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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  2002 Elantra GT Hatchback - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By smille0131 - May 27 - 2:00 am

  A thouroughly enjoyable driving experience for under $20,000. This vehicle is a refreshing example of what a manufacturer can offer if they choose to do so.

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  ELANTRA GT - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By GUICHE - May 27 - 2:00 am

  BEST VEHICLE EVERY HAD HOLDS 4 LG ADULTS WITH COMFORT.GAS MILAGE OUTSTANDING 32MI ON HIGHWAY AT 80 OR BETTER.RECCOMEND RADAR DETECTOR.NEVER FEEL SPEED.HATCH BACK HOLDS MORE THEN SUV`S SON` HAS LEXUS RX 300 WE HAVE TO USE MINE WITH 3 ADUTS 2 CAR SEATS/ LUGGAGE TO GO AIRPORT.WITH SEATS FOLDED IT IS STATION WGN .ALREADY TOOK HOT WATER HEATER.A DISWASHER. REFRIGERATOR IN IT HATCH CLOSED.GREAT SUSPENSION LIKE SPORTS CAR .

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  pleasantly suprised - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Danlo13 - May 27 - 2:00 am

  There usually is a catch to unbelievably low sticker prices. Not this time. Although I expected the standard features and read the good reviews here before buying, I was pleasantly suprised by the steering and shock absorbsion. Even with the auto transmission, the car climbs very steep hills easily. More suprising was that it handles rough roads more comfortably than my American make (2001) minivan. Handles the curves very well and has good acceleration.

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  Think green. - 2008 Hyundai Accent
  By Go Green - May 26 - 10:16 pm

  So today I bought my 2008 Hyundai Accent in the bright green. I think its called candy apple. Anyway, I have put all of 5 miles on it so I will be writing a follow up review but thus far I absolutely love it. It has an aux jack which is a plus, 90 days free XM and great fuel economy. I would opt for the SE if possible because of the extra features but they didnt have one so I settled and do not regret it. It is a little slow to accelerate which any one of these reviews will tell you, but the fuel economy makes up for it. As far as ride goes its great. Its my first Hyundai and I am super happy. Just do your research because thats what smart car buying is. I hope this was helpful.

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  Santa Fe 2005 - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Frank - May 26 - 5:00 pm

  Excellent value for the money. Good overall quality and fun to drive. Many extras that would cost more on competitive models, plus you cannot beat the warranty and free roadside assistance.

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  Just top Prodigy - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By PRODIGY - May 26 - 1:03 pm

  very proud and happy to with what hyundai have done with its brand lately, my sonata was the base gl version i wanted an suv or either a toyota or honda sedan after testting several camrys and accords from diffrent dealers i almost bought the camry, i was so close to buy a camry that all i needed was to bring back a proof of insurance, but next door was a hyundai dealer so i gave my self options and now i drive a sonata gl, i love the pick up from the 4 banger engine, you dont feel too slow on the streets, very comfortable for even my 3 kids riding in the back seat, roomy interior and trunk, very good on ga$, the only time i take it to dealer is to change the oil not flaws yet,best warrant

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  Excellent - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Bernardo - May 26 - 8:33 am

  I have just bought the Santa Fe for my wife and newborn son and I am amazed by the high quality and luxury features. Unbeatable price, big warranty, and better trim level. Was initially considering Toyota Highlander, but disapointed with price and low quality on test drive. Was starting to consider smaller SUVs with better trim, but was unable to scape the Santa Fe. My brother has a Tucson for 2 years now and he also loves his car. I guess we will be a hyundai family.

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  Early Genesis 4.6 Review - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By horse56 - May 26 - 2:50 am

  Took delivery today. Excellent build and performance. Ergonomics above average. Plenty of room for 64" driver (and legroom in back). Tech package definitely worth buying. Nav software not as good as Fords Navteq, but acceptable. As quiet as my 93 Mercedes S-class at highway speeds. Lexicon sound system wont knock your socks off with bass, but has very sophisticated imaging that is superior.

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  My First Whip - 1997 Hyundai Accent
  By ace2tyte - May 25 - 1:43 am

  Point a to point b... Thats it. Ive owned this car since it first hit the market and as far as maintenance, ive had no problems with it. The interior could be a little softer and the size iz torture. I really dont think tall people are supposed to drive it. No back seat space and barely any trunk space... But it does have good mileage

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  Love this vehicle - 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By alex170 - May 24 - 6:13 pm

  First cross over Ive ever owned always had SUVs. So far I love it, very classy,comfortable, snappy! I hope it is everything I am expecting.