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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  Look no more! Here it is! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Denise - November 2 - 6:20 am

  Never owned or even considered buying a Hyundai, now Im hooked! 3 mos later and 1500 mi, still love it! Considered the Accord Coupe, Mazda 6 (No Match!) Getting 33 MPG mixed driving. Peppy for a 4 cyl! Roomy interior. At 510", I can drive comfortably w/ a 510" person behind me. All control knobs are firm, easy to read & well positioned for the driver. Windows slightly tinted so interior looks darker on black seats. Have had people circle parking lots just to see it. Unmatched looks and value!

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  Hyundai Convert - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By Corey Glass - November 2 - 4:14 am

  For many years I wouldnt consider purchasing a Hyundai because they were Korean with no reputation other than lacking style quality and absolutely no resale value. In the last couple years Hyundai was finding its way onto top 10 lists. The Sonata is a pleasure to drive, quiet, safe and very attractive.

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  Great Car to Buy - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By johpen - November 1 - 8:51 pm

  This is my second Elantra. My first I traded after 4.5 yrs with 160,000 miles with no major repair work. My two sons also drive Elantras and one son is getting ready to purchase his second also.

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  Impressive Automobile! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By JFarm - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for about 2 weeks, and I really do love it so far. I got the Pacific Blue Pearl, it just blew my mind! Got the Popular Equip package plus the HomeLink Compass in the rear view mirror (awesome). I love the BlueTooth, XM and iPod jacks, unbelievable options to come standard! I usually take back roads to work (about 14 miles round trip) and the gas mileage is less than advertised for city driving, but the ride is so much smoother than my 05 Elantra. Im not totally sure why everyone is complaining about the road noise, its not the quietest car Ive ever been in, but it certainly wouldnt stop me from recommending this car to anyone!

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  A few minor fixes could be done - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By BILL - November 1 - 10:00 am

  This car has everything except it could do with:a better horn, sealing the underbody where it meets the door sills-they squeak if you move them by hand but not while riding in the car- just seem too loose; use bigger screws on the underbody or bolts!

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  I Love My Car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By kathy - November 1 - 8:51 am

  My 1998 Mazda died and I looked for a used one, but way too expensive. Happened upon the Hyundai, reluctantly went into the dealership. He took me for a ride and I thought, theres gotta be something wrong with this car. The dealer sent me home with it for the day and I went back the next day and took it for the day. Incredible is all I can say. Love it... Im short so I can never see where I am going. This car is amazing. I dont even have to turn around when backing up cuz I just look in the rear view mirror. The ride is like gliding on a glass slipper. I call it my Cinderella car and it didnt break my bank buying it. Wish the gas mileage was a bit better, but I can live with it.

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  Quit knocking 4 cylinders! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By combattracker5 - October 31 - 7:20 am

  I grew up in the muscle car era. My first car was a new 65 Pontiac GTO. I drove over a hundred MPH every day for decades (really did). I love speed! Those days are over. Americans need to reduce their consumption of oil. The new 4 cylinders have extreme kick, compared to the 6 cylinders of the 1960s! I wish Edmunds would stop complaining about the lack of a bigger engine for many car models. Now I want MPG and enough umph to get over the mountain or for passing. I was seriously surprised by this car.

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  The Genesis is a winner - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By CHI TOWN - October 30 - 11:43 pm

  I am a past owner of BMWs, Infiniti & Mercedes. I never thought I would own a Korean automobile until I test drove this car. Hands down the Genesis is the best car I have owned. For the first time I feel like I bought a car where the performance, quality, & amenities match the price. Test drive this car & I bet you wont be able to forget the experience.

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  2500 miles into it.... - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Matt_Landers - October 30 - 9:46 pm

  Previously, I had written a review on 2/27/10. Not much has changed, except Ive had to replace my muffler which took almost a month to have done. The dealership was fast about things, however Hyundai had no extra ones in the states. Way to go guys!! I wasnt too pleased. Having owned several other Hyundais, (03 Sonata, 01 Elantra) and with other family members owning other models too with few or no problems, Im just choosing at this point to overlook it as a blip in my ownership experience and move on. But these forums are about honesty in ownership too... Gas mileage per the car is a bit optimistic but still not too bad. mid to high 20s in mixed driving and low 30s on hwy.

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  Great car, Great price, Great warranty! - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By acutecareOT - October 30 - 9:32 pm

  If you are looking for a reasonably priced car that is a good value for your money, stop here! The Elantra serves you well-smooth driving, stylish yet simple and functional exterior (clean lines) and interior (blue-lit dashboard, easy-to-use controls, roomy trunk)with plenty of leg & head room. Hyundais warranty cant be beat! I have been very happy with the car and am glad I didnt shell out extra money for a Honda or Toyota. A word of warning: a few months after I bought the car I received a letter from Hyundai Corp. that the fuel pump was recalled. I had it replaced for free at the dealer without a hitch but I figured Id spread the word. All in all, great car-Id buy it again in a heartbeat.