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:

• 

  Best Value - Price, Perf, Std Features - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By mckim - January 30 - 5:36 am

  I test drove both the Accord and Camry before deciding to purchase the Sonata. The Sonata drove smooth (>Accord, >=Camry) and had the quietest cabin while driving. Add the std safety features and the Sonata was a no brainer. Some people wrote they didnt care for the 2009s updated body lines, but I have a friend with a 2007 and I like the 2009 much better. The taller front grill (now chrome), larger, brighter headlights and overall more angular body lines give the 2009 a more aggressive look. I really like the new interior. The center console looks modern and sports blue lights and a new large display radio. Everything feels solid, esp the doors. Very quiet engine and while driving.

• 

  You Can Expect Top Shelf -Hyundai - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By JayAdler - January 29 - 3:10 pm

  June 12, 2008Admittedly, when I went to another county to visit Atlantic Hyundai with gas priced the way it is, I was looking for an economy car to help me beat whatever is ailing us today. A lower payment and better terms were my objective, however crass and vehicle ignorance this may appear to suggest. What I found was a most welcomed and  impressive sales organization and in the case of the vehicle I brought home; the 2008 Hyundai Elantra GLS with the power package intact, the most outstanding vehicle I have personally owned and I was born when Harry Truman was a feisty "show me" President. The Elantra feels the road, has astounding pickup and get go and more. I also saved.-Jay Adler

• 

  Glad we bought a Hyundai - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Todd - January 29 - 1:00 pm

  We drove ALL the mid size suvs. We liked the Honda cr-v. We even took it for a half a day and drove around. We went back to close the deal and the dealer couldnt have been more rude. We liked the car, but not going to buy from people who try and push you into it. So we went to Hyundai. Couldnt have been a better experince! We just love the santa Fe. Runs great, and looks great. Love it!!!

• 

  It Sold Itself - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By Buff - January 29 - 9:26 am

  While my wife and I was looking for a decent economy car for our daughter, we bought one of the best driving experiences Ive ever had. The steering is tight and precise, and the turbo is more than quick enough for a normal commuter dodging cell-phone-users on the interstate. People in every parking lot Ive been in stare at it. The fact its a Hyundai blows them away. The only downside for me is that it is my daughters...

• 

  Alot of car for the money - 2005 Hyundai XG350
  By Savina - January 29 - 9:00 am

  Great Car for driving. Alot ofluxury for the money. Built solid and i get alot of complements from people when thet see the car. they cant believe it is a hyundai. when you drive the car you do not feel the road and handles beautifully. i think hydundai will be a car that honda and toyota will have to complete against. i owed a toyota since 1992, and when i purchase my second toyota in 1998, i noticed it was not the same at their past quality of car.

• 

  Economical fun - 2011 Hyundai TUCSON
  By cocnutz - January 29 - 5:23 am

  Rides well. Not great fuel economy. Paid $50.00 less than msrp with a trade- in vehicle, also a Hyundai.

• 

  Two surprises - 2010 Hyundai TUCSON
  By Ed - January 27 - 11:56 am

  Imagine my surprise when I found that there is no warning device for the front seat passenger to tell them their seat belt is not fastened. Vehicle has the wimpiest horn Ive ever heard.

• 

  Couldnt ask for better - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By gambler2 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I have over 33,000 miles on my GT. I have only replaced one headlamp in addition to the regular maintainence. I usually get between 28 and 33 mpg. Most of my driving is at 45-70 mph. Im very satisfied!

• 

  Fell In Love With Looks - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By shirley - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Looks like a car/drives like a car and is so fun to drive that I make up excuses to drive it. Ive had lots of complements on its looks, and the two toned paint color. Everyone is impressed at the looks of the interior. For the price you get a really great looking car.

• 

  The Perfect Car! - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By babygirl10 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car that I have ever had. It fits my needs perfectly. It is a perfect size, and rides beautifully! It was also priced unbelieveably great. The gauges are easy to read and everything inside is easy to find. There were even a few extra perks that I didnt expect the car to have. For instance, I now have a special holder for my sunglasses. This comes in handy because I always leave them in the car, and this way they dont get scratched. Sometimes it is the little things that get the consumer excited about a car. I must say again how pleased I am with my new Hyundai Elantra!