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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  Question on cargo area - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By cargo man - August 16 - 10:00 am

  Can you help? I noticed the rear seats do not fold down flat leaving a significant angle to that portion of the cargo area. Is that normal? Im still in the shopping stage and this concerns me. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

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  2000 Elantra - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By grapejuice - August 15 - 2:00 am

  This a been one of the most trouble free cars I have ever owned. I have had warrannty service performed on two different occasions by a dealership other than where I bought the car. Both times I was treated as if I had bought ten cars form them. Service has been excellent. The only complaint I have is that the paint is not holding up and Hyndai doent want to do anything about it. Gas milage is not what I expected in a small car with a for cylinder engine.

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  cruising in style - 2002 Hyundai XG350
  By blazersin2005 - August 12 - 2:00 am

  i like it i feel like an old man in it thogh but it is very comfortable it drives real nice the stereo jams the seats are great powere everything real great car so far.

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  2004 sonata - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By rn - August 12 - 2:00 am

  this car is smooth.. in transmission, riding, and driving. It has the sense of luxury without the luxury high price. I have owned for one week and I love it.

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  Sonata OK , but get the lights fixed - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By PPN & JCR - August 12 - 1:06 am

  We are generally satisfied and like the many features. Our one problem is the poor illumination, bad aiming of the low beams. We tried with dealers and district manager, but had to get an independent inspection and re- aiming.

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  Replacement 2007 - 2007 Hyundai TUCSON
  By Ken - August 11 - 2:40 pm

  I just received this 2007 SE model as a replacement for my 2006 GLS which I had to lemon law due to charging system problems. So far, no problems with this 2007 model except for a leaking rear window that was fixed. The engine has nice power and the stability control and traction control keep the truck going straight and under control. The interior is roomy and the controls right at hand. Four wheel disc brakes along with dual exhaust are really nice. Mine came with Bridgestone tires this year comapred to BF Goodrich last. The "Bridges" have a much nicer ride and a lot better tread pattern that will do fine in the snow I believe. So far, Im quite happy and content!

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  350L - 2002 Hyundai XG350
  By Larry Laingor - August 11 - 10:00 am

  This is our first Hyundia and were impressed with the 350Ls white/tan looks, warranty and no interest loan option. Weve driven 8000 miles so far, mostly long trips, and have enjoyed the comfort, lack of any major problems and people asking what kind of car we have. We have been averaging 25 mpg which seems low but may improve. We were disapointed that the doors dont lock when started on put in gear.

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  Good Entry Level Car - 2002 Hyundai Accent
  By Daves - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Bought my Hyundai a couple of weeks ago. For the money, its an excellent value, so far. You shouldnt be expecting a Porsche for ~$10K. It gets me around very well. Warranty service has been great so far. I had the check engine light come on the day I bought it. Got right into the dealership, found the gas cap sensor sensed the gas station attendant hadnt properly tightened the gas cap. My son wouls like more zip, but this keeps him out of trouble.

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  Low beam - 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By pierrot2 - August 10 - 10:32 am

  We have had our Santa Fe for a month now, so far so good. Steering takes a little getting used to. But I find the that on low beams, the lights make a line that is very anoying when driving on the highway. As anyone noticed this problem, if so how can it be fixed. The vehicle is brand new to us, never driven a Hyundai before always GMs which were very good.

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  better than youd expect - by far - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By frequentt buyer - August 10 - 5:23 am

  I bought an 09 elantra touring on Monday. Got $500 of sticker, and $1000 rebate. Prices will go down more, since this is a brand new model, but its a great car. Peppy acceleration, tons of room and legitimate 30+ mpg highway/26 in town. 100,000 mile warranty too