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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  The Ultimate Mix of Sporty Luxury & Economy! - 2013 Hyundai Veloster
  By blackoutsbox - February 6 - 10:24 pm

  I have only had it for a few days now but I cant put into words the level of awesomeness of this car. This car is a bat mobile / tron futuristic spaceship rather than just a car. I havent even begun to toy with all the gadzillion features it has but I can say for certainty that a trinity of unique style, power, and economy have birthed this majestic wonder.

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  Saved My Life - 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By megiejay1684 - February 6 - 6:52 pm

  Although I cannot attest to the logevity of this vehicle (as I only had it for about 6 months) I can definetly say that it is extremely safe. I was in a head on collision on my way to work one morning, hit by a lifted 90-something Ford F-250 going about 60+ miles/hr. This Santa Fe did exactly what it was designed to do by crumpling the engine area, and other than the fact that the front end of the vehicle was smashed like an accordian, the rest of cabin area and the car was completely fine. I only walked away with a small break in my ankle, which was from me bracing myself as I tried to brake. I, as well as the paramedics on site, believe whole-heartedly that this vehicle saved my life.

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  Great car for your money - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Pete - February 6 - 2:46 pm

  After owning toyotas all my life I never thought that I would make the switch to a Hyunday. Great price for a vehicle with everything in it. The only thing missing is the NAV. Thanks for not coming down on the price on that Camry prestige.

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  CUTE CAR - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By - February 6 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE FOUND THE HYUNDAI TO BE A GOOD VALUE FOR THE PRICE... THE SIZE IS GOOD AND IT DRIVES VERY NICE WITH PLENTY OF SPACE.. HAVE TAKEN IT ON TRIPS AND NOT A PROBLEM WITH GOOD PICK UP AND COMFORT RIDING... NICE MEDIUM CAR.

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  Mid-life crisis over - 2003 Hyundai Tiburon
  By A1 - February 6 - 2:00 am

  This car looks beautiful, rides nice, and fufills my mid-life crisis need of not driving a mini-van. Only problem is I cant get my wife out of my car!

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  Comparable with Honda - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Jennifer - February 5 - 6:13 pm

  I absolutely love my new 2007 Santa Fe. I have purchased several Honda Vehicles and I love this one more. It has a smooth ride, beautiful interior and love the new redesigned exterior. This SUV handles wonderfully. You will enjoy it and the price and warranty is the best part of all!

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  A Teachers Dream Comes True - 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Donna Coffin - February 5 - 6:03 pm

  I love my new Hyundai Santa Fe. There is plenty of storage for my school books, bookbag, posters, etc. On to the grocery store and still enough room for my groceries. We love traveling in my Santa Fe. The two Chihuahua cages fit perfectly in the back and a roll-down shield to protect them from the sun, what more could I ask. The students love my new vehicle. Thank you Hyundai for my "totally awesome ride".

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  2006 Tuscon - 2006 Hyundai TUCSON
  By Brenda - February 5 - 1:50 pm

  We bought a five speed Tuscon for its price and fuel economy. We love it. It is so much fun to drive and gets so much better fuel economy than the last three automatic transmission Ford Escapes I have had. I love the side view mirror defrost feature and the cargo area liner; its great to just lift up and dirt falls off versus having to vac carpet every time you purchase plants for your garden and bring them home. Its so easy to keep clean and has lots of wonderful little features that you wouldnt expect for the price!

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  Solid performer - 2005 Hyundai TUCSON
  By DavGrn - February 5 - 1:23 pm

  Bought to replace 2000 explorer and have found it to be a great SUV. It doesnt have the cargo area of the explorer but makes up for that in better mileage and much better ride. Fit and finish are excellent. I would highly recommend to anyone looking at this segment of the SUV market.

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  2006 Wow! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Freval - February 4 - 6:33 pm

  Probably one of the most comfortable and Beautiful automobiles I have driven in a long time.