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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  bang for buck - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By rick - August 14 - 7:46 pm

  Bought the 06 lx new off the floor in Aug 05 after owning an 02 sonata. Much improved power, handling, style. Gas mileage was not improved - due to improved power. My wifes car is a MB E320 and yes, a far better ride, but, considering you could buy 2 1/2 sonatas for the same price . Its not sexy, but the safety features, warranty, and thus far reliability (40K) cant be beat. Im impressed with Hyundai - put a different badge on this car and the price would jump $15K.

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  My New Vehicle - 2012 Hyundai TUCSON
  By kimkim4 - August 13 - 7:51 pm

  The Tucson is a very stylish midsize crossover. I love the look of this vehicle, itÂ’s still hard for me to believe itÂ’s a Hyundai. The only downfall so far in the seating....the seat needs to be a little wider so the seatbelt wont dig into your hips.

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  Missing my Sonata - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Becky Krzemen - August 13 - 7:36 pm

  I bought my Sonata used and had it for two wonderful years before my 16 year old totaled it. The car kept her perfectly safe and didnt even look back after the accident. I cried when the insurance man said, "total loss". That was the best car I have ever owned, I never had a single problem with that car. It was so fun to drive and I loved the exterior style. The gas mileage wasnt as good as I would have liked but I sure miss my Sonata. I ordered a brand new Sonata today, Im sold!

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  Comfort for the tall driver - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Track Guy - August 13 - 11:30 am

  I looked at Ford Focus, Mazda 3i, and Dodge Neon. I bypassed the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla because of their more expensive price tags as I was looking for economy at a reasonable price. The Ford Focus I ruled out as soon as I sat in it due to the fact that I am 62" and the seat had absolutely no thigh support and was very uncomfortable. The Mazda 3i was a bit better, but the noise in the car at highway speeds was very disappointing. When I sat in the Elantra, I liked it immediately due to its adjustable front seat which provided comfortable thigh support. After a test drive I was sold...it performed very nicely and had more standard equipment on the base model than the others.

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  A Great Discovery - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Charles Gordon - August 13 - 7:26 am

  Ive owned my Azera just over a month now and Im finding new things to rave about everyday. Wow! Im glad I found this car because I had never looked at a Hyundai before. Im glad I didnt waste my money at buying a Toyota Avalon. This car is just as good or maybe even better. It drives and feels like a Deville for soooo much less money. A lot of new customers are going to Hyundai to look at the Azera -- its a winner by all standards. My neighbors cant believe its a Korean car, and I can either. I think Ill run out to the garage and take another test drive. Wow!

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  great mpg, no problems - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By J - August 12 - 3:59 pm

  I have had my 07 Accent for over a year, and have put 22,000 miles on it. So far I have not had any problems, mechanical or otherwise. After the break-in period I have been averaging 36-40 mpg in mostly highway driving. The car is roomy for two people, is very easy to drive, and everyone comments on how it looks (most girls think its "cute" most guys think its "ugly" but at least its getting noticed, which is more than you can say for most of the cars in this price range). I traded in a full-size vehicle for this little guy, and I couldnt be happier with it.

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  like new used sonata - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By jmarkten - August 12 - 12:23 pm

  I like everything about our 2007 Sonata The safety features were a great selling point for the dealer. We like the gas mileage @ about- 26 in city driving. This is my first foreign model car, and I wish I had been turned onto these years ago, but at least I can enjoy mine now. I have Parkinsons Disease and entering and exiting a car is very important. This fits the bill for me. We enjoy driving this car because of the peace of mind we have concerning safety features. Weve only had this Sonata a month, and already I am heartily suggesting Hyundais to relatives and others...as I am doing here. I am already considering upgrading to a new 2009 Sonata.!

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  Fantastic - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By gail horwitz` - August 11 - 6:03 pm

  This is the first Hyundai I have ever owned. I first saw it on a TV commercial and fell in love with the look. I love driving it, it is so comfortable. Love the fact that the seats are heated all the way up the back, no coats needed.Just love everything about it, and have gotten many compliments on it. Check this one out its worth it.

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  sofarsogood - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By gaels guy - August 11 - 3:52 pm

  Now nearing 5.5years ownership, and 75,000 miles. A/c compressor went at 73,000 I live in Florida and a/c gets used a great deal. Got rear-ended by an 18 Wheeler truck, took quite a shot and the car survived. 5,000+ in repair. Have had 3 left headlight bulbs and 1 set of fog lights go. 1 thermostat. Get 31-34 mph highway 23- 27 in town. I never use Hyundai for the 30-60,000 servicing. Had the a/c repaired locally. On 3rd set of tires.

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  Detailed FTB Review. - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Francesco - August 11 - 3:34 pm

  I have owned many vehicles in my life. The range is from a Mustang to 3 Civics. This car is comparable to all of these in style, comfort, and performance. A side by side comparison of the Elantra and Civic will show very similar numbers on and off paper. I purchased my SE at the base model GLS price of 13,800. Buy consumer reports car buyers guide, that shows dealer prices, and you should get to that price too. I also purchased the extended 10 years 100,000 miles warranty for $1,200. I am not certain about the reliability of the "new" Hyundais, there was a drastic redesign introduced in 2004, but with this bumper to bumper 100,000 mile warranty I dont have to worry about anything.