed with the car, but the doorhandles fell apart twice. I had a constant squeak in the right rear when going over bumps.Also the air noise in the car was enough where I had to turn up the radio. The dealer helped as much as he could. But I still have the squeak and air noise.I would also improve the ride. Very hard.

• 

  Great value - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Howie - October 7 - 10:20 pm

  1 month into a 24 lease on a bare bones Sonata GLS. Only extras mine came with are carpeted floormats. Thats fine b/c my lease payment is peanuts. This car is surprisingly powerful for a 4cyl. Its decent off the line but on the highway its really superb. Its cruises at 80 effortlessly with more power to spare. Ive only got 1300 miles on it but my mileage has been around 24mpg overall but I floor it most of the time. Comfort is decent. Car drives very well, has good road manners and feels well composed. Car certainly isnt flashy but I like its clean looks and I really enjoy driving it regardless. For the money, I think the Sonata is unbeatable.

• 

  Surprised - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By John - October 7 - 10:13 am

  My wife is having our first baby, and wanted a crossover. Rated very safe, and my brother in law was hit on the side of his sante fe, and rolled the car three times, and walked away from the crash. I drive a lexus, and did not think highly of Hyundai. We bought the limited edition, all wheel drive. This car is a tank, and great in the snow. We both love the car, and on weekends it is my first choice of ride. Hyundai has come along way, and I would certainly recommend this car. Plus we bought it new for 25k, and list price was 32k. They have great deals, and the car is very nice. Heated seats, many amenities. Great Job Hyundai!

• 

  Concerns about warranty - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By ML - October 6 - 8:56 pm

  We have put 24K on this car. Bought for wife, she hates it, and chooses to drive our 04 accord 100K+miles. The interior scratches easily and there are alot of rattles. The suspension is noisy and a little soft. Other than that it is powerful, comfortable, attractive, and at a great price. The interior is really the place of my frustration in terms of rattles (fixed one, but there are many), feedback noise issue (told me its normal) and seat pocket tears (havent heard back from dealer yet, its been weeks) I am concerned that, regardless of the problem, the dealer will passively resist my concerns. And so, with less than 2 years and 24K I am considering trading.