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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  One Great Car - 2009 Hyundai Azera
  By Bob P - April 20 - 9:29 am

  I purchase the Hyundai Azera Limited after having a Camry for only 15 months (which also was purchsed new) The Azera Ltd. has much more power with just scacrificeing a mile or two MPG. The ride is top knotch and the sound system is awesome. Braking is aggressive. The "manual" shift mode is fun on the twisty roads. Fold-in mirrors is a great auto car wash feature. I found out that the Sun Screen in the back window is not only good on sunny days, but also a benefit when the guy behind you has his brights on. So far this car has been a pleasure to drive and own.

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  Great car even better warranty - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Cameron - April 19 - 11:10 pm

  10 years ago Hyundai was the laughing stock of the auto industry. Today, Hyundai is changing the face of automobiles offering quality products with incredible warranties. I purchased this car for gradutation and I could not be happier. Afforadble payments and cheap full coverage insurance will keep me in the green with the rise of gas prices. I recommed these vehicles to anyone who wants a safe, fun to drive vehicle that wont break the bank.

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  Beware with Dealers - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Rey - April 19 - 11:46 am

  I have owned two Sonatas, 02 and 07both have given me adecuated performance as I find the quality above normal, however, Even though not all dealers are at fault I have found a couple of dealers in upstate NY to be lacking, know how when it comes to trouble shooting issues with both of my vehicles to the point I dont bring my vehicle to them, only if absolutely necessary. The resale value is pathetic to say the least, even thou dealers wants premium price used. next time a BMW is more apropiated.

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  Awesome first car - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By kristen - April 19 - 7:23 am

  I just graduated high school, and was looking at a lot of cars from Toyota to Mazda to Chevy. i finally found the Hyundai Elantra.Searching all over for the SE was crazy. if ur looking for an SE good luck finding one. The warranty is the best. The car is quiet and has a lot of room. the trunk is huge! the Elantra also gets very good gas, i have a 136 miles already and not even a half a tank.

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  The car is A OK. - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By g.lohrke - April 18 - 11:46 pm

  The driving is very good. Good power, and good handling. Have had no problems with the car so far.

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  Mileage Concerns - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By MILEAGE - April 18 - 7:43 pm

  I have read a lot about different owners obtaining either normal or low mileage with the SF. My vehicle (2.7L- 4sp auto)is rated for 24/20. If driven carefully, coasting, no jackrabbits, moderate 50 mph speeds, I have obtained 30 mpg on long trips. My normal is around 22 mpg. So much depends on your driving style. For those with low mileage, get the lead out of your shoes.

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  Wow, Better than our Lexus - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Amanda - April 17 - 3:16 pm

  I had been looking at a Lexus ES330 when a friend suggested I take a look at the Azera. I drove an Ultimate Package and was simply blown away. The only thing I liked better about the Lexus was the auto up and down feature for the rear windows. Past that, it truly doesnt hold up well against the Azera. I traded an 03 Lexus ES in on my black on black Azera. My husband is trading his Acura for a Steel Gray azera next month. Dealership experience as good as our (former) Lexus dealer. Hyundai has a happy buyer.

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  First car Ive ever owned - 2016 Hyundai Accent
  By April - April 17 - 1:39 am

  I just got my 2016 accent two weeks ago and I absolutely love it. It takes a minute to get up to speed as it is a 4 cylinder vehicle but I get about 35-40 mpg! Absolutely love it. It is quiet and comfortable and the AC will freeze you outta the car!

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  Impressed with Genesis - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By mike g - April 16 - 7:06 pm

  Finished 2007 m45 lease and was interested in new G37 sedan. G37 is not available. Heard about Genesis and checked them out. V8s were just showing up and I was blown away. Car is great!!! Best automotive bargain around. Drives like an $80k LS460 for $42K. My kids want to disown me but they are away at school and havent seen this car.

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  my 07 sonata - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By 2007 sonata - April 16 - 11:06 am

  I just got this car march 18th of 09 I can,t say is a perfect car but I have hade to already take it to the dealer twice for a noise coming from the rear brakes first time I took in the lube the pin ect then I took in yesterday and the rotors have to be replaced I know its a used car but I shouldnt have to spend all this money to get it fixed and the struts need to be replace car is all over the road I am going to talk to some and see if I can get another car ill update thanks