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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  Replaced my Ford Windstar - 2007 Hyundai Entourage
  By vhowell - August 4 - 10:35 pm

  Bought an Entourage to replace a 1999 Ford Windstar that died on us with only 99,000 miles. Entourage gets about the same gas mileage as our old Ford, but has tons more features for the money, smoother and quieter ride, handles much better too. Broke in the first 1200 miles on winding mountain roads and enjoyed every minute. Was looking at Toyotas but liked the warranty and the lower purchase price. Absolutely no problems to report.

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  Shes a Beauty - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By MsAzzyinDC - August 4 - 9:32 pm

  This is a great car with a great ride. The little touches of luxury definitely make you take a second look to see what car youre in. I get many compliments on my car and Im glad I made the purchase.

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  Runs as good as it looks! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Peter Orapello - August 4 - 11:00 am

  I had my eye on the 2006 Sonata from the first day I received a promo in the mail. After reading many reviews I was conviced this was the car for me. Lots of room for my family, including my 17 month old, her car-seat and all the extras a little one needs. The car is very well built, stylish, and sporty, not to mention a blast to drive. I would have spent close to 30K for a compairable model from Honda or Toyota instead of the 24K I spent for this baby.

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  Best buy...period ! - 2005 Hyundai TUCSON
  By Patrick - August 3 - 2:26 am

  After owning nothing but GM automoblies and having nothing but problems, I did my research and bought a Hyundai. The warranty proves a company is not afraid to stand behind the QUALITY of its vehicles. Gas mileage has been decent for an SUV. I average 20 in the city and recently took a trip to S.C. from Il.and was shocked to see an avg. of 26 miles a gallon! I will recommend the Tucson and Hyundai to everyone. Very comfortable,holds alot of cargo with seats folded down,and drives as smooth as many cars I have owned. Overall, a very plesant experience. Build, fit and finish,ease of use are all proof of a leader in the industry trying to satisfy customers.

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  Great Little Car - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By Rosie - August 2 - 10:54 am

  I bought the Elantra SE in carbon gray. I knew nothing of Hyundais prior to this purchase. I didnt even know anyone who owned one. I wanted something small with good mileage with all the nifty stuff I hadnt opted for (okay - couldnt afford) in my previous car. This one beat the Corolla and the Civic hands down in value. Ive had it 3 months and it is just plain fun to drive. I only drive it to a commuter lot 4 miles from home and I wish I got to drive it further.

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  Perfect for my first new car - 2008 Hyundai Tiburon
  By josexavier - August 1 - 11:53 pm

  Ive had this car for about 1 yr now with 10k miles on it. It drives nice, rides good. Doesnt have a lot of power, but the styling, inside and out, more than make up for it. Havent had any major problems with the car, only sunroof wasnt working properly, but dealer took care of it at no charge.

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  Hyundai has created a MASTERPIECE!!! - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Terry - August 1 - 10:13 pm

  Hyundai has come a long way back especially when they introducted the Azera. We were in the market for a new vehicle and after reviewing Consumer Reports decided to test drive a few to include the Toyota Avalon and 2007 Camry and Honda Accord. Due to the history of Hyundai I had my concerns with buying one of their cars even thought our daughter had a 2004 Elantra which was a Consumer Reports recommended buy. We test drove all the others before driving the Azera. Turned out we saved the best for last and for thousands less! Have owned 95 Corvette with six speed and 99 Cadillac STS..this is better than both!! Drive one for yourself and youre be impressed too! Japanese auto makers beware!

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  verry happy, would buy another - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By bizzman - August 1 - 4:21 pm

  i have about 37,000 miles on it and no major problems as of yet.

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  excellent ride - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By M. Gibbons - August 1 - 1:08 pm

  First 4 tanks 37,38,37,39 MPG. That is mostly highway averaging 63-65 MPH. My daily commute is 100 miles. Compared to the older Toyota Tercel and Saab I was driving I am thrilled with the ride quality - smooth and quiet. I wanted a Yaris but could not find one with side curtain airbags. I am very happy with the way the car looks (I got in black). I thought I would get the hatchback but the visibilty was not great and since our other vehicle is an FJ Cruiser.......enough said. The tires and wheel covers with the base GLS trim are very nice, not the usual economy car bicycle tires. Under 13K, excellent mileage, standard side airbags (I have a 2 yr old) great warranty...easy decision

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  Still Early But - 2006 Hyundai TUCSON
  By John Norfolk - August 1 - 12:16 pm

  I have only had for a month, but my wife and i love it. It seems to be very well built handles great, very quiet and has all the safety features and warranty at a fair price.I am getting over 21 mpg in city. Driving Florida To Md. in August, and looking forward to it. I sold autos for 15 years and would recomend this vehicle to everyone!