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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  Big Car Like Ride and Quietness - 2017 Hyundai Elantra
  By Paul Cherubini - October 3 - 6:07 pm

  I travel alot and rent cars alot and I was truely amazed by ride comfort and quietness of this 2017 Elantra. On Portland, Oregons coarse and inherently noisy freeway road surfaces the ride was remarkably free of excessive road noise and vibration - definately better than any other midsize car I have driven (Corolla, Sentra, Focus, etc). The front seats were larger and better padded than any of those other cars too. And the front seats felt roomier (Im 62" and 250 lbs and did not feel cramped). The instrumental was more complete (gauge type tachometer, engine temp, fuel level). The engine is so well insulated against noise that its barely audible when accelerating moderately around town. The car was easy to control at freeway speeds even during 30-45 mph crosswinds. The suspension soaks up sharp road bumps well without the uncomfortable stiffness of most new cars nowadays. I used to think the Toyota Corolla was the most comfortable and refined Asian midsize car, but the 2017 Elantra has clearly surpassed it - and by a long shot.

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  BMW Replacement - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By Dallas - October 3 - 3:39 pm

  I traded in my BMW 328i for this Elantra and I really couldnt be happier. I do miss the luxury of the BMW, but I love the gas economy of this Elantra. I am getting about 38 MPG combined city/highway. The comfort is very nice and the interior is put together very well. Just yesterday I drove this car through very heavy rain (it was practically a monsoon), but I didnt lose traction even once while going in excess of 75mph through standing water. I have owned a Honda, Acura, Ford, BMW, and now a Hyundai, but I would put the Hyundai at the top of the list because of its handling, reliability, and gas mileage.

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  Great SUV--Great price - 2005 Hyundai TUCSON
  By Perry - October 3 - 5:03 am

  A terrific 4x4 in the snow and mountains. Very comfortable coupled with a great 6 disk sound system. The sun roof comes in handy on nice days. The size lets me park very easily anywhere. The service from the dealer has been world class...something one would experience with a vehicle twice the price. The seats fold down easily for hauling oversize items in the back. It is very quiet, smooth to drive, and handles very well in the city and on the highway. The electronic stability control is very important in snow/ice. A winner!

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  Tucson - 2005 Hyundai TUCSON
  By Debbie - October 2 - 7:26 pm

  Ive been driving this car for about a month and really like it. Its comfortable, handles well and has a lot of useful features.

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  GREAT CAR - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Drifter - October 2 - 6:48 am

  Ive had my Azera now for 6 months and have had no problems not even minor. The fit, finish and curb appeal is awesome. I get more compliments from strangers and friends than I can even count. I will continue to buy from Hyundai since they have the best cars at the best prices. No Toyota, Nissan, BMW or Mercedes of equal size can compare in my opinion.

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  i love it! - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Melissa - October 1 - 11:56 pm

  This car is so nice to drive! Just take one for a test drive and you will fall in love with it. I can make a 360 degree turn effortlessly and accelerate faster than my 2005 v6 sonata! My friends call it "a mini Lexis IS250". I have never felt more comfortable and safe. Truly a best buy, especially for the buck!

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  A little trooper she is. - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By mona - October 1 - 11:03 am

  Six months after buying my Elantra, I was hit from behind by a semi (which pushed me into the car in front of me). Other than a pulled back, I was fine. My car, on the other hand, had to have quite a bit of work (body and two things under the hood). Over four years later, Ive never had a problem with the engine -- despite her smash- up. Im no mechanic but that record speaks to me of her reliability more so than if shed never been in such a collision.

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  Im in love - 2017 Hyundai Sonata
  By Nick DeLaTorre - October 1 - 1:32 am

  This car has great looks and has more than enough power for the price.

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  Amazing Azera - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Captain - September 30 - 12:40 am

  This is my 35th car in 75 years. I have had all kinds from Model As to Lincolns. The Azera tops them all in every except fuel economy.

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  59k - 2007 Hyundai Entourage
  By Christian Kramer - September 28 - 12:03 pm

  We have 59k on the van to date and have had no problems.