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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  Great Van - 2007 Hyundai Entourage
  By wilhelm - January 9 - 10:01 am

  We purchased the 2007 Entourage SE in early 2007 with 100000 mile warranty and 2 years/24000 miles of free oil changes for ~$23000. Odometer now shows 25500 miles. We have driven between Colorado Springs and Boulder CO many times as well as 2 trips to Lake Tahoe. I am very surprised at how many complaints there are regarding mpg - we get 25-27 mpg for our 100+ mile trips and 21mpg for my daily commute of 12 miles. I am conscious of my driving technique and avoid mashing the accelerator or overusing the brakes. I am pleased to report that the mpg display above the rear view mirror is very accurate - within .5mpg every time. I always keep write down miles/gas every time I fill up.

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  Third Sonata - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By JF Parker - January 9 - 7:03 am

  This is our 3rd Sonata and each one is better than the last. It is the best dollar for dollar value on the road, delivering power and comfort whether in the mountains or on the interstate. The dealer service is consistent, thorough, and priced competitively. Any minor issues have been satisfactorily corrected. Steering is tight and responsive with good road feel, acceleration is strong, leather seats are comfortable but firm and secure. Really like the tire pressure monitor gauge. Everyone who has ridden in the car is surprised by its interior space, styling, and comfort. And we still have the 05, a friend is now driving the 01.

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  I love my Sonata! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By dewaltgirl - January 9 - 6:58 am

  I traded a 2002 Elantra for my 06 Sonata and what an upgrade! I commute 100 miles per day, which is what led me to purchase a Hyundai in the first place, due to the fantastic warranty. I bought my Sonata on Mothers Day of 06 and now have almost 80k miles on it. I have had no problems with this car. It does not let me down. Its fun to drive with plenty of pick up and roomy comfort. I have taken on several long trips and it averages about 30 MPG on the highway. I have gotten as much as 39 MPG out of it, but under limited circumstances. This is a really great car! Mine is black, so always dirty, but I really love it.

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  I Love My Santa Fe - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Grace - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Our Santa Fe was the first Hyundai we ever purchased. I love cars and know a lot about the different car companies. Never have I been so satisfied with a car!!! It has been over a year since we bought our Santa Fe and we are still absolutely in love. I have never witnessed a car get so many compliments. And it only cost $21,000! It is more beautiful and eye- catching than other more bank-breaking SUVs and of course it is the most affordable. Three people actually bought a Santa Fe after seeing ours. We are purchasing another Hyundai this year, a Tiburon for myself. I know I cant go wrong with Hyundai! We love you Hyundai!

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  Hyundais Hat Trick - 2003 Hyundai Tiburon
  By TiburonGTV6Owner - January 8 - 10:00 am

  People have always looked upon Hyundai as a throw away car, something just to get you around. The 2003 Tiburon GT V6 is going to change the nameplates image. The Tiburon GT V6s E.T at 15.3 sec moving 90.8 MPH, out does many in its class such as Civic Si (15.8/ 88.1), SVT Focus(15.8/ 90.6), and Eclipse GT(15.5/ 89.9) in the 1/4 mile, while finishing only a few ticks off the Acura RSX type-S(15.1 /94.7). (Motor Trend). The car leaves only one thing to be desired: go-faster parts that will not void the awesome warranty.

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  Fun Ride - 2005 Hyundai TUCSON
  By Joe Jasso - January 8 - 1:20 am

  Very nice Vehicle.Rides well,looks good and I am very happy with it. Also dealership seems very responsive.

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  Best car ever - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Angry Bald Man - January 6 - 3:17 pm

  Bought this as my first brand new vehicle, had plenty of used ones. This car was the bargain of the century. I got the loaded GT hatch in black and the ONLY complaint I have is that the paint wasnt the absolute best, but I never has any rust or paint loss. With plenty of pep I could pass at 60MPH with the AC on no problem. Tons and Tons of cargo space with the seats folded flat. I drove this car freaking everywhere in every climate at every altitude this country has to offer and had zero problems with performance or build quality. Anyone complaining about this vehicle either bought it used from someone who didnt care for it, or bought it high mileage. BEST.CAR.EVER.

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  Everyone needs a Hyundai - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Kendra - January 6 - 4:53 am

  I am a college student and my Hyundai is good on fuel and the price is not so bad. I can have a comfortable and nice SUV and still have a little money left for tuition.

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  Whats not to love... - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Ken - January 5 - 1:03 pm

  Spent 3 weeks reading reviews and shopping before I decided this was the right car for our needs. Were both tall (Im 64"), and this car had plenty of room, all the right options and the price was certainly more attractive than the Avalon Limited wed previously decided on. Ok, so theres no NAV, and no ventilated seats. Ive lived without them, and they arent worth the extra $10K Toyota wanted to include them.

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  Love It!!!!! - 2001 Hyundai Sonata
  By Cmt4lif02 - January 5 - 11:30 am

  Ive had my car for a year now and it has been the best thing ever. It has gotten me back and forward to school, and the gas mileage is good. The car also has great handling and control. Ive had minimal problems with the car. It holds up well when something is wrong though. I would suggest this car for any young driver.