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:

• 

  Impressed... - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By DanoNH - March 3 - 4:00 pm

  We all remember the early Hyundais of the late 80s... total junk. I am admittedly impressed with the design, ride, noise level, performance and quality so far of my new 2009 Santa Fe AWD Limited. I would definitely recommend pitting at least 2 dealerships against each others quotes to price match (or beat) as I did. Doing this, I got the limited model for slightly less than the SE retail price after rebates and the "Cash for Clunkers" deal.

• 

  Not bad..just needs a few tweeks - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By rdlnva - March 3 - 3:46 pm

  I bought new over a year ago and its been very reliable. Comfort ok but base model without lumbar adjustment i find myself moving around alot on a long trip. Gas mileage is good for this size car and so is power. Road noise is on the higher side though. Trans likes to hunt for the right gear alot. Now the Suspension really needs work here. Its was too soft and noisy. I know its a family car but I feel like driving a city bus around corners and the strut noise reminds me of a 20yo american car with bad shocks. Waiting on new design model coming out so hopefully that will kill the few issues. Overall not a bad car for the money!

• 

  Luv my new car - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By sendmenews - March 3 - 1:43 pm

  I am extremely happy with this car. My prior car was a Subaru Outback sedan. I was pleasantly surprised to see that this car is much more comfortable and drives just as well. My only complaint was the dealership experience, which was absolutely horrible.

• 

  Good so far - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Gb - March 2 - 4:13 am

  So far the car is running great. I initially had some clanking noise when putting in "drive" but this has gone away now. Car is roomy and the interior does not look cheesy. The automatic air quality system is great. the trunk is roomy too. So far I am satisfied with the car.

• 

  not enough power - 2009 Hyundai TUCSON
  By cindy - March 1 - 1:26 pm

  I love the look of it. my main complaint is lack of power. Even though it is a 4 cyl I expected a little more power. hard to make hills and inclines if you dont get a good head start. I don;t know if the streets around here are real bad because you can feel all the bumps & uneven surfaces.

• 

  Near luxury, but a few flaws - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By hsudog - February 29 - 12:50 am

  The Santa Fe is a fantastic vehicle for its price. The leather seats are high-quality, the automatic climate control and audio system both work well, and of course, its loaded with features. While it handles well, it is definitely not "car-like" due to relatively high ground clearance and 18" wheels compared to other car-based SUVs.

• 

  Transmission Issues? - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By scott townsend - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Had the vehicle since Nov 01 (02 model). Possible transmission issues from the start. Had a transmission overheat (or something) in March 02. That may have started the ball rolling to a complete replacement in July of 03 (just after rolling 50K-per the dealership Svc Manager). Have trans oil checked/changed regularly to keep an eye open for any problems. Will come back and keep you posted. Otherwise, I am satisfied with the purchase, just may wind up being gun shy for a little while on the transmission problem.

• 

  First Hyundai - 2004 Hyundai XG350
  By woodsman - February 28 - 10:00 am

  First impression--a lot of car for the money especially with big dealer discount and factory rebate. Engine more noisy than 18 year old straight six in previously owned Toyota, which was virtually silent. Reported transmission problem of "hunting" not a noticeable flaw --reluctance to shift into 5th gear under 40mph the only objection I had. Excellent "shiftronic" mode. In my opinion, styling rates high. Unlike many imports it doesnt have that "wax meltdown" look but relies on classic lines as do many luxury cars--Lincoln LS Mercedes,many BMWs,Jaguar.

• 

  Glad I Bought It!! - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Shelly - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I just love my Hyundai Sante Fe. I ended up getting the LX with all the bells and whistles and cant believe what I got for $19,000! I cant understand how the dealership is making any money off these. The ride is great, not big and bulky. I drive alot for work and I wanted a SUV, so my first need was a good warranty and with the 100,000mile bumper to bumper...how could I go wrong. I would definately buy another and recommend it to anyone. And as for any "sluggishness" that some have referred to, I dont understand what they are talking about. Its not a sports car!! I perky enough for me.

• 

  My santa fe - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By dusty - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Good reliable suv,and fun to drive.