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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  Picky Mechanic - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By sacoon - September 2 - 1:03 am

  Ive been working on cars for 27 years and needed a car to drive because my ride desided to call it quits !!!so i went out and test drove approx. 15 or so 4 door sedans pontiac ford chevy saturn honda toyota. After all of those test drives youd think one could find a car for 20.000 to 25.000 that was a QUALITY car.then I test drove MY 2006 hyundai sonata gls. WOW !! PLENTY OF POWER VERY ROOMY INSIDE GAUGES & CONTROLS WHERE NEEDED !!GO DRIVE ONE OF THESE.

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  18 months in and still loving it - 2013 Hyundai Veloster
  By Sean MCLEAN - September 1 - 4:22 pm

  For the money, this is a great value. My dealership has been great for routine maintenance, and my experience has been very positive. The car is still fun and I have no complaints. Im 64 and dont feel cramped at all. Love it.

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  Major Accent Upgrade - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By Rhett - September 1 - 10:52 am

  Previous 2004 Accent owner, my 2007 SE model a major improvement in features, driving comfort, economy, and looks. With the larger tires and sport suspension this car handles beautifully. Makes a perfect around town vehicle. Hyundai did a great job with this model. Also interior features well made.

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  Eye Catcher XG300 2001 - 2001 Hyundai XG300
  By Cyrill - August 31 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car for about 2 weeks. I purchaed it used. I can not tell you how many looks I get from people. My only complaint is that my steering wheel shakes when I go over 60-65 mph. It eventually stops but it does bug me. Im guessing it is the tires. I am going to take it in to get it checked. Has anyone else had this problem?

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  DRIVING IS BELIEVING - 2003 Hyundai Tiburon
  By Hyundai Lover - August 31 - 10:00 am

  Love this car. I had a 2001 Tibby. The second I seen the 2003 I was jumping in the parking lot. WOW thats all I could think. Security probably thought I was on drugs or maybe not they have probably seen this before. The next day I went to test drive one and totally fell head over heels in love with it. Went home put my 01 tibby for sale. Sold it Quickly.Bought a black one. I would tell anyone who asks why hyundai? Yea hyundai! then take them for a ride and watch their faces whit a look ofsurprise turning to a look of joy. If you just thinking aboutit test it and you will find out driving is believing.

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  excellent - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By charlene - August 31 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for over a year and it is the greatest thing ever happen to me, Everything is so good

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  This is IT!!!! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Maximus - August 30 - 9:10 pm

  I did not expect such excellent quality from Hyundai. Well this one with 5M runs like a Lexus IS300. Well actually better than the Lexus. The top two Japanese brands such as Honda and Toyota won their high reputation over the past couple decades. I think Hyundai will achieve the same high reputation within the next two years. This 06 Sonata OUTPERFORMS Toyota Camry and Honda Accord not only by the price advantage but also by its built quality and superior performance!

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  Excellent car for its price - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Ketav - August 28 - 9:10 pm

  Its just 2 days that I own this beautiful car. Its fun to drive this car. Easy handling. Its equipped with lot of small utilities, that we see in a high range car. It does make noise when going from mid to high rpm. Overall its a good car and I am satisfied with it.

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  Watch out Toyota/Honda - 2006 Hyundai Accent
  By squireman - August 28 - 3:29 pm

  A great little car! Decent acceleration and handling and amazing safety features for an econobox price. Great gas mileage too! Get the 5 speed and sport package and you wont be disappointed. I am glad I couldnt find a Yaris or a Fit and bought this baby instead. $1000 over sticker for a Fit? Get the Accent instead!

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  My 2004 Sonata - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By catlvr1 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  The Sonata is great to drive. It is comfortable and has a great warranty. Its drive is very smooth and has great pickup. After the test drive, I was sold on owning one. After 4 months of owning it, I know I made a great choice.