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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  Awesome! - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By wei - May 18 - 12:58 am

  I brought this used car as my first car in US. It drives very great even it have 83000 miles on it. Never have any problem.

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  I [heart] my Hyundai! - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By Petrina - May 17 - 6:14 pm

  This is the second Hyundai Ive owned (first was an Excel). Bought it used 6 years ago and havent had a major issue, just routine maintenance. The one thing that I would note with Hyundais is that some minor issues do crop up-- like, the drivers side power window is out of alignment, the lid to the storage compartment b/w the seats broke off, the front passenger door is a little tough to open no matter how much its lubricated. Like I said, all MINOR issues. Its a VERY reliable vehicle and I would DEFINITELY buy an Elantra again.

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  Great Value - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By TBM - May 17 - 12:49 pm

  These cars are a great option at their curent price range

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  4 GINGER - 2003 Hyundai Tiburon
  By G1NGER757 - May 17 - 10:00 am

  GREAT RIDE! I LOVE THE WAY IT HANDLES AND THE BODY STYLE IS AWESOME. ITS AN EYE CATCHER.

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  A Mirror of the Past - 2003 Hyundai Tiburon
  By Donna Castellanos - May 17 - 10:00 am

  The first thing that appealed to me was it reminded me of the 1986, 300 Z I once owned. Then, after I drove it time stopped. It drives like a dream, slipping in and out of traffic and giving me the power I need. No longer do I feel I need to buy a $30,000 car to be satisfied. The dealership I bought it from is great and all the employees are very helpful. And you cant beat the warranty! When I first got the car, not a week went by when I would be stopped and asked, "What kind of car is that"? People would pull up beside me and just stare! Even my 20 year old son thinks it looks cool. Love the car and would not hesitate purchasing another one in the future.

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  Santa Fe - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Lauren309830983098 - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Its an excellent car! I recommend it to anyone!

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  Your feet will freeze in the winter - 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  By Susan - May 16 - 9:52 pm

  I have put very few miles on this vehicle in the last year. Unable to drive long distances in the winter due to poor air flow to the floor board which is most uncomfortable during cold months. You can not have a comfortable ride in the winter with the climate control of this vehicle. Service advisor at dealership had an attitude with me when I complained after they stated that it runs "normal". Normal appears to be a real crappy heat system - beware if you live in a cold climate. There is also a blue glare from the dashboard that reflects into your side mirror making you think there are "blue lights" behind you. I am very disappointed with the heat issue and have owned a Hyundai for 13 years. Buying the extended warranty didnt help.

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  What a wonderful compact! - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By Gary R - May 16 - 7:56 pm

  Ive owned my Accent SE for a year and now have 25k miles. The car still runs/drives like new. The car has performed flawlessly. It hasnt required one single warranty repair or adjustment. Mileage and performance increased slightly as the engine loosened up with break-in. With 50/50 city/highway, I get 28 when not using winter blend fuel. Luggage capacity is very good with the seats down but rather tight with the seats up. Road noise is average for a compact but the engine does get very buzzy and loud @ 3000+ RPM. Especially when down shifting while climbing a hill. The transmission gear hunts a bit. A little more power would be welcome to match the impressive road holding capabilities!

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2010 Hyundai Veracruz
  By George H. Budnik - May 16 - 3:43 pm

  Best vehicle we have ever owned. Performance is great, styling is fabulous,features are exceptional. WE know the reliability will be excellent as we have owned Hyundais in the past as our family has also.

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  genesis coupe 2.0 is a sweet ride - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By roll875 - May 16 - 2:26 am

  Once owned a Honda crx the gas mileage was great but the quality and ride of the Genesis coupe blows it away. Considered the eclipse and the forte coupe but they dont compare the the Genesis coupe. Internet dealer gave me best price held true to it went out of his way to find me the exact model I wanted. Test drive one and you will see for your self. 2.0 has plenty of power 80 in a flash and wants to go faster but generally I never go that fast