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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  2009 Auto of the Year for good reason! - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By CommanderSea - February 19 - 1:36 pm

  I researched this auto in depth prior to purchase. After driving it, I traded my Corvette for it! 375HP, accel that pulls "Gs", Beautiful finish, luxury leather, 1500 mile trip: 27.5mpg at 70mph. Quiet, cool, beautiful, people ask me if its the new BMW/Mercedes/Infiniti--they cannot believe it when they see the Hyundai emblem! Acoustics are phenomenal, tech package is a must! I LOVE MY GENESIS!!

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  Love Hyundai - 2005 Hyundai Accent
  By J8 - February 19 - 9:58 am

  I had a 94 Excel before this and although that was the best car in the world, the Accent is basically its younger sister. I love hatchbacks to begin with and prefer Asian cars. The Accent will take whatever you throw at it, even though its not exactly in a big hurry. If you want a powerhouse, this isnt the right car the Accents all about economy. Handles great, fits in anywhere, I complain if my MPG dips to 27 (only in winter - when it warms up its back pushing on 40). Also, never having dealt with a warranty before, I was impressed by how simple Hyundai is to deal with. The speed sensors went out & I was a bit late finding my paperwork to transfer the warranty but it was no problem.

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  Good alternative to the new Genesis - 2016 Hyundai Azera
  By Rick - February 18 - 3:11 am

  This new model came with all the technology features I was looking for in a slightly upscale sedan.

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  Former Lexus Owner - 2007 Hyundai Veracruz
  By Ex Lexus - February 18 - 1:13 am

  I must admit I was nervous buying a Hyundai. The Motor Trend report was what caused me to take a look at Hyundai. I must admit that I lost sleep, and almost canceled the order twice. Now that I took delivery, am I glad I did not cancel. GREAT ride. I have driven it 1100 miles and it has been like a mobile library. Quiet. The 6 speed trans is trend setting and super smooth. I love all the toys and features. The sound system is second to none. It is a car that shows innovation, creativity, caring assembly great styling. Keyless entry is one of those things you wonder how you got along without. The same for the auto lift gate. Hyundai has a winner. Someone said "Car of the Year." Just wait.

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  Poor Customer Support - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By kwiffy - February 16 - 7:40 am

  Interior quality poor. Service poor. Too many times told "Ordinary wear & tear." Leather seat back started to deteriorate within 3 months. Inside door seals tear in short time. Outside door weathrstrip has measles. Told it was ordinary wear & tear. Front & rear brakes replaced at 24K. Headlights went bad within short time, dealer replaced. Thermostat went bad & blew radiator, dealer fixed. Car overheated again, dealer stated radiator cap loose. Floor mats deteriorated & dealer replaced. Bulbs out on dashboard since 6 months old, dealer claims they are not covered. Currently starter grinds early in morning only and A/C makes vibrating noise, dealer found nothing.

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  We made a good purchase - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Dick in AZ - February 15 - 3:00 pm

  We bought this Santa Fe about a month before making a 2000 mile trip back to Ohio. It was three years old when we bought it and had 32,000 miles. After driving it 6,000+ miles so far, I have to say it is the most comfortable vehicle I think I have driven to date (Im 63, 57" 150#). The display for the air conditioning/heating is rather hard to see while driving, but functions well. We get about 16-18 around town, and the first time I checked it on our trip, we got 27mpg @ 75mph with the air on! I like the way it handles but it is a wee bit top heavy, but it has never been a problem. The only negative comment I have is the gas pedal; it seems sluggish, then suddenly leaps forward.

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  Great Value Good-looking Car - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By greatcar - February 15 - 1:43 pm

  Still a satisfied Hyundai Elantra customer after 3 years and 22,500 miles. This car compares with Honda Civic for reliability, drive, and economy. Good looking grill and body, finish has held up like new. I live in arctic Michigan and this car has never skidded off the road during the worst sleet and hail storms. FWD holds the road if you drive sensibly during snowstorms. With high gas prices I definitely appreciate the Great fuel economy. Car came loaded and included the moonroof, and boasts the most comfortable front seats I ever experienced in a foreign car (4 Toyotas). Front bucket seats adjust at least 5 ways. The HB excels in visibility. Never had any mechanical problem.

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  Hesitant Buyer - 2004 Hyundai XG350
  By Uncomfortable Buyer - February 15 - 12:20 pm

  After reading all the glowing consumer reviews I bought this car, unfortunately for me. I drive a lot and found that the armrest is placed too far back for me to rest my elbow on while driving. This has been a major disappointment for me as I cannot seem to get comfortable while driving. Perhaps men dont have this problem as their arms are longer but I am warning any women to make sure they feel totally comfortable before buying. I also have trouble adjusting the radio while driving, again too far away. I love the looks of the car both inside and out. The front seats could be a little longer though for better leg support.

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  Value for Money - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Sandeep - February 15 - 3:53 am

  It is certainly value for money. Very spacious in its segment. The exterior design is eye catching while the quality of ride is of high quality

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  $11,465 Out the Door!!! - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Rob K. - February 14 - 10:00 am

  I got a steal on this car. $11,465 including all taxes, title, doc. fee, etc. This is with an auto trans too! Car feels great. I just got it but I love driving it. Will post again when I put some more miles on it