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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  Love it but it hates me - 2004 Hyundai Tiburon
  By Chelsea - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I love almost everything about this car but it seems to hate my guts. Bought it with about 90,000 miles on it and after about 6 months the problems started happening. New Clutch, New Timingbelt, was modified with a coldair intake before my purchase and had no cover so it would suck up water when it rained and the check engine light would pop on, front gas pipe leak, front and back oil valve seepage, cover on the moonroof broke, rear window washer broke, driver side window broke, etc. Basically it needs massive repairs every 1-2 months. Not sure if its just a lemon or not because I constantly have different mechanics telling me what great shape its in and how clean the engine is.

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  Impressive! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By befink - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive only driven my new Hyundai Sonata SE for a few days now, but the only thing I can say about it is: IMPRESSIVE. I love the style, both exterior and interior, the ride, and most of all, the PRICE! Looks like its time for Toyota and Honda to take a back seat to Hyundai! When I went to the dealer I was undecided between GLS or SE, but as soon as I rode in the SE, I knew that was the one. SMART KEY/Push Button Start, Paddle Shifters, Dual Exhaust, Chrome, Leather Seat Bolsters, etc. Amazing! I live in a rural area, and drive only 20 minutes to work, and right off the lot Im getting 28 miles to the gallon. I just cant say enough about this car.

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  Looks Great! Drives So So - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ed S - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I have my Sonata for 6 months now and still find the styling inside and out to be a real eye-catcher. However, driving the car is a completely different experience. I have complained to the dealer twice in 3000 miles about the poor shifting and jerky acceleration during normal driving. The transmission slips and jerks on most upshifts. The road noise and handling can certainly use improvement. Too much tire noise and car tends to wander. It does, however, get excellent gas mileage both around town (28 mpg) and on the highway (36.5 mpg)

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  2005 Hyundai Elantra - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By gary f huth - September 1 - 11:40 pm

  This car was a good buy, and great gas mileage for not being a hybrid. The only thing I have detected so far is that the trunk lid sounds tinny when being closed. Good car, nice design, and great service from dealer.

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  Utility, not performance - 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT
  By doug_pardee - September 1 - 11:35 pm

  The Elantra GT is NOT an enthusiasts car. Its an extremely practical car that provides commuters a quiet and comfortable ride in a relatively upscale cabin, with flexibility for carrying passengers and cargo, or for taking road trips. And with excellent mileage if driven conservatively. Gas mileage: by many accounts, the Elantra GT is unusually sensitive to how its driven. At 60 mph with cruise control on, I get maybe 42 mpg. Mileage drops off sharply with additional speed, or with cruise control off. After a cold start, maybe 15 mpg for the first mile. When slowing, I take my foot completely off the gas to activate Deceleration Fuel CutOff. Ive gotten right at 30 mpg on every tankful.

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  3 year review - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By gd3 - September 1 - 11:31 pm

  Bought the Sonata almost 3 years ago and now have 55k mostly highway miles. Travel about 80 miles/day for work. The cloth seats are some of the most comfortable non leather, non premium seats Ive used. Nice thoughtful interior. It has so many upgrades that have trickled down to a base car over the years. The ac and heat are fine although climate control would be nice. The XM is a feature that I use regularly and enjoy. I have done nothing to it except regular maintenance and a new set of tires. I average about 30 mpg going 70-75 on the highway.

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  Great Car - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By luisruvi - September 1 - 10:07 pm

  Very solid car, and all problems since Ive owned it have been taken care of free of charge. They were only minor. Sagging mirror, but likely due to a cd case hanging on it. Dead battery. Seat issue. I even got a free rental for two of the fixes. I have been really happy so far with the car. Very spacey and quiet. And even though it is cheaper than most other cars, looks more expensive in some areas compared to others I have looked at.

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  2nd Hyundai and LOVING IT! - 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By makemoves - September 1 - 4:44 pm

  Prior to this car, I was driving a 2004 Hyundai Tiburon Base. Like everyone out there, I was not sure if I wanted to buy a second Hyundai, but, once I drove this car, WOW, thats all I can say. The interior and build quality has improved by atleast 10 folds, from 2004 model and the soft touch is just perfect. The 2.0T, is fast enough to compete with the likes of IS250s, 328i, GTI, and many other high end imports out there. Dont be fooled by the name, Hyundai, has truly made a sport car that everyone can own and drive without, paying premium. If you are looking for a fun car to drive, this is perfect for you!

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  Worth every Penny - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By AnClybur - September 1 - 12:58 pm

  I got a Genesis for my wifes birthday. She couldnt be happier with the car. It was a 3.8 L with plenty of luxury accouterments. She certainly will drive this baby for the next ten years or so. It is snowy in Michigan, can this thing last in snow. well, the good thing is that the Genesis was fitted with winter tires. Hopefully, the RWD architecture will handle the icy conditions.

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  GREAT VEHICLE - 2007 Hyundai Entourage
  By Mini Mom - September 1 - 12:35 pm

  Ive owned the vehicle for 2 1/2 years & have over 64,000 miles the only problem I ever had was the sliding doors getting jammed we just had them repaired (nationwide problem we were told) never had any other problems dealership has great service they remember me by name when I go in for service (oil changes regularly) the only thing I dont care for is the resale value there is none depreciates too quickly