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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  No apologies: One nice car! - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Andy Whalen - January 1 - 6:50 pm

  This car is excellent. I hate to say "for the money" because that sounds like compromise Azera makes none. The design is tasteful, classy, elegant and understated, the interior is comfortable and fully appointed, and the driving dynamics are quick, smooth, nimble and competent. No torque oversteer. 5-speed transmission + VVT 263hp V6 turns the car into a ROCKET. Every safety feature in the books. We liked my wifes so much I bought myself one two months later. Feels as good behind the wheel as a GS, 5 or E, for 2/3 the price of an IS, 3 or C. Like I said: NO APOLOGIES! Hyundai has EARNED major respect from a car nut here, and Ill certainly be in line at the dealer when Genesis arrives!

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  tiburon se - too good to be true - 2005 Hyundai Tiburon
  By eddolfan - December 31 - 3:53 pm

  i previously owned a 1973 saab sonnett III, which was a limited production sports car. the saab pales in comparison to the tiburon which is both sporty and practical at the same time. the handling is terrific and the comfort of riding in the vehicle is impressive. the most often heard comment i receive is: "is this really a hyundai?" based on the stigma still partially attached to hyundai automobiles, i view this as a huge compliment on my taste in cars.

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  Very pleased - 2008 Hyundai Entourage
  By cookiewm - December 31 - 9:16 am

  Only have had the van for 2 weeks but we are loving it. The room, the drive. So far so good.

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  Im Sold - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Bored with GM - December 31 - 7:06 am

  I have been an American sedan driver for 20 years. I decided a change was in order. I looked at BMW, Audi, Toyota, and Lexus. I saw an Azera on the road 2 months ago and slowed down to see what it was. I did my research, test drove it a couple of times and bought it last week. Id recommend it whole heartedly. I bought the Limited with the premium package (6 CD Infinity Speakers, Sunroof). I love the interior and its well put together. Handles great and fun to drive. The past 2 cars I have owned were both Cadillacs, and I am looking forward to driving this car for years to come.

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  Wonderful Vehicle Needs better MPG - 2007 Hyundai TUCSON
  By Karen - December 30 - 11:36 pm

  The car is great. Right now I am especially disappointed in the gas mileage. It is supposed to get 20 city 26 highway. I do mostly highway travel and I can barely get 17-18 mpg as an average overall.

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  Korean Rolls Royce - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Sion126 - December 29 - 12:39 am

  I am impressed with this car. Great handling, nice ride, awesome performance. Early days yet, but the best car I have owned so far and my fourth brand new one. My last new car was a Porsche Boxster, which was OK. This car for the $ is just awesome. I never enjoyed my Porsche. I am a tall guy - 6ft4, and this is just the perfect fit for me. My first new car was an Opel Monza, then a 95 Accent, Vauxhall Corsa Diesel, Porsche Boxster and now this Azera. I had plenty of used BMW, Mercedes and Renaults as well over the years.

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  Incredible Car - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By cfoazera - December 28 - 7:40 pm

  I just picked up the Azera. Im selling my 06 Sonata LX. Another Great Car. The commercials and pricing on the Azera made me jump. The car drives like a BMW/Lexus/Mercedes. Great power, ESC, TC and all the other options are great. I drove the other day through 15 types of rain in an hour, the auto wipers adjusted PERFECTLY everytime. The car feels like it can take turns even better than my Sonata, and I thought that was great. This is a $40,000 car, without a doubt. Luckily we are on the cusp of Hyundai regaining Market share after previous years of producing crappy cars. Buy now, the prices WILL go up, the car is simply outstanding.

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  Never thought Id be driving a Hyndai! - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mrs. Outlaw - December 28 - 2:16 am

  But I am and proud of it! I had a 1998 neon that I bout used, I decided to treat myself to a new car. I had totally settled on the 2010 Altima. I was at the dealership looked across and saw the Sonata. Boy am I glad I did. This car is great, my husband would never be caught dead in my neon, now I cant keep him out of my Hyundai. The price was great and the 0% finance was on time. Needless to say my first new car buying experience was great thanks to Hyundai. I got the slate blue and I receive daily compliments on how immaculate the paint jobs is. Im still stuck up not letting anyone eat or drink a thing in my car. Owned it 7 weeks now and have not a regret! Go Hyundai!

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  Awesome Deal - 2004 Hyundai Tiburon
  By sharkbite - December 27 - 2:00 am

  When I first laid eyes on the new Tiburon, I had to buy one. I just traded in my SUV for a new GTV6 and I love it...and with all of the standard options...spoiler, Infinity 360 watt stereo w/sub, alloy wheels, its a no- brainer. What a great car for the money!!!

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  Great Car - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By mike332 - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I love it! Best deal for the money and warrenty. Glad I bought it. Great little car.