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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  Hot & Sexy - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By Wilbur Mckee - June 8 - 7:28 pm

  It is a great car . At one time or another I have owned just about aver brand in the same class and non on them compare with the sonata. I love this car!!!!!

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  A few problems - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mike - June 8 - 10:07 am

  Leased in 2007 for two years. Returned in June 2009. Needed new tires and brakes by 22,703 - in less than two years! Car had nice acceleration and was a smooth ride. The car had a nice look. However, the quality of the tires it came with and brake problems have soured me on the Hyundai brand. And, since my replacement tires werent matched to the original brand, Hyundai is charging me a second time for two tires. Im sure its standard lease policy, but it feels wrong. Ill probably shop for another brand and avoid Hyundai all together since I anticipate having problems with any of their cars within only two years of purchase.

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  Happy, but not ecstatic about Tucson - 2005 Hyundai TUCSON
  By Lynda - June 8 - 9:33 am

  Pretty little SUV - looks like a new Lexus, except I have dual exhaust and they dont! Gas mileage is fair - I was disappointed (same as my big 8 cyl Mercury Grand Marquis) Buzzy stereo system - Ill probably have it replaced. Need power seats! No need for the automatic/manual shift. Did have engine light come on once- defective "speed sensor."

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  My Santa Fe - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Connie - June 7 - 5:33 pm

  I absolutely adore this vehicle. I have had many vehicles over the years and this one is by far the best. My only complaint is the gas mileage. Other than that - it is fantastic!!

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  I love my car - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Sharon - June 7 - 11:19 am

  I bought my car brand new and have had all required service completed as suggested. To date I have had no problems with my car. I have 84 thousand miles on it and hope it keeps on going. My next car will most likely be another Elantra or a Sonata depending on cost .

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  Very disappointing! - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By nattygirl - June 7 - 5:46 am

  I bought the Sonata for its snazzy looks, technology and the promise of good gas mileage. Other than its looks, its been a disappointment. The ride is bad - I feel every bump in the road. The gas mileage is not what was promised. Im only getting an average of 22-23 mpg. overall. And, its performance in snow was so poor the first winter I had it that I ditched all 4 tires and bought new ones with the promise of improvement. The 2nd year wasnt much better. Granted, there was alot of snow in Rhode Island this year, but - hey - it performed way worse than my old 1999 Camry in snow! Uncharacteristically, I will probably be unloading it way sooner than usual or as planned.

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  AUTOMOTIVE EXCELLENCE - 2008 Hyundai Azera
  By SGTUSMC - June 6 - 8:13 pm

  Traded an 07 Buick Lucerne CXS in on this Azera about a month ago. I had been researching and test driving earlier versions of it. Traded it in on an 08 Azera Limited with the Ultimate Package. The Azera is a drivers car it performs and handles excellently. I have added mp3 (wireless) and a lip spoiler, etc. Gangbusters. SemperFi

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  Smooth ride - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Peggy - June 6 - 12:29 pm

  Dont get the light interior

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  Fog Horn Blues - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By nodlev33 - June 6 - 5:57 am

  Bought my Sonata Limited 2.4 Turbo new in 2011. Initial pulling to the left was remedied by local alignment. With 36K on the odometer I noticed a foghorn-like sound emitting from under the hood whenever coming to a stop, and when the outside temperature was high. Initially, I suspected the brake system but then happened to come to a full stop, shift into neutral, and increase rpms. Voila!!! The turbocharger. A couple of days at the local Hyundai dealer, and all was perfect. The problem has thankfully not re-occurred.

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  Awesome Car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Brian - June 5 - 8:53 pm

  I just bought my 2011 Limited Sonata. Black exterior with black leather interior. Best car I have ever had. Looks and drives like you paid for a BMW. Cannot go wrong with this car. This is my 4th sonata after having the 2003, 2007, and 2009. Would never think of driving anything else