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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  Fun car - 2011 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By mrh4 - March 24 - 12:33 pm

  Hyundais best kept secret, strong engine, roomy interior, loads of features, averaging 26 mpg- havent taken any long trips yet, had car about a month now, rides and handles like a sports car. Electric steering handles great. Ive driven Toyotas for over 20 years and glad I made the switch.

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  Going on 5 years and 2 transmissions - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Kim C. - March 24 - 10:44 am

  One month after purchasing brand new the problems began. Had to arrange multiple visits to dealership for various issues:1 month-check engine light repeatedly on 3 months- rotors had to be cut, new brakes warranty covered as per recall. 5 months-black around Windows and hatchback hinges needed to be replaced. All minor compared to the transmission exploding (pins blew out the side- pics avail) at 31k miles. Not covered in 100k mile warranty because I did not have trans. Fuel changed at 30k as suggested in manual. I compared w/ other vehicle manuals Toyota, Nissan and tran. Fuel change is suggested @ 50k miles. Suggested not required or car would stop running. Now 79k mi. And need new transmission.

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  Saved his life - 2006 Hyundai TUCSON
  By JCS - March 24 - 6:53 am

  It saved my 16 years old life when an 18 wheel truck ran through a red light at about 55 mph and hit him at front on drivers side. He walked away thank God with no injuries (as we can tell) but a bump and bruise on his head. Car is probably totalled but it saved his life. Thanks.

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  2002 Santa Fe LX 4WD Pewter - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By lpjxk0 - March 23 - 10:23 pm

  The vehicle drives like a luxury car, quiet, smooth & responsive. It is a heavy vehicle and I am averaging 20 mpg combined city/highway. The workmanship is top notch,and it looks great. I notice many people looking at the vehicle when my wife and I go to the mall.

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  Almost two years, i still love it - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By FC - March 23 - 6:42 pm

  I have driven this car for almost two years and 16,300 plus miles it has not given any problems, even though fuel prices are almost $4.00 per gallon, Im still glad i bought the V6 instead of the 4 cylinder, the 4 cylinder model only gets a 2 mpg gain in average mixed driving the V6 is worth the drop in mileage because of the performance of the engine, I do like Honda and Toyota but they about 3k-5k more than a sonata with the same equipment, This only car i can say the give you more for less.

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  A comfortable lemon. - 2001 Hyundai XG300
  By Thad - March 23 - 10:06 am

  I like driving the car. Its comfortable, big, once I put some firmer shocks on, it handles respectably. It fits my family and the interior quality seems nice. Other than that, I have nothing good to say about this car. In the 8 months I have owned it I have replaced an alternator, all four shocks, a master airflow sensor. For a car that has 70k miles, this thing is falling apart. I would just consider this a fluke but other owners are reporting the same problems. The shudder going in and out of 4th gear (when gradually accelerating), the alternator, check engine lights. Every replacement part on this car is extremely expensive.

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  Rocket - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Rick - March 23 - 6:32 am

  The gas mileage is around 20 mpg. The acceleration is awesome. It is easy to hit 100mph just passing a caron the interstate. I got a ticket the first time I went out on the highway.Love this car.

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  2010 Elantra Touring - 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By JIMMY - March 23 - 5:50 am

  Purchased in late January. very roomy and comfortable...solid feel, almost like a small SUV....great on gas.

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  I LOVE THESE!!! - 2001 Hyundai Tiburon
  By ILOVEBUFF144 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2001 Hyundai Tiburon and I am so in love with it. I wouldnt trade it for anything except for maybe like a Porsche Boxter or something... This is the cutest "cheaper" car I have found and I love it!

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  I LOVE TIBURONS! - 2004 Hyundai Tiburon
  By Nicole 144 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  These cars are so awesome! They look amazing, they drive amazing, and theyre even fun to ride in! I love it!