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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  I love my Hyundai - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Kim - July 30 - 12:23 pm

  I love my Hyundai Santa Fe, we test drove lots of cars, but for the price and being a 4WD vehicle it fit our budget great. It is probably average on fuel, because before this I drove a Ford Explorer and it was awful (but I loved that truck also). It does have downfalls though, first the turn radius on the Santa Fe in no way compares with the Ford. Also we found out the hard way that you do not have to push in the little button on the gear shift to shift. I was driving 75 down the highway, when my daughter twisted around to get something from the back, and all of a sudden it was driving weird. I looked at the guage and it was in neutral. Scary! So just be careful. Good Luck.

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  Reliable, Stylish and Affordable - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Norm Rendon - July 30 - 7:13 am

  I have really enjoyed everything about my Sonata. I searched for cars for 3 years before I found one that I could fit 3 car seats across the back seat, but didnt look like a mom mobile. It has not needed to be in the shop at all other than regular maintenance. The engine is strong and it stops quickly. The wood grain interior really makes for an adult classy business look. It handles really well also. Bottom line it is a great car for the price. I prefer it to the Ford 500 and the Honda Accord.

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  Excellent Value - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By Bill - July 29 - 6:02 pm

  I just purchased a 2007 Accent auto SE Hatchback. I looked at the FIT but the dealers sell at msrp. Bought the Accent because it has more features than the FIT is was over $1,000 less. Cant beat the warranty. This is the 6th Hyundai my family has owned. Hyundai has come a long way and anyone considering Toyota or Honda should give Hyundai a look. Make sure you go through the internet for your pricing!!!!!

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  Bought used, not disappointed - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By Peter vadopalas - July 29 - 7:37 am

  Has some issues with the sales team at the local dealership (but thats not the cars fault). I struggled with the idea of buying a Hyundai but after lots of researching and test drives, it was hard to deny the value. You get a lot of car for the price. Im 62" so the Elantra was a bit tight for me, but the Sonata is a really comfortable ride. Its not built for drag racing, could be peppier off the line but beyond that it can move and the steering is really responsive. The finishes, exterior and interior, are really nice. Ive had it for 2 months now and am very happy with the car!

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  Extremely Happy - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Extremely Happy - July 28 - 5:19 pm

  I brought my vehicle(not a Hyundai)in for a tune up and too kill time I went to the dealership next door and started test driving vehicles to see what kind of vehicle I wanted to own. I took the 5 speed for a ride & then the automatic. I loved them both. They were both roomy & comfortable, I couldnt figure which one I wanted. They were both awesome. They both had speed. I chose the automatic because of the sunroof & kenwood mp3 player. I still plan on getting the 5 speed. I get great gas mileage.

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  great little car - 2006 Hyundai Accent
  By Lisa - July 28 - 1:18 pm

  This is a great little car. It is very roomy and comfortable inside. You cant tell by looking at it from the outside but it has alot of trunk space. It handles really well and the ride is so smooth. Because of this, you do have to keep an eye on the speedometer. You tend to speed without realizing it.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By roadturtle - July 28 - 10:33 am

  I have owned a lot of SUVs. This Santa Fe is a pleasure to drive. Easy to get in and out of. Being a senior citizen this is very important. With the v-6 I have plenty of power to pass, or pull my trailer. Awesome quality with a warranty that assures you that Hyundai believes in their product too. I would highly recommend this car to anyone.

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  Thanks, Edmunds! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Dr. Jeff - July 28 - 8:30 am

  This website, as well as others, had a lot to do with me eschewing the domestics or more established foreign nameplates in favor of a Hyundai. Im glad I trusted the reviews of professionals and owners alike, because this car has the potential to be my favorite of all time. Im 51 and am rather fussy about my possessions. For $19K with every imaginable option, this LX delivers. Ive had it for a month and love to get behind the wheel. The ride is VERY controlled and predictable, if somewhat firm, and the cabin is remarkably quiet and refined. For a guy whos hard to please, Im satisfied!

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  Tiberon owner - 2005 Hyundai Tiburon
  By illinigolf - July 28 - 7:50 am

  I have owned this car for nearly a year and have driven both city and highway miles. This is a sporty and fun auto to drive and I am looking to buy another one next year.

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  Happy with 2007 Sonata - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Winston SAnders - July 27 - 10:50 pm

  I have been driving a 1988 BMW 735i since 1988. Also, own 1987 Toyota Supra, wife drives Cadillac CTS -- sometimes I get to drive . The last American brand car I owned was a 1986 Mercury Capri with 5 litre V8. I do not buy, or drive ordinary cars. The car is made in my home state of Alabama in the worlds most advanced assembly plant. I was sold on the car immediately after a test drive. I tried out most of its competition -- Hyundai beat them all. If it was a rear wheel drive it would be a world class car. If and when Hyundai assembles a rear wheel drive in the Montgomery, Alabama factory -- I will trade in my front wheel drive Sonata. Best buy on the market. Price was reasonable.