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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  Sonata delivers - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By mohusker - April 9 - 2:39 pm

  The 13 Sonata rang in nearly $2,000 below similar Camry and Accord offerings and after 4,000 miles its a solid thumbs up. Interior materials are upscale with soft-touch surfaces where expected. Although windows are short, the cockpit seems airy enough and visibility remains good fore and aft. Controls are simple, well-placed, easy to operate, legible and have good tactile feel. Most guages are fine, however the speedo shows numerals only in 20 mph increments and the infotainment display is disconcertingly hard to read day and night with fuzzy images on a dim blue background...simliar to a thermostat. All seats are comfortable, and there is plenty of room in back with a spacious trunk.

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  Reliable car - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mary-Lynn - April 9 - 12:56 pm

  Over 300,000 miles on car, still runs and looks almost new. Uses no oil, no leaks, runs smooth. Nice styling, handles great, hugs the road. Has never broken down or left stranded on side of road. Only issues are drivers heater in seat failed after 5 years, replace cruise control module at 15 years. Airbag light comes on once in a while due to cheap connector under passenger seat. Everything else regular maintenance. Use full synthetic oils and duralube every 30000 miles. Hoping for 500,000 miles plus! Bought new on sale for 15k. Best money ever spent on a car.

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  Its so different - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By angus54 - April 9 - 10:00 am

  When I first saw the Santa Fe I knew I had to have it. Finally an SUV that didnt look like all the rest. My current car was less than 3 years old but after a few test drives in the Santa Fe, I sold my car and bought the Santa Fe. People still come up to me to ask about it. Ilove it.

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  best - 2008 Hyundai Azera
  By BEST CAR - April 8 - 3:21 pm

  I get so many people that look at my car. I get mileage in the high 20s. And now they have the option of the navigation. And its great. Love the wood and the power folding mirrors and the rain sensing wipers. I also like the seat memory for the mirrors and sterring wheel. And the sunshade in the back is great. Best price for this much stuff.

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  Very nice ride - 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By mark613 - April 8 - 6:20 am

  I bought the base model and this thing has everything I need. This is the first Hyundai I ever drove or owned and I am very impressed and pleased thus far. The dash is nicely laid out and has all the features you really need. The defroster works extremely well and the blue tooth was easy to set up. Im averaging 27.1 mpg. I would highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Love my car - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Badass - April 8 - 2:00 am

  I love this car since the first day i drove one. styling rich and sporty performance not a hot rod but excellent for my tastes. Good job hyundia > Will buy another one.

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  Our 10th hyundai - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By nj2pa2nc - April 7 - 11:16 pm

  Traded in our 05 Hyundai Elantra gt for a 2011 Venetian red 6mt sonata. Loving it after 2 weeks.

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  V6 Sonata ROCKS! - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Central Illinois - April 7 - 8:56 pm

  I have owned my 07 Sonata for 3 months and I am loving every minute of it! It has excellent acceleration, nimble handling, smooth ride, great looks, quiet and roomy. I upgraded from a 2000 Elantra and wow what a difference! Hyundai has really improved their product line. It is very nice looking also. I have the 17 inch alloys and sunroof which really makes a difference on the appearance. If this car didnt have 4 doors I would swear it was a sports car!

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  Lovin It! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Lon Thompson - April 7 - 2:20 pm

  I did a lot of research, and test driving this time around. And I am so glad , that I chose the Hyundai Sonata. It has so much to offer, and is a great value. It really is a fun car to drive! Plenty of power, and comfort. I got the LX model, with heated leather seats, too many options to name, that you wont find with the competition, very luxurious, and comfortable. It will go head to head with the competition, any day.(Honda Accord),(Toyota Camry). If you dont believe me, just go test drive one today. It certainly isnt the Hyundai of 10 years ago, in fact, it feels like a much more expensive luxury/performance sedan. Best warranty on the market to boot!

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  I finally switched from Ford - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Mark - April 7 - 10:33 am

  Most of my friends say it must be a cold day in hell...I took the plunge and switched from Ford. I am so happy that I did. This vehicle is awesome and exceeds my expectations. I have owned this for 1 month and I cant believe the difference from an American car. Outstanding ride, comfort, and quiet solid vehicle.