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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  This car is a blast - surprised by some of the negatives out there... - 2012 Hyundai Veloster
  By natefighter - April 2 - 7:46 am

  Didnt even know this car existed until a few weeks ago, when I went to a dealership to check out an Elantra. Went home and did some research and read some reviews - I have to admit I was leery. I commute 100 miles round trip everyday. I was looking to replace a 10 year old Accord. Also have 3 kids (one is an infant). I was looking for really good MPG and in this economy, didnt want to be dropping a lot of coin (read: VALUE) I went back and test drove the Veloster and absolutely loved it! Bought one. It really is a lot of fun to drive, regardless of the HP. the 6 speed manual is smooth. I easily get 30 city and 40-44 hwy (36-38 combined!) - after a solid month of driving.

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  Good Car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By kosos - April 1 - 2:57 am

  Use: commuter Load: 3 person totaling ~650 lb, avg 6 ft Distance: ~360 Miles per week Road: NY/NJ 80% highway Comfort: Good fit, lots of room, seats could be better but strangely I (driver) feel more comfortable now than when I first bought it. Passengers have not complained. Ergonomics: Excellent. I only do not like trunk/gas release buttons. They should be lit or redesigned. Performance: Must watch your speed, car cruises at 90+. I drive hard and no body roll, under/over steer, break fatigue or other common problems. Manual is great, 3rd gear could be stronger. Entertainment: remember this is stock. I like it if you do not blast it.

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  Pleasantly Suprised - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By kaman - April 1 - 2:00 am

  I wasnt intending on getting a Hyundai but my father-in-law convinced me to go take a look. I test drove several different cars in this price range (Honda, Saturn, and Ford) and was very suprised at how well the Elantra test drove. The Elantra was as good and cheaper than the Civic, and has better interior than the new Saturn Ions (in my opinion). The 5 years warranty and is what sealed the deal.

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  Awesome Car - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By Mike - March 29 - 6:36 am

  Purchased this car for commuting to work and have not been disappointed. Handles great, comfortable ride, unbelievable interior room. Best of all, great value, the list of features that come with the car is amazing. Completely satisfied. Look out Honda and Toyota...here comes Hyundai!!!

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  Taking A Chance With An Unknown - 2005 Hyundai XG350
  By draper - March 29 - 2:23 am

  Seeking some wheels with some upscale features I purchased an XG-350L, hoping for the best. My expectations have been exceeded -- I love the car. My chief complaint is that the mileage is only fair. On a 300 mile trip the BEST I have achieved is 31.7 mpg. Around town it is about 20 mpg. This is, however, a snappy, responsive car. Since I have as yet limited mileage on the car, only time will tell if my good luck will continue. I urge any or all to give it a good test drive.

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  Hyundai Elantras are the best! - 2016 Hyundai Elantra
  By Deanna Caldwell - March 28 - 1:19 pm

  This is my second Hyundai Elantra purchase. My first one was a 2010 and it still runs like a champ! Need another car so went back to Hyundai. I couldnt be happier with my choice.

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  2nd Elantra - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By RJ - March 28 - 10:13 am

  This is the second elantra I purchased. I liked my 1999 elantra but wanted features to help in the snow. This model has ABS brakes and traction control. I have seen a huge difference in handling over the 99 elantra. I also enjoy the other standard features in this little car. The most impressive part of this car is the gas mileage. I crossed NY and went into the hills of Vermont, AC and cruise. This car gave me over 40 miles per gallon. Absolutely fantastic!!

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  Sante fe - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By mikey - March 28 - 6:06 am

  Our Sante Fe rides great. So good, that sometimes I look down at the speedometer and Im shocked at how fast Im going! It has such a smooth and comfortable ride. Honestly, I bought it mainly for the warranty but now Id buy another one in a minute!

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  Great - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Gena - March 28 - 5:33 am

  I love my elantra, and I love Hyundai

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  Unbelievable Value - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By joeschmoe - March 27 - 7:16 am

  After researching the customer comments on the Santa Fe, I test drove a loaded LX even though the lease on my 1999 Honda CRV still had 6 months to go; I could not resist this SUV after the test drive and paid off the lease on the Honda just to get it. Its ride, comfort, and amenities makes it feel like it is in another class when compared to the CRV and trust me; I drove the CRV for 2.5 years.