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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  TWO YEARS AND STLL LOVING IT - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By PAUL W - June 13 - 11:03 pm

  While the exterior style is nothing to boast about, the cabin is functional, fun, and fancy. People are surprised by the roominess and style of the car. The car has held up well in both city and highway use.

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  Buh Bye Hundai........ - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By No Thanks - June 13 - 12:22 am

  I bought this car to replace a 2003 Elantra GT 5 door, which was a good car. It was a pretty good car until I was in an accident 10 months after purchasing it. I was hit head on and the drivers airbag did not deploy when it should have. At least the seat belt worked. I contacted Hyundai about the airbags not deploying. Hyundai didnt seem to care. Since the Elantra depreciated quite a bit in 10 months, I got a disappointing check from the insurance company after my car was totaled. I went out and bought a Mazda 3. which was my 2nd choice. Hyundai has standard airbags in their cars, but I guess the deployment of the airbags is optional. Thanks Hyundai, but no thanks...

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  Go get one - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Steve - June 12 - 4:06 pm

  I am really happy with this purchase. Test drove the Accord and 06 Camry. This car beats both of them on performance and feel. Then comparing price and warrantee is what sold it for me. I paid 18000 "Out the Door" for mine. For $1500 more I could get a v4 Accord or Camry. Big deal - the H on my car is an italics H - as opposed to the non-italic Honda H. I like the cars style and feel and general value. No issues. Its quick and fun to drive. I only wish I got the LTD with leather and the better stereo. While not "necessary" they would be nice luxuries for just another $1200.

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  she makes me feel so young - 2004 Hyundai Tiburon
  By hotrodmama - June 11 - 10:00 am

  after 25 yrs of driving muscle cars i never believed i would find another car that would keep me happy....i did.....tootsie tiberon is sweet....she is sleek and sexy.....quick pick up and glides along......i feel safe in her....she will get me there and bring me home again ......she responds quickly to the touch....wonderful pick up.....her 6 cylinders match the 8s i used to drive.....thank you

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  Better than I thought - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By cybercoins - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This car compares with several much more expensive auto makers. My suspicious nature said too good to be true.

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  its a good buy for the money - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By william r obrien - June 11 - 10:00 am

  very nice on hiway also around town

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  Great deal for the money. - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Wirro - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Compared Nissan Sentra, Ford Focus and Honda Civic and just couldnt get anywhere near as much car for the money. Zero defects so far but then Im not a heavy user, only about 6K a year. But hey! The bumper-to-bumper warranty will still be in effect when its paid for!

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  Great Vehicle by Ron - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Ron Snyder - June 11 - 10:00 am

  After looking at competing vehicles, I decided on the Santa Fe based on its standard features, price and warranty.

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  Very Underrated Automobile - 2004 Hyundai XG350
  By Freeagent35 - June 11 - 9:13 am

  I was looking for a reasonable pre-owned car after losing my company car. After reading Consumer Reports, this one seemed a decent bet. Picked it up dirt cheap ($10,750) with 30k miles. Overall, it has been very solid. Not quite to level of Honda and Toyota quality, but not too far off. Handling is decent. Looks (interior and exterior) like a much more expensive car. Issues: (1) Speakers suck. I replaced fronts with Pioneer 2 way($50 Walmart) and sound greatly improved. (2) Drive by wire throttle is touchy. Drive easy for awhile and it will calm down plus you will get used to the hair trigger. (3) Gas mileage is fair for a car of this size (about 22 to 24). Overall, quite pleased.

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  Love my 2011 Sonata - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By faithhope2011 - June 10 - 6:54 pm

  I got my 2011 Sonata in March and I will say that I have never thought I would own a Hyundai again. I had a 2000 Hyundai Accent and then a 2002 Hyundai Accent and I was very disappointed with car. But since the new model came out for the Sonata I was totally in love with the way it looked and I honestly was willing to give Hyundai another try and Im happy I did. I had a Mazda 6 and Im happy I no longer have that car. The Sonata is so much better hands down. When I went to test drive the Sonata has soon as I sat in the car I was sold. My father went from a S class Mercedes to the Hyundai Eqqus and I thought why not try it out. I guess I can say that we are now a "Hyundai Family".