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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  My new Equus- 2012 model - 2012 Hyundai Equus
  By jfred - November 8 - 2:45 pm

  I have just had the car a short time and I held out for the 2012 model due to vastly improved engine and transmission. (429 HP and 8 speed). I havent opened it up yet, but it obviously has worlds of power. 0 to 60 probably near 5 secs. It is ultra quiet and very comfortable. The seat has many adjustments and the control for same is very handy. It is priced many thousands (20 to 35K) less than M-B S series, BMW 7 series, or the big Lexus, or Audi A8. Go drive it and see for yourself!r Audi A8 to 30K) less than any equivalent car from BMW, M-B,

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  2012 Elantra Limited - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By rt129 - November 4 - 10:32 pm

  I took deliver of my 2012 Titanium Gray Metallic Elantra (my fourth Elantra) and have received many compliments on the color and style of the car. The interior is modern and has some upscale flair to it. The leather seats are comfortable on short and long trips with little to no fatigue. Love being in this car. The only thing, to date, that I am a bit disappointed is the fuel rating is not as good as I hoped (averaging 31 in mixed driving). Overall, I am happy with the car and I highly recommend the Limited as a great car at a great price.

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  Good stuff. - 2012 Hyundai Accent
  By kles - November 3 - 9:58 pm

  I bought my Accent SE about a month ago and have put 1000+ miles on it, and still love driving it! Other cars I test-drove first: --Honda Fit--Had better visibility and cargo space, with cool fold up/down seats but no Bluetooth , more expensive, and virtually unavailable for months) --Ford Fiesta was nice looking and cheap, with great Bluetooth for wireless phone and music. But a miniscule back seat and cargo area--doubt it would have fit the carseat with my 4 yr old actually in it, let alone a full-sized person. Also, poor visibility--felt like I had to crane my neck to see out left drivers front window & right rear window. Poor visibility out back d/t small window & huge headrests.

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  Hyundai Elantra - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By drealee73 - November 3 - 7:48 pm

  I was in an accident with my 2004 Hyundai Elantra and although it was totaled, there is nothing bad I can say about this car. The other guy ran a red light and I t-boned him at 60 mph. The airbag deployed and my seat belt did not break. This accident was three days ago and Im just sore. No broken bones. I was at the emergency room for about 30 minutes and was told I was fine and could leave. My Hyundai Elantra saved my life and that is why Im taking the time to write this review. I highly recommend this vehicle for its comfort, safety, size, and pretty much everything else about it.

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  Now Have 41,000 miles on near perfect car. - 2011 Hyundai Genesis
  By whiterocket2 - October 31 - 12:14 am

  I must say I never get tired of driving the Genesis. The power has kept me out of at least two crashes. Its is an outstanding vehicle. I use the adaptive cruise control most everyday and it works flawlessly in traffic. The sound system is the best I have ever heard in any car. Would I buy another Genesis? Yes, without hesitation. As an aside I also own a BMW and the fit and finish of the Genesis is better and so far the Genesis has been much more reliable, In fact the Genesis has only needed routine service.

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  As Good as an Aerostar - 2002 Hyundai Accent
  By mikehs2 - October 25 - 10:29 am

  Best car Ive ever owned. 133,000 miles, 40 mpg, yes 40! on the highway. I checked it 3 times! No oil burn. Only service issue was the rear brake cylinders which Hyundai happily replaced. Have to service the car every 7,500 miles and due the proper maintenance. Make sure you change the timing belt at 90,000, and if you have an auto transmission, it has to be serviced every 30,000. Dont be shy to buy one used, if its the 5 speed manual. Im sure ours will go at least 250,000.

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  Great Econo Transportation AND FUN to drive! - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By fl_lead_foot - October 24 - 11:06 pm

  Im replacing an 06 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which we loved except for the 20K miles per year at an average of 18MPG! When I first saw the new Hyundai Sonata & Elantra "twins" I was near a MB dealer and knew what the "new" 580s looked like. I saw a Sonata and thought, gee, Ive not read that MB brought back the 190, then I saw the H badge. Ive never owned a Hyundai (and have to think about spelling it), BUT when I saw their new styling and read the rave reviews, I thought, self, the Jeep must go! Granted, this is NOT my driver, it is my wifes daily driver ... BUT ... I DO commandeer it on the weekends! Gas mileage is great, ride is great, driving experience is great ... car is great!

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  Five years in the waiting and I chose Genesis - 2012 Hyundai Genesis
  By murrman - October 21 - 1:06 pm

  For as long as I can remember, my ideal car was going to be a BMW 5 Series, but all that changed with Genesis. After test driving BMW & Lexus, and seriously considering a2012 Dodge SRT8 Charger I went with the Genesis 5.0. The 550i was in the mid $60K, and although the SRT8 was tempting the 2012 R-Spec had the entire package I was looking for, especially since I opted for the Bridgestone summer tires. The ride is moderately harsh but I live in SW FL and our roads are pristine, and coming out of a 08 Sonata Limited I welcome the cornering ability. No company can beat Hyundais warranty, reliability, and service. Im 100% satisfied although I think the R-Spec shouldve included an iPod.

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  safest car i have ever owned - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By lizzy8911 - October 19 - 9:26 pm

  i bought a 2005 elantra gt in october 2010 and i absolutely fell in love with it! i loved the whole package and the car was very affordable and great on gas! November 2010, 4 weeks after i purchased the car, i was in a bad car accident at speeds of 55 mph and i t-boned someone who turned in front of my car. I somehow managed to walk away from the accident without a single scratch on me. I would love to own this car again! and also the car i purchased was a reconstructed title so it was already in a car accident and managed to keep me alive. and i also found out i was pregnant during the crash too and baby survived also! I want another one so bad now that i have my daughter!

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  Do yourself and family a favor and buy one - 2011 Hyundai Genesis
  By hudsonloverf - October 19 - 3:51 pm

  Purchased new 2011 in late August 2010. Just completed 520 trip in 8 hours averaging 65 mph and 31.7 mpg while cruising at 80 mph. Rides very comfortably and drives with the greatest of ease. MSRP was 33.8 and drove it out the door for $27K even. No trade in. Do not believe any domestic or foreign automobile is better at less then $60K. Maybe an Equus but I would be surprised if performance or comfort was better...maybe a little faster on a race track. With over 15,000 miles on it now, the car turns in better mileage. Have had no problems whatsoever. Apparently it has even appreciated a bit from its year ago out the door price. Can you find a car that does not depreciate ?