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 value for money - 2005 Hyundai TUCSON
  By LX 4WD - November 21 - 3:10 pm

  I have had my Tucson now for 2 months and I LOVE IT! For 2 years I had a Honda CR-V and I have to say the Tucson is a much better value for the money! The Tucson offers much nicer "standard" options and rides like a dream. I love the fact that I have four wheel drive and the warranty is definitely a value! I also love my heated leather seats in the Winter! Even my parents are impressed! Thank you Hyundai!

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  What a car for the price - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Charlie C. - November 21 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car for the price I paid. On the same day I purchased this Sonata GLS-V6 with ABS option, my buddy purchased Accord EX 4 Cyl... for about $4500 more. We had almost identical (if not more) options. I love the roomy interior and lots of extra features. Cant beat this car for the price.

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  Wifes Car - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By dhoiseth - November 21 - 10:00 am

  I love the handling of the car and for the money, the ride is superior. There is one downside and thats the resale value. I plan on keeping it five years or more with the great warranty anyway.

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  Great buy ! - 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By murph20 - November 19 - 4:23 pm

  This was a great buy for the money.Lots of extras included in the base price and other options available at reasonable markup. With the V6 putting out 276 hp it has excellent acceleration and handles reasonably well. More than ample cargo space , attractive interior[love the blue lights] and one of the worlds best warranties makes this a great choice of a mid size SUV. Oh did I mention the price ??? But to be fair I have mention that it does not have the smoothest ride. All in all I have to say that I love this Vehicle for the price.

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  Perfect - 2011 Hyundai Veracruz
  By Obi_wan - November 19 - 10:00 am

  This is my third SUV. Ive owned the Toyota 4Runner and Sequoia. Im much happier with the Veracruz! I just made a trip to Oklahoma City from St Louis. I averaged 22.5 mpg. A lot better than the Sequoias average 15 mpg! The ride is smooth and quiet. My friend came along and brought a mobility scooter. It fit in the back perfect, plus left enough room for luggage. It took awhile for the car to cool down in the 95 degree heat of Ok City, but the a/c is very good. I cant make up anyones mind about a Korean automobile, but Im very happy with the Veracruz. Best of luck to any of you considering an SUV.

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  Love the car but.... - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By santafedriver - November 19 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Santa Fe almost two years ago and I have really enjoyed the car for the entire timeuntil today. The car started jumping forward when I was traveling a low speeds or stopped at a light. A few minutes later, the ESC and oil lights illuminated in the dashboard and the car lost power. Luckily I was just two blocks from home.

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  Another Hyundai winner! - 2005 Hyundai TUCSON
  By Michael Grear - November 19 - 9:50 am

  My Tuscon is really great. I have only one beef. Mine is the 4-cyl. / auto model. Highway mileage is SUPER! I have seen it as high as 34 mpg. However, most of my driving is city...and there, the Tuscon disappoints with only 17-18 mpg. (A V-8 can give those kind of numbers.) The Tucson is bigger than one would first notice; but, mileage for a 4-cul. vehicle sould be better. Build quality is outstanding, and hauling space is very generous. Would I buy another? You bet! My family is ALL Hyundai, and we are very satisfied.

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  Everything and More - 2010 Hyundai TUCSON
  By Jayne - November 18 - 9:20 pm

  I purchased my Tucson at Toms River Hyundai in New Jersey. I got the deal I wanted and would highly recommend the dealership and the Tucson. From the first mile I was impressed. My Tucson fully loaded and it has everything I could ever want. Its a pleasure to drive and the stereo system is awesome! Its a bit girly, which I like, for the average guy but perfect for us gals. It has the curves and listens when I give a voice command (really cool technology I might add). Getting 25 - 26 MPG around town which I feel is very good for a vehicle of its size. I feel safe in it and that means a lot to me. Very reasonable price and value for your dollar. Who could ask for more?

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  fun so far - 2005 Hyundai TUCSON
  By Bernie - November 18 - 3:06 pm

  This car has been fun to drive in the short time I have owned it. My only complaint is the rather mediocre gas mileage. A little more oomph on takeoff would also be nice, but it is very comfortable, handles well, looks great, and is priced right.

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  A great buy - 2005 Hyundai TUCSON
  By MD driver - November 16 - 1:36 am

  Purchased 11/04. Comes well equipped, handles well, no problems so far. Looked at comparable models before this purchase; you get more for your money with the Tucson without a drop-off in quality. Have taken on several long road trips. Decent mileage, low road noise, comfortable cabin. Factory sound sytem more than adequate.