4 Star Reviews for Hyundai

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.45/5 Average
13,764 Total Reviews
Make Overview:

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:

Showing 2611 through 2620 of 13,764.00
  • Really excellent low-end car - 2003 Hyundai Accent
    By -

    We *were* a 100% Toyota family until we tried the Accent GSi looking for a 2nd Echo. Our criteria was just the best we could get for the least $$. We considered all the low-end cars: Mazda, Mitsubishi, Honda were too expensive Kias still a little on the fringe, North American is still a maintenance problem although the Cavelier/Sunfire powertrain was nice (simple/powerful). The Accent has 2 things that are truly excellent: excellent fit&finish (inside & out) and excellent handling (GSi is sport- tuned). Since the engine will be low- powered when youre buying economy its those other two features that can make your day-to-day driving a real pleasure.

  • Unexpectly Great Car - 1994 Hyundai Elantra
    By -

    I bought this car new because it had 5yr. unlimited mileage warranty. I expected to throw it away after the 5 yr. period. 9 years later, we still have the car. The only expense were regular oil changes, new tires, brake pads. No rust! Starts in -40. Has lots of power for a 4banger (125hp). Looks great even after 9 years.

  • High Class Look for Middle Class Budgets - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    I just purchased a 2002 Sonata today, and I love the way it looks!! That was the main reason I bought the car, the rich looking exterior. Beautiful curves. And even though Ive only had it for a day Im in love already!

  • best bang for your $$$ - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    I got this car about a month a go and I like, is a lot of fun to drive, the 6 cylinder engine has plenty of power, I got the limited so is loaded, I paid $20,299.00 for it including a $3k rebate. For the money you cant buy a better car new. Im getting 21 mpg but Im driving it like I stole it. I always had v8s so getting 20 mpg is big for me, the only complaint I have is that the glove box rattles when I drive on bumpy roads.

  • Love it, but CONSTANTLY in the shop. - 2006 Hyundai Tiburon
    By -

    Car is BABIED, and yet at only 25k miles Ive had to put her in the shop nearly every 3 months for something major. It never ends. Had to replace numerous speed censors, the entire flywheel/clutch assembly, complete transmission change-out (mine is a 6- speed manual, that suddenly gave out a couple weeks ago), and sunroof control, along with ongoing minor annoyances like constant blown fuses from stock wiring issues. Ridiculous. I love this car to death and take such good care of it.. but every time I turn around Im running into major work that needs to be done on her. Having bought her used, I only get the 60k mile warranty, so I might SELL her before then! Yikes.

  • My Tibby - 2004 Hyundai Tiburon
    By -

    Im 17 years old and still in high school so I needed something kinda sporty that I wouldnt get made fun of but still wouldnt kill me with insurance and gas prices. So after a month I finally found the Hyundai tiburon. Ive owned it about a month now and I love it. I love the way it handles and the purr of the engine (even with a inline four cylinder) when I start it up and it idles. I wish it could go faster than 130 mph but Im not complaining. The interior is pretty sweet. It doesnt look cheap. The body style is pretty slick looking too. I get a lot of looks when im driving around town. Being in a city in North Dakota you kinda stick out with a sportier car.

  • FLAWLESS - 2001 Hyundai Accent
    By -

    Put 73,000 miles on car in 20 months. Average 35 MPG, mostly highway. Car has been almost perfect only 1 minor problem winshield washer squirter, repaired under warranty. Handling is good & predictable, even when pushing it. Really only complaint is brakes four wheel disk would be great. My other car (91 Saab) has it and the difference is dramatic. Only other drawback is depreciation all Korean cars lose about 25% of their valus soon as you drive off from the dealer and lose another 25% after one year. So you should plan to keep it for a long time. However, this makes it a great used car buy.

  • Nice vehicle for the price - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
    By -

    I like every thing about this vehicle except the the way the steering wheel is built. With one of the three connecting post right at the bottom of the steering wheel, it makes it difficult to place your hand in a comfortable position without reaching for the top of the steering wheel. Gas mileage could be better. 24 is the best i can get. Of course, most of my driving is city..stop and go.

  • So far, so good! - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    Purchased a new 2003 Sonata w/the V6 upgrade and 4AT (no other options). Its great! Interior could use some minor adjustments - like seat comfort - the drivers side certainly doesnt "cradle" you (spoiled by my old Chevy Lumina!) The speaker sound quality is not the best - a little muddy. But overall, a GREAT deal! We were out the door at $15,806 (including a 1000 rebate). Mike and crew at Fitzgerald Auto Mall were upfront and very accommodating. More than I can say for some of the other dealers we visited before buying there.

  • Great Review of a Hyundai?!?! - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
    By -

    Taking a risk and buying a Hyundai after 11 years of ownership of a Nissan Maxima. There have been many doubts but so far this Hyundai keeps dispelling them. Unlike any other car Ive owned this one has prompted me to drive out of the way just for the sheer enjoyment of driving and listening to the amazing stock stereo system. For a mid sized car it comes awfully close to Cadillac in ride quality. If you need to save precious $$$ from a new Camry or Accord I suggest you take gander at this car before making a decision. Hyundai has a chip on its shoulder and it shows as their newer products may not be just closing the gap but jumping ahead instead.

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