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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  Amazing Vehicle - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Tony P - August 3 - 6:33 am

  I have to admit, I thought I would never buy a Hyundai but I just bought one of these and wow, I am amazed by the fit and finish of this car. I just sold my Lexus so I am used to a nice ride but this takes the cake. The way the car excellerates and handles is very impressive. I love the quality of this car both in and out. The controls are very will thought out and every one of them seems to be placed where it needs to be. I think I am going to enjoy this car for years to come - thank you Hyundai

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  This Car Rocks!!! - 2003 Hyundai Tiburon
  By Brian45385 - August 3 - 2:00 am

  i have never experienced a car so live and vibrant, yet so gentle. the body is attractive and stylish, the engine response is quick yet unnoticable, the tramnsmission response is excellent. the stereo system is totally bangin even without the infinity system, the headlights produce immaculate clarity and focus at night, and the red-orange illumination is cool yet helpful when night-driving. drive one today, because you will enjoy every second you spend in this car. thanks!!!

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  sporty. fun, and reliable - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By danhw6 - August 3 - 2:00 am

  This car has been a dream from day one. I love driving it. it has considerable punch. i consistently 350 to 400 miles to the gallon. i am thouroughly impressed with hyundais new crop of cars.

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  This car is sick! - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Jennifer - August 2 - 6:26 pm

  Hyundai went above and beyond with this car. TOO MUCH FUN!!! For the money, there is not a better value on the market, period. I love the fact that this car is indeed a Hyundai, which appeals to a person like myself who wants luxury without the cliche of owning Infiniti, Mercedes, BMW, etc. The surprise that comes with the discovery that its a Hyundai is priceless. Ive had a few issues with the AFLS (Adaptive Front Lighting System) and she was in the shop 3 times in about 2 weeks. Eek! But thats been the only issue, and considering its a production model I was expecting a lot worse. True, its been less than a month but I dont care, shes here to stay!

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  Very Poor Suspension - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By fdooleysr - August 1 - 11:05 pm

  The plain truth about the 2009 Genesis is that it has a horrible suspension and rides like an old truck. You can feel every bump in the road. I think you could run over a fishing worm and feel it. This severe defect is not immediately noticeable during a short test drive. The dealer states that this is designed into the car because it is a high performance automobile. It is fairly smooth on the interstate but it jitters and bounces over suburban streets. The ride is the most important element of a car and it fails my expectations. Im not alone in my review of the suspension. Read the Hyundai Genesis Web site for more. The car is a beautiful car in all other aspects it is fantastic.

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  Unreliable - 2005 Hyundai Tiburon
  By msasscts - August 1 - 8:43 pm

  I have had three clutches so far in the car. The dealer has proven to be unreliable in service.

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  Veracruz Ltd - 2008 Hyundai Veracruz
  By The_Ductor - August 1 - 1:46 am

  We looked at multiple vehicles - eg Mazda CX9, Ford Fusion. Overall this was the best buy by several thousand dollars given the specs. The model we chose was the AWD limited. There were few options as it already had most of them. The ride is comfortable and quiet although not exciting. Audio excellent. Fuel economy is not as good as advertised but is it ever? The exterior is stylish but the colour choices are limited. Most suprising was the internal colours which on this vehicle (Ltd) was limted to a saddle brown leather despite the dash etc being grey. Seats are comfortable,easy to move to allow exit and loading. Overall I am pleased. We have to wait for command start. Recomended.

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  It gets the job done. - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By rex - July 31 - 10:37 pm

  Sure its not as sporty as Mazda3, nor as popular as Civic or Corolla (watch it though), but my Elantra gets the job done of driving to work and home along I80 just fine with enough bells and whistles especially safety features as standard equipment. Not to mention its superb warranty. MPG 34+ on the highway @ cruising speed. Most of all the big savings at the dealership.

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  Great Minivan - 2007 Hyundai Entourage
  By Bill t - July 31 - 10:26 pm

  We have had this van for about 4 months and have put 5000 miles on it with no problems.This van is awesome on the interstates and highways and has plenty of power.It is nice looking inside and out and seems to be well built. This is the fourth mini van we have owned, with the last being a Chevy Venture. The Entourage is a much better van.So far, my wife and I do not have any complaints.I do wish it got a little better mileage.Perhaps as the engine/transmission get more loose,it will.It gets about 21-22 mpg on the interstate at 75 to 78 miles per hour.Probably at 65 to 70 miles per hour miles per hour the mileage would be better.The warranty is excellent.Great van and I highly recommend it.

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  NO PROBLEMS - LOVE IT - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By ELANTRA - July 31 - 9:07 pm

  I bought this car as a new left over and paid 12 grand and that includes tax and all dealer fees. A few later Hyundai sent me a check for 400.13 dollars. I didnt ask why and only made my purchas sweeter. Im a strong at the table when dealing with salemaen and they hate me for it. 88000 AND NO PROBLEMS, NO RATTLES, 28 MPG, NOT GREAT BUT I DRIVE VERY HARD. My car is a 5 speed and I tow a jet ski and somtimes a trailor for yard work and still get 28 mpg every time out. The motor is a 130hp and beats most others in its class. The is of good quality and im an old motor head and know cars. Safety and performance and reliable as Honda. Hyundai I will be back after getting 200000. I have no doubt !