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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  Hope I made a good decision - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Carmen - April 18 - 7:43 am

  I researched hours on end looking for the right vehicle for my family. I was skeptical of Hyundai and its history. After reading all the reviews I made my purchase. So far am happy. Gas mileage is not that great but I knew that going in. There are just a few changes that I would make on the Sante Fe are that there is no button to push to open the rear door, my infant seat fits very tight, sitting right up against the front seats. Other then that I am really enjoying it.

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  best purchase ever - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By dave.henning - April 17 - 2:00 am

  OVERALL: This car (00 wagon w/everthing) is the best big purchase I have ever made. 42K mi. - no repairs and no major disappointments. INTERIOR: The A/C is really strong, but it sucks power. Cupholders are lame. Back seat is small, but its fine if youre taking the work gang to lunch. FUEL: My one gripe has been fuel economy. As bad as 21 mpg, as good as 34 mpg. ENGINE: I can go >80mph and not feel like the car is straining. Its pretty quiet for a 4-banger. SUMMARY: Id get another in a second. I was considering the Focus, Legacy and VW Passat. I saved $2K-$13K and got all the car I needed.

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  Wow what a car - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By fecports - April 17 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I purchased an LX in October that has been loads of fun to drive and is a real head-turner. So far it has been mistaken for a LEXUS and a JAGUAR. While it wont beat anything in the quarter mile, it will do 80 mph (which is my limit) without breaking a sweat. It is extremely comfortable behind the wheel and visibility all around the vehicle is great. It is loaded with all the features that I ever wanted in a car but didnt want to pay for and the warranty gives me piece of mind should anything go awry. I agree with the rough idle comment and the car is less then appreciative when asked to operate before the engine is warm.

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  When it gets to 100,000.....sell it. - 2000 Hyundai Sonata
  By Sebastian Palacio - April 16 - 2:00 am

  The car runs great..... its very confortable and its worth the money you pay for it. The things that went bad on my GLS V6 were: power window$450, sun roof$500, valve cover gasket$400, wheel bearings$600(both rear wheels). I have spent a lot of money on it....but after 100,000 miles what do you expect.

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  Biggest mistake I ever made - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By roxie - April 15 - 9:50 pm

  I purchased the limited AWD, tried out all sorts of SUV. Warranty was part of the decision factor. For a 30,000 auto, you would think they would have put the lights to stay on after you turn off your key. Nope not there ( I was told it did but no it does not) Does not auto lock the doors after you reach the 12 or 15 miles an hour like most cars do. After reading the manual I find out that when you lock in AWD it turns off at 19 miles an hour. I could not believe it so I call Hyundai and they told me yes that it does. So what is the point in having AWD? I have had it 5 days now and ready to trade it in. Rides good except the back seat vibrates more than it should.

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  Affordable Near-Luxury - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By jimpimms - April 15 - 5:20 am

  Since 1997, weve owned two Tiburons, an Elantra GT, and, currently, two Sonatas. This car is greatly improved over the previous generations. My wife has an 02, and theres absolutely no comparison. The ride is firm, yet supple; cornering is flat and agile; power is smooth and ample; the interior is comfortable and spacious; controls are intuitive and well-placed; there are amenities galore, and a plethora of standard safety features. All in all, not only a worthy rival to the Camry, Accord, Altima, Mazda6, G6, LaCrosse, Malibu, and Fusion, but better overall than most of these. When price and warranty are factored in, this Sonata is nearly irresistible.

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  A Gr8t Lil Car To Drive - 2004 Hyundai Accent
  By DannyG - April 15 - 2:00 am

  I purchased an 03 Hyundai Accent just after Xmas. I now have 9k miles on it with nary a problem nor concern. Its way comfortable, has plenty of power also fun to drive. Today I had the dealer install an A/C unit. I consistently get 35 MPG om my 80 mile daily commute to work. I love this car and would NOT hesitate to buy another when trade-in times comes around...

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  Value Price - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Jac - April 15 - 12:00 am

  Second Santa Fe, wife still owns 2005 which has had no problems in 5 years. Excellent value for the money. A lot more sportier look, better acceleration and improved gas mileage make it a winner.

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  19K and running strong - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By luvmelmuch - April 14 - 8:58 am

  I bought my Hyundai in Jan and have put over 19K miles on it so far. I have changed the oil and rotated tires. This car has preformed wonderfully. The Gas mileage is wonderful and the fit and finish is very good. My engine has not had any issues and makes no strange noises. The seats are comfortable and I have driven long distances and did not arrive tired or beat up. The XM radio and stereo work really well.

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  Very Happy - 1997 Hyundai Elantra
  By MHnwd - April 14 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the SE model new in May of 97, and have been very happy with the overall performance. Its great on gas and very dependable. I have 85,000 miles and it still runs great. It has a strong little 4 cyl and the 5 spd makes it fun to drive. No major problems, only routine maint. It has exceeded my expectations and I have got my money out it!