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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  almost completely happy.. - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By bryzbryz - December 2 - 2:00 am

  40k on gls. been all over U.S. 5spd fun, but handles like a big fat kid juking on a layup. couple of problems - headlights go out often. the HVAC began blowing defrost regardless of controls. took it in and dealer replaced a "module" under wrnty, but charged me $35 to reset check engine light (seems that i left the gas cap loose, which caused light to come on). light doesnt go off for 70 starts, so owner thinks bad problem, take car to dealership for what they think will be a routine wrnty check. meanwhile, the dealer gets $35 bucks. seems shady. shouldve bought used nissan or honda.

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  Spend a little drive a lot - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Ronald Hansen - December 2 - 2:00 am

  For the money that I spent its hard to beleave that forks out there are willing to part with an additional $10,000 dollar for all I got. My friend tells me how much he loves my Sante Fe but his wife wont let him buy one because they dont cost enough. Well, I love mine and have had no problems and am happy with my dealer.

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  Hyundai Convert - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Linenguy - December 2 - 2:00 am

  After owning Acura, Honda and Mitsubishi I looked at the Sante Fe and was won over by the quality, drive, price and 0% financing. This vehicle is one of the best buys out there for a mid size SUV. I own a full size Montero but the Hyundai is better built. I actually bought 1 and helped buy one for a friend of my wife who was turning in an Escalade. (Had a real happy salesman) If looking for a great buy get over your ego and pre- determined thoughts about Hyundai and give this vehicle a try.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Grybas - December 2 - 2:00 am

  After sitting in the more popular small - medium SUVs, this one really stood out as the most roomy and comfortable. It handles well, looks good and the price is great.

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  1st but not last Hyundai! - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By Justin in Eagleville - December 2 - 1:37 am

  I knew this was the right car for me after the first test drive! In fact I talked numbers with the dealer as I sat behind the wheel - I didnt want to get out! I was also looking at the Nissan Sentra and the Mazda 3, but they just werent all the car the Elantra is. I used to have a 2005 Scion xA, and I think Im getting the same fuel economy with a bigger vehicle. I like the fact I was able to get so much more car for my money than co-workers and friends got for their cars! I HIGHLY recommend to anyone. I love the XM radio and havent even used the standard radio or CD yet.

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  04 Accent review - 2004 Hyundai Accent
  By Cyril - December 1 - 7:30 pm

  Too small. Interior is cramped. Ignition key is hard to insert. Engine is great on performance for its size but is too noisy. It can handle interstate speeds without any problem. 4 speed auto transmission performs very well. Handles great and is easy to manuver. Steering is very precise.

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  Amazing car, its hyundais time to shine - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By azera25 - December 1 - 2:30 pm

  I love my car. I actually go outside just to look at it. It looks the best at night, but also at all other times. So far everything has worked perfectly. No problems what so ever. I had a 2002 Camry before this car and now I am converted to Hyundai!!

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  go else where - 2004 Hyundai Tiburon
  By Mistybella - December 1 - 2:00 pm

  With only 13000 miles on it the car has needed repeated service for the power windows. The manifold had to be replaced at 7500 miles and the clutch, dick, bearing and lining at 13000. In 20 years of driving a manual transmission, this is the first time I ever had to replace a clutch or manifold. I would seriously look elsewhere before buying another.

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  Gets Better Every Year - 2006 Hyundai TUCSON
  By Gil M. - December 1 - 11:26 am

  This is my third purchase. The Tucson has more power than the Santa Fe, better handling and exterior styling. The options cant be beat. One drawback though is low fuel economy.

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  Most Bang for the Buck - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Richard Eden - December 1 - 11:02 am

  I have driven this car for about 14 months now and have no complaints or gripes. and it is $4000.00 cheaper than its nearest competitor. I test drove all the vehicles in its class,domestic and foreign, and found nothing better in that price range. In the categories listed above. I was a local car salesman so I have driven a lot of cars from Maseratis to Yugos and I love this car. I have gotten out of a lot of tight scrapes and dangerous driving situations with this car,It saved my life in handling. This car does what Hyundai says it would. The advertisements dont lie. hmmm! a auto dealer than doesnt lie, a car commercial that tells the truth, amazing. Rick and Werner Eden