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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  Update from 1/28/09 - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By cmwolff - June 22 - 7:51 am

  My Hyundai now has almost 30,000 miles on it. The engine knock has not returned, and they replaced the rear struts for me for free. All I had to do is mention it, and it was fixed. It seems to be getting better gas mileage all the time. I recently got 31.7 miles to the gallon on a 200 mile trip. Overall I am very happy with my car.

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  Who would have thought... - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By carfan - June 22 - 2:50 am

  I was going to buy the standby, you know, Nice Accord with all the extras (Camry was too squishy) and low and behold I checked out the new Sonata on a lark. The joke was on me because I drove off the lot in one - I loved it that much...

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  Not sure it will last - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Debbie - June 21 - 5:38 pm

  Purchased after my Camry was totaled. Comfortable, nice driving. Sun Roof rubber seal is off already, passenger window sounds very strange. Took to dealer, charged me 69.00 and says nothing is wrong. HATE the cruise control, it is awful! Will NOT hold speed up or downhill AT ALL. Has to be on FLAT highway to work mediocre.Got pulled over right after I bought it due to lousy cruise control downhill. My Camry NEVER did this. So though we like the car and drive it at 22000 miles in one year, still have reservations on it lasting. Loaded it up to within an inch of its life and drove a 2800 mile vacation in Utah and Arizona, got 35 MPG.

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  Perfect car! - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By mfunk - June 21 - 10:31 am

  After researching and test driving Honda Accords, Toyota Camrys, and finally the Sonata Limited, it was clear that for the money, I was able to get luxury with the Sonata that I wouldnt get with other 2. We have always driven Hondas (7 to date) and my husband was skeptical about going with a Sonata. However, I made the decision to get the Sonata and once the dealer agreed to my terms.....no $$ down, zero percent interest, and payments under $300 for the Limited, its was a done deal. I love driving the car and its super comfortable on road trips. The only negative to say is that the side door molding loosened and had to be replaced and the drivers side visor has had to be replaced.

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  A Great Drive in the Snow! - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By KKD - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I saw a Santa Fe in a parking lot and loved the way it looked. After researching safety issues, warranty, price, etc., I took a test drive and decided to buy. I have been completely pleased with the whole experience. Dealer was great. Vehicle is the perfect size, big enough to feel secure, but still easy to handle and park. Lots of interior room, cool cockpit type feel. Its absolutely great to drive in the snow, plows through anything, doesnt slip or slide at all. Fun to drive, and all the standard options are great.

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  Havent bought it yet....... - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Potential Buyer - June 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive read these reviews, and most are rather good, but I read some horrible ones at msn.com. Has anybody had any problems? Especially with the transmission or engine? Im kind of scared to buy one now.

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  SUV -No other SUV is even close! - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By FloridaBeachBum - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I went searching for an SUV for my husband (for business clients and business travel). He wanted a reliable & comfortable 4WD SUV that was stylish and roomy...he also did not want to pay 30,000K for it. Well, my 2.5 year daughter and I must have test driven every 2003 4WD SUV that was available. Like the: Tribute, Rav4, XTERRA, Rendezvous, Blazer, Tracker, VUE, Escape, CR-V, 02 Passport, Rodeo, Liberty, Sorento, Montero Sport, Outlander, X-L7, Grand Vitara, Highlander.... Out of all of the Above 1. 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe 4WD V6 SUV Led the way in style, and price!

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  Sorry to see it go... - 1999 Hyundai Elantra
  By S Bianchi - June 20 - 8:50 pm

  This vehicle has been in our family since the beginning I got it as a gift with 130,000 miles on it. Unbelievably reliable car average in comfort...this is not the car for long road trips (your back WILL hurt!) Suspension was average, but you dont buy this car for style and "fun factor" - its an inexpensive, reliable about town automobile. Timing belt broke like clockwork every 80,000 miles. It was still running strong this week when I sold it for $1,100 and 191,849 miles on it. Gas mileage was exceptional at 28/35. Didnt want to sell but couldnt keep showing up at client meetings with a rusty car. I was so impressed with this car that I replaced it with a 2008 Hyundai Elantra.

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  Pleasant Surprise from Hyundai - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Tamma - June 20 - 4:16 pm

  Researched for over 2 months for a good SUV and zeroed onto Acura MDX and Hyundai Santa Fe. Of course, both cars are not in the same league to compare, but when value for money and budget push to make a choice, Santa Fe is a nice pick. Drove about 2K miles in last 40 days and its been a great ride so far. Its very smooth, nice pick-up and a great handling. Rides like a car. Mileage improved to 21 MPG HWY from 17 MPG HWY over the period. I prefer fill up with Premium fuel as I get better pick-up and less engine noise than the regular fuel.I think $100/year extra on fuel for better engine life, pick up and good feel is worth paying for(purely personal opinion) Two Thumbs up, Hyundai :)

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  Dam good driver - 2005 Hyundai XG350
  By farace - June 20 - 11:40 am

  I own a automotive repair shop in Huntington beach California. I never thought I would ever own a Hyundai! I have to say this 350 is one of the best cars I ever had and I have had a lot autos. Dont take my word for it,,, Go down take one for a drive!!!!!!!