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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  Best Value - 2008 Hyundai Azera
  By Doug - May 17 - 9:05 pm

  Purchased used (rental) with 13,500 miles at more than $8,000 less than a new 09. I looked at all options in the mid-size/full size (new & used) and settled on the Azera when several became available from the rental fleets. Traded a 2005 Maxima. I use for business (sales) and needed something that was safe and comfortable. The Azera wins hands down! I have averaged around 25 mpg (75 highway/ 25 city) and find the freeway drive exceptional. Trunk & rear seat offer plenty of room. Ride in the city is a little sloppy compared to the Maxima.

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  My 6 months of research paid off! - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By dani24 - May 17 - 8:54 pm

  Best car Ive ever owned, by far. I dont put many miles on it, so I expect to have this car for a long time. Gas mileage = 20-23 MPG -- wish it were better. Drives very nicely and quiet. The only problems have been the side mirror motors sticking (they "release" after I work the switch for a minute), and the power antenna not always going down all the way (one or two soft starts of the car usually fixes this). And, paint chips a bit too easily (from door dings). Otherwise, fit & finish are great. The upgraded cloth seats are plush and comfy. Leather dash/steering has held up beautifully. And the car looks like a hybrid Mercedes C Class and a Jaguar. Ive received many compliments!

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  Perfect! - 2017 Hyundai Elantra
  By dean cromwell - May 17 - 8:43 pm

  Purchased 7-16, 18000 miles to date. This sedan is considered rather base transportation, but it certainly is more than the price perception. Build quality is excellent, fit, finish is all could ask for, its not a Lexus... Performance is good, engine revs willingly, auto auto trans is terrific, and gets the most of the modest HP, Gas mileage is amazing! In town mileage is 34-35, mixed 38-40, trips/only fwy 44-47. Have taken 3 long vacation trips, lots of hilly passes, 47 MPG was the norm, fully loaded. Trans again offers three modes, all increasing response, eco, normal, sport. I use eco 95% of the time, plenty of power... I really like the body style, not too space ship, the style will endure for me.

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  Surprisingly big little car - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Gary - May 17 - 5:20 pm

  First noticed this gem as the top car in its class as reviewed by Consumer Reports for 2008. I tested the usual crew, Corolla, Civic, Mazda3. All were real nice. When I tested the SE, I was impressed. I made a good deal and got the rebate on top of it. Had to wait two weeks for an SE in Carbon Grey with the heated seats + sunroof but it worth it. I actually got a compliment on its color. First time in 30 years anyone even noticed the color of my car. Almost too zippy at freeway speeds. Its got the power when you need it. Yes, the engine is a little noisy when pushed. I like to think it sounds sporty.

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  Big Car for Small Price - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By PittsburghGirl - May 17 - 9:50 am

  My husband & I were having doubts about trading in our RAV4 because we didnt want to give up the cargo space. The ET is a great alternative. We havent had any problems so far. The day after we bought it, the great storm of Feb 2010 arrived. The car did great, even on the hills that make up Pittsburgh. I love the large windshield, and there arent any blindspots. So far, we love this car.

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  Best Value in Class - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By cubordinate - May 17 - 9:33 am

  Bought this car three months ago as my first car. Was thinking about getting a Toyota Corolla but the price was $100 more per month for less! The build quality and feel of the car is great. Heated seats get very warm and phase from hot to warm which can really loosen your back muscles during your commute home! Full tank will get you about 600-650 kms for $35 bucks Cnd ($30US). Recommended accessories: Ipod connection, Window Rain blockers, Petal and gear shift kit, Rubber mats. If you ask at the dealer they will throw these accessories in with the car for free.

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  Constantly making it better - 2005 Hyundai Tiburon
  By Dave - May 15 - 9:23 pm

  I was wowed when I drove this little pocket rocket. Superb performance, acceleration and braking. I bought it after one test drive. I was somewhat dismayed when it was recalled by Hyundai after owning it for only one week to replace tie rods that apparently were not standing up to their (Hyundais) expectations. They further upgraded the steering gear to compliment the upgrade. Despite my temporary disappointment, I was impressed and delighted how fast and incredibly efficient Hyundai is at correcting a problem in their product. This is one great little car that is tight, fast and comfortable. Dont compare the 2005 Tiberons to the first ones, this is a whole different animal!

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  2004 Base Santa Fe - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By SanDiegoRN - May 15 - 7:06 pm

  I bought the base, manual, without a lot of bells and whistles because I wanted a manual, not an automatic. My gas mileage is probably better because of this varying from 24-28 mpg depending on how much city driving I do. On trips hwy mileage can even approach 30 mpg. I had a problem with the check engine light for the first couple of years d/t accelerator sensor position problems, but o/w very reliable. Just had to have the crankshaft sensor (and accelerator sensor) replaced as it caused the vehicle to quit completely, but overall I am very, very happy with it. Scratches do tend to occur in parking lots. Very comfortable and I want to keep this till it stops running completely.

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  Great Value - 2005 Hyundai TUCSON
  By Jill - May 15 - 3:33 pm

  I enjoy driving my Tuscon. Its really great in the snow. Last winter I drove from Vermont to Connecticut in a huge snowstorm and my Tuscon handled so well. I do wish the fuel economy was better. I do alot of around town driving and I mostly get right around 19 or 20mpg. On trips about 25mpg. There could be better leg room for the driver. Im not overly tall..510.5" and I just wish I could push the seat back one more click when its fully extended. Passengers who ride in the rear tell me its comfortable. Three small people can fit in the back seat but 2 average sized adults are comfortable. The sound system is good. Need more storage space in the front and a better positioned cup holders

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  Eye Opening Car - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By SmilinSquid - May 13 - 11:16 pm

  I recently bought a 2007 Audi A4 for 30K dollars. Nice car and I love it. Went to the Hyundai dealer recently and bought a 2008 Limited Sonata for my recently widowed mother. WOW! The Sonata is a VERY nice vehicle! The fit and finish is impeccable, and the V6 has plenty of pep. The exterior lines and dual exhausts are quite attractive. The 5 year warranty and standard safety features, along with Hyundais vastly improved record for quality (JD Power reports) nearly sold the vehicle by themselves. Having driven it, I cant help but think I overpaid for my Audi! The leather seats, quality components and user- friendly controls are nearly on par with my A4. Hyundai hit this one out of the park!