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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  Great car, great price! - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By maple - March 9 - 10:00 am

  After doing a lot of research, I decided that the Touring was the car for me. I wanted a hatchback, and I wasnt happy with what was on the market (except possibly the Mazda 3). This car fit the bill - its roomy, comfortable, reliable, gets great gas mileage and versatile! Not to mention the very reasonable price tag! I got a manual transmission, so its pretty fun to drive, too.

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  Decent Car - 2007 should be better - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By DC - March 9 - 5:20 am

  This is overall a great car. I have strangers talking to me about it all the time. Its very sharp. Great power and ride. The amenities for a vehicle in this price range are fantastic, heated seats, 6 air bags, heated mirrors, ESC, great stereo, huge trunk, very roomy, nice ride.

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  Defintely Worth the Money - 2002 Hyundai Accent
  By cmc - March 8 - 1:04 pm

  I bought my Accent new in 09/01 and now have 120,000 miles on it. Still get 38 mi/gal and it is one of the best purchases Ive made. Only problems Ive had were minor - broken door handle, power window cables broke, and an ignition sensor (covered under warranty). My only current issue is a break/leak in the original exhaust (8 winters in Wisconsin will do that), otherwise Ive been very pleased with its quality. Because of our new baby, Ive looked into a replacement car. Putting a toddler into a car seat in the back is becoming tedious. I wouldnt recommend the Accent for families of four, but as a 1 or 2 person commuter car there is nothing better.

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  Good car for the money. - 2004 Hyundai XG350
  By Mark - March 8 - 1:43 am

  Traded a 05 Chevy C1500 to my sister for the car. Wife is main driver of the car and she loves it very much. Rides smooth and feels solid, not tinny like a small car. Decent power(I am used to V8 cars with manual trans) and will out run most similar type cars. Has almost every otion you can think of except HID lights and navigation. Has 45,000 miles on it now, only warranty work was replacememnt of a sensor for the emissions system on the gas tank. Brakes are good, no problems with warpage of the rotors even driving down moutains every day. Decent radio, good enough to get the job done but no DB drag winner. Best car for the money in its price range. Check it out first when looking at cars.

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  1st Years Fun Azera Diving Experience - 2009 Hyundai Azera
  By l ken keys - March 7 - 4:07 pm

  This past years 15,000 mile driving experience has been extremely enjoyable in our new azera ltd/ultimate. It gives great performance on regular gas. It included a 4700 mile trip of the maritimes (24.6 mpg), a 2667 mile trip to Baton Rouge, la. ( 23.8 mpg), and a 1961 mile to branson, mo. (22 mpg). On regular gas, the 5 speed automatic transmission, plus the dohc 3.8 liter al block v6 was much lighter on the front end, and performed better than the supercharged 3.8 cast iron block (premium gas) 1997 olds lss (4 speed automatic) car it replaced. In over all fact the much more completely featured azera was purchased in current dollars for less than my cost for the (new) 1997 olds. Great buy for the money.

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  Buy it! - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Love it! - March 7 - 12:43 pm

  Rented one after totaling my 2001 Infiniti I30, was curious about a crossover and was hooked! I had to drive the V6 because I like to be able to pass another car on the freeway and the 4 cylinder is too weak. Im under 5 feet tall, and this car makes me taller in the seat and on the road! It also fits my 510" husband well. Great value for the money and now I can go to Home Depot and not rent one of their trucks!

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  Mrs - 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Carol - March 7 - 6:06 am

  I like how high I am to see the road clearly. I like the smooth ride.

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  Good value, nice vehcile - 2009 Hyundai Azera
  By L&R - March 6 - 8:58 pm

  Have owned a 2009 GLS with the Premium Package for 2 months/1,600mi. Didn’t need the extra bells and the larger engine, so saved a few $$$. Comfortable ride and generously sized for 2 teens in the back seat. Does not feel big and is easy to park and maneuver in traffic. Plenty of power on hills (we live at 6,800 ft in Colorado and go up and down in elevation constantly), plus an average 21-22mpg on about 50/50 city/hwy driving. (yes, I do drive it nicely) There is plenty of power available if you choose to use it. I was quite surprised when I “jumped on it” the first time-got up to speed in no time! We did look at Honda, Toyota and Nissan and are happy with our decision.

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  Better than BMWs or Lexus for the price - 2009 Hyundai Azera
  By Gary - March 6 - 12:23 am

  I wanted the Azera ever since they came out and finally purchased the loaded Limited with navigation. The car is fantastic fun to drive. great firm suspension with a sports car feel interior is top notch. The many features you get with the Limited would cost a fortune if purchased with a BMW or Lexus. Im looking forward to t nice road trip to the Florida Keys in April and expect to get 27 or so MPG. The 3.8 ltr engine is real quick and powerful. Passing on the interstate is easy. You have to remember to check the speedometer because 80 and 90 mph comes up before you realize it. You cant go wrong with the Azera.

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  2007 Hyundai - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Dennis - March 5 - 6:16 pm

  I have always been a Honda Accord person. The automatic transmission had problems in my 2001 Accord. Dealers wanted to replace for $4k. After a lot of hassle, Honda sent me a check. The Sonata is a superior car. They have thought of every detail. From the clean looking engine department, to the roomy trunk. Pnuematic hood and trunk supports. I dont have to worry about bumping the stick when I check the oil.Plenty of room, cupholders in the back, and plenty of airbags. Nice car,at a nice price. I bought as a 2007 clearance. The new accord was too big and costly