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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  i won with hyundai - 2003 Hyundai Tiburon
  By lance ferguson - June 2 - 2:00 am

  hyundai is the best car regardless of the cost it is the best car on the road

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  BRAND SPANKING NEW (NEARLY) - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Rollon - June 1 - 11:53 pm

  Automatic headlights and lower fuel prices would make this vehicle the ultimate mover.

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  I love all things Hyundai - 2001 Hyundai Sonata
  By CoraNecole - June 1 - 9:09 pm

  I am the proud owner of four Hyundais. Three Sonatas and one Accent. Did have a 99 Elantra. I just passed to my daughter my "01 Sonata after buying a new "08". I just love that car. I told my kids as they got old enough to drive that if they wanted me to buy them a car that it could only be a Hyundai. When you come to my house it looks like a dealership. I will forever be loyal to the Hyundai family of cars. They have taken great care of my family. With the exception of one problem caused by human error, my run with the brand has been great. I am now looking forward to the Genesis. GO HYUNDAI!!!!

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  Wonderful Change - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By dan - June 1 - 11:26 am

  My wife and I decided to buy a smaller, fuel efficient car but wanted room to haul purchases, etc. We downgraded from a big car sedan. WE are so happy that we made the switch. We get great gas mileage and the car handles well and is fun to drive. The ride is a bit stiff - especially after driving a large car. Love this car! The only problem is that we fight over whos going to drive!

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  Still loving it after 9 months... - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By KimN - June 1 - 2:36 am

  I bought my Sonata in Sept. 2008, so it has been over 9 months now and I am still loving my car. I love the redesigned interior. It feels luxurious and elegant and not at all cheap. All the buttons are in easy reach, and the dash emits a nice blue glow at night. I have had lots of compliments on the smooth ride and comfortable seats. The trunk is spacious. The ride is smooth and handles very well. I got so much car for the price (leather, heated seats, sunroof, XM).

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  the homework paid off - 2008 Hyundai Accent
  By mom of 5 - June 1 - 2:34 am

  After lots of surfing for ratings, we decided to go with the Accent. The price and mileage were most important to us. We recently got our Tango Red little car. We are so impressed with all of it. I would have enjoyed a few more options, but choose to keep the price down. I would certainly recommend this fun one.

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  Nice SUV, but does have one or 2 things - 2011 Hyundai TUCSON
  By Skynyrdfan5 - May 31 - 11:30 am

  I bought this car August 21, 2010 and already have 400 miles on it. Its a nice car to drive, however it does have its drawbacks. There are times the car likes to brake for you (or at least apply brake pressure) (so you could be going 60 mph, and then all of a sudden going 55 mph. Not fun, but they got that development over the fact that Ford is awful (the roll over issue and tires exploding). That being said, its got a nice ride - and handles well for the most part. Stereo is nice. Although be careful if you use water to wash it. Didnt know it would leave water spots on the car. If thats the way the paint deals with water, I may be giving the car back. Water shouldnt ruin it.

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  Super Value - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Super Value - May 31 - 2:00 am

  I checked many cars, and Santa Fe felt better than any of them for less money. I had a difficult time getting over the name "Hyundai", but I am glad I did. I saved myself a lot of money and I have a great car!!!! More I drive this car more I like it. I still get stunned every time I turn how tight the turning radius is. I just added the "premium package" and enjoy my moon roof on "top" of everything else this car has. Its a great crossover SUV that drives like a luxury car but has plenty of storage and power of the SUV.

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  Excellent Car - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mark James - May 30 - 8:53 pm

  I purchased this car new and now have 104,000 miles on it. I have all the recommended services performed and have had NO problems at all. Very reliable and comfortable. After 4 years, I still enjoy driving this vehicle. I would recommend Hyundai to anyone wanting a lot of car for a lot less money than competitors.

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  Good choice among SM SUV - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By JT - May 30 - 11:03 am

  Generally, I like my 2005 Santa Fe. I drive in city mostly, so, it has enough power for me. Not so good when going uphill. If I could choose again, Id buy the 3.5L instead. Good sound quality. Excellent steering, suspension and smooth ride for normal driving. Big trunk space. Beware of dealers overcharging on fees other than the car price.