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:

• 

  Low Tire Pressure - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By kristinadd - July 22 - 5:55 pm

  I bought this car in April of 2011. All through summer and now into the winter, the low tire pressure light has been coming on and I have to bring it into the dealership and have them record it since it is a leased car. They say its because of the weather getting cold but on 80 degree days, I dont believe that at all! Other than that, it is a great car, very big and spacious. Though, very EASY to hit curbs!

• 

  Excellent So Far - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By CanadianSonata - July 22 - 9:23 am

  Bought a "previously loved" 08 with 20000 miles on it. My wife and I are very happy with the vehicle. Great value for the money. I cant imagine spending thousands more on a Camry or Accord. How much better can they be? Ride is smooth and quiet, performance is more than adequate. Steering could be more precise, but is OK for a family car. Nice large trunk. Front seats could be a little longer for more thigh support, but are still comfortable. Interior quality is good, but the design is a bit lacking. This has been fixed in the 09s. Vehicle should come standard with ABS, but it is only on higher trim levels in Canada. OEM Tires are not great - noisy and wear quickly - will be replaced.

• 

  Hyundai Happy BUT .... - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By buyforless - July 22 - 4:50 am

  Purchased the 2006 Sonata LX V6 in June. Fresh off the factory floor. Good price for a good car despite two early recalls for minor fixs. Has good pick-up to get on highway. Good visibility. interesting areodynamics. You should see the air flow pattern from the driver seat when its snowing. Fasticinating. Easy reach to all important controls. Seat warmers work well - almsot to well. Downsides: Poor handing in snow. Darn seat belt bell wont stop ringing if you get out of the car with it idle.

• 

  big sad surprise - 2012 Hyundai Veloster
  By guga - July 22 - 4:43 am

  My 2nd review after I drove to LA and back. The milage was not what was advertised, even freeway. The interior is fine with the exception of the headrest. If you are a short person - be cautious. It is designed for tall people - 57" and over. But the most disappointing aspect is the power - or lack there of I thought I was breaking the demographics as I am older, but it really is a very very cute little old ladies car. I may be an older lady and there is NO power. Going on an uphill on 101, which isnt much of a hill. I will dread driving to Tahoe or Yoemite . Except for the looks that is A++, this car is a disappointment.

• 

  Clutch issues, warranty? Nope! - 2013 Hyundai Veloster
  By benpl - July 22 - 3:04 am

  My girlfriend and I both purchased new Hyundais last year. Elantra for her, Veloster Turbo for me. After this, we will be trading them in ASAP! Highly disappointed in the dealer and manufacture support with my Velosters clutch failures. I would assume the company would be paying close attention and offering more support and care for a new model release. Especially during the first couple years as quirks and arising issues are being worked out and brought to their attention. I will say it was a fun experience driving the Veloster Turbo but I cant say that about owning. My lady and I will not buy Hyundais again after the experience weve been through and financial hardships this car caused

• 

  My First New Car - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By KSM - July 21 - 7:14 pm

  In Nov of 2005, my used Subaru had reached its life expectancy. I could not afford an expensive vehicle so the Elantra was my choice after driving a couple other vehicles (Accent, Aveo, and a couple Suzukis). I have to say this vehicle has been fantastic. I do a lot of highway driving and get about 32-34mpg regularly, best ever being 38mpg on a trip that I drove 60mph most of the way. My only part failures were the starter at about 45K and an axle seal at about 60K. Has almost 75k on it now and my only issue is warranty is going to be up before I pay it off.

• 

  New Santa Fe - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By jerrys - July 21 - 6:06 pm

  I love this SUV. I only have one complaint: On bright, sunny days, its hard to read the numbers on the speedometer unless you run with the lights on. I suggest that you do that, and then theres no problem reading it. Hyundai should consider redoing the display. Otherwise, the vehicle is such a super value for the money, Its really had to beat. I shopped extensively over one month, and nothing can compare for the price and features.

• 

  VERY GOOD CAR! - 2000 Hyundai Accent
  By reyesvazquez - July 21 - 1:42 pm

  I got this car brand new and after 6 years the only thing that went bad was the MAF. cant complain its a good car. I do recommend follow the maintenance so you dont had to deal with mayor repairs in a future, for me is working like a charm!

• 

  So Far, So Good - 2007 Hyundai Entourage
  By Proud Minivan Driver - July 21 - 12:29 pm

  I have had the van for just about 10 months now. So far, its been very reliable, and was surprisingly very fuel efficient on a recent vacation trip (24 mpg on highway!) I have only had a few minor issues with automatic doors not closing properly every time and a passenger seat belt that likes to lock up. I would recommend this van to anyone with a couple of kids who needs more space than cars are able to give.

• 

  blind spot fix - 2008 Hyundai Accent
  By Big Mike - July 21 - 11:35 am

  Im 6ft 5in tall and have more room in this car than all others in its class. The car was purchased for my wife and she loves it. The fix for the blind spot is a small round mirror called a spot mirror which can be picked up at most auto parts stores. The mirror is appox. 2" in dia. it has an adhesive so you can stick to the corner of your factory mirror. I wouldnt drive a car with out one.