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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  Nicely Refined SUV - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By KarlG - April 16 - 10:23 am

  This vehicle drives beautifully smooth. Feels solid and interior is elegant and functional. Gas mileage is the same as advertised. Already driven it in icy and wet conditions with no problems (it is not the AWD model). The ESC feature rocks. The rest of the features and crash test ratings speak for themselves.

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  Superb Quality - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Aggie91 - April 16 - 5:50 am

  This ugly thing has grown on me. It has been virtually maintenance free. The build quality is superb - Im really impressed. Its resale value is far underappeciated for the reliability and quality. I will buy more Hyundai products.

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  08 Azera - 2008 Hyundai Azera
  By dwengier77 - April 15 - 9:35 pm

  I love the car. Drives really smoothly, and has great acceleration. All the safety features are great, because I pick up my kids from school, so now I can feel more comfortable knowing that they are more protected. Looked at the Avalon, maxima, acura tl, and merc. C300 series. For the price I got the most with the azera and I have the safety net of the 10 year warranty. Definitely give it a test drive and it will be on your short list as well.

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  satisfied so far - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By jack - April 15 - 1:56 am

  Just purchased, only have 600 miles on vehicle. Has plenty of power highway mpg good. Local was only 15.5 mpg. Transmission smooth shifting, front seats very comfortable. Shiftronic function is useful. Interior and exterior give an excellent appearance. Standard features include many that are options with other manufacters.

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  Most bang for your buck - 2007 Hyundai Entourage
  By Julie - April 14 - 11:51 pm

  After a history of Saturns, it was time for a minivan. Honda was out of our price range. Grand Caravan seemed cheap inside. We scored after finding this used and the dealer thought it was a base model (& priced as such!)! Great power, 17 mpg seems typical, SO roomy, long warranty, lots of features, awesome safety rating, and everyone thinks its a Honda at first glance! Weve owned it for 5 months and 6K miles. We did have a dead battery and they replaced it with no problems. Very happy with our local dealership. After being a Saturn-only family for 10 years, our newly adopted Hyundai fits in just fine!

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  Hyundai needs some gas mileage. - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Robert E Jones - April 14 - 8:16 pm

  Took a trip to N.C. and only averaged 22 mpg.

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  I Wish I Never Bought the Car - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Clara - April 14 - 1:53 pm

  I purchased a 2009 Sonata Limited its looks great. But that is all. I have made 6 payments and it has been towed 4 times. The first 3 times because it didnt start. The last time transmission problems. Run from this car spend a little more and get a better car. Stick with the bigger boys. Theres a reason why they give you a 10 year warranty not because its a great car because you are always taking it to the service shop. Be careful with your money....Run

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  Solid performer - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Mary Book - April 14 - 10:40 am

  This is a solid and fun car to drive. It is especially great in bad weather, heavy rain, snow, wind. It stays stable on the road with the AWD doing the work for you. It has comfortable firm seating,a good view from its higher elevation, and a nice powerful engine. The Monsoon sound system is incredable.The 6 disc changer works effortlessly, the dash panel is easy to access and read. You can haul a lot inthe back and on top if need be. The paint, finish and detail is extra nice. You get a lot for the money. Ive had no major mechanical problems in the two years Ive owned the car.

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  Jims 2011 Sonata review - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jim - April 14 - 7:20 am

  Smooth ride. Great acceleration. Very good on gas mileage. Drove from Seattle to New Orleans 2900 miles and averaged 32 miles per gallon. Stereo system is excellent. Great sound. XM is a real plus. Brakes are excellent. The bluetooth hands free is awesome. Much better than a headset. Car turns quickly and smoothly. Great car for the price ($500 under invoice).

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  by far best buy for money - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By armand ross - April 13 - 8:40 pm

  I have had many cars from Cadillacs to TR6s. Few have continued to attract me to want to drive more often. It is truly "driver friendly". In black it gives the appearance of a more costly vehicle. Passing power is impressive, as is its excellent braking system. Audio controls on steering wheel lacks station changing mode. Also, radio is placed where air/heat controls should be. I am averaging about 17-18.5 city, and between 24 and 25 highway @ (75- 78 mph.) If Hyundai ever goes upscale to Lexus status i will buy one. Until then, I am quite satisfied.