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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  I LOVE my Elantra! - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By Shirley from SC - December 1 - 9:45 am

  I absolutely love my Elantra. I drive an hour to work every day, and with my Elantra, this drive is awesome! I love the gas mileage, 36 mpg, with combined city and highway. All the safety features are great, and the car handles very well when driving. More than once has saved me from terrible wrecks, being able to get out of the way of other people who were having a bad driving experience. Absolutely nothing to say bad about my Elantra!

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  Vivs Entourage - 2007 Hyundai Entourage
  By Vivian Kowalski - December 1 - 9:34 am

  You have to floor it to pull out in a yield situation, not good in rush hour traffic. Parking brake doesnt work properly. I had it repaired 4 times, still makes noise. The steering wheel doesnt fit the seat postion. I need the seat back for my long legs but the steering wheel doesnt pull out to meet my arm position Im comfortable with. No automatic lock, in this day and age, this is a must. I have a note to remind me to lock doors. This is my 4th minivan, my other used vans had this feature.

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  Best car I ever owned - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By John - December 1 - 8:22 am

  This is the 14th new car I have bought, and it is hands down the best of the lot.

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  pulling issue - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By eirehatfield - December 1 - 7:37 am

  In June of 2011 I purchased a sonata with 40 miles on it. since day 1 it has had a pulling issue. Struts have been replaced, camber bolt kit has been tried. New tires settle the pull issue mostly but still has problems and does not drive straight. Key cylinder has been replaced due to key sticking. Gas gauge has been replaced because it showed I always needed gas, even when i just fueled up. I have argues the pulling issue with dealearship since day 1. I am being told there is nothing wrong with the vehicle. All my family and mech. friends have driven this car with the same feelings as mine. Something is wrong!! It definetly does not drive straight. Horrible customer service.

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  A fine compact highway cruiser - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By rdco - December 1 - 6:43 am

  The Elantra SE an excellent compact, reasonably roomy, smooth and quiet on the road. And it handles better than one first expects on windy roads. Among its peer group, it is more refined and understated than the others, and more comfortable. And, one can buy a fully "loaded model" for about the same price as very lean models from Japan. The satellite radio sounds very nice and is easy to use. On long trips, its very comfortable, which is unusual among cars in this class. We obtained much better gas mileage (40 ish) on the highway at 65-72 mph than EPA or CR reports, admittedly with a light foot. Its only weaknesses so far are its somewhat numb steering and a rather slow take off.

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  Amazing Car For Price - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By SJS - December 1 - 6:25 am

  This is a comfortable, smooth riding, luxurious car with loads of standard features that would be optional on many vehicles. This is my second Hyundai, and Im thrilled again. I researched cars extensively before purchasing the Azera Limited - nothing came close. You get so much car for the money.

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  pursuit of satisfaction - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By SY Lee - December 1 - 5:58 am

  Azera provides the best value in the entry level luxury family sedan segment. As you purchase it, you will inevitably pursue satisfaction. The best value and satisfaction come with: quiet and roomy interior driving fun from high-torgue engine no worry with 10 year warranty sophiscated exterior styling etc. Upgrade yourself with upgraded Hyundai

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  Todds Elantra - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By Nakedkub - December 1 - 5:05 am

  Im very Happy with this car. It has been very fun to drive, is great on gas, has plenty of power and performance. Overall is very comfortable. I have really enjoyed owning it. The only downside is tire wear. But if you keep them rotated frequently it seems to lessen the problem. I have had several friends who have either riden in or driven the car and everyone was impressed. Hyundai has come a long way.

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  No problems at all - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By jd50i - December 1 - 4:44 am

  I bought the car new in 2003. 40,000 miles and no problems at all. Do all of the preventive maintenance, keep the car clean, including the undercarriage and under the hood, and you will have a reliable car.

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  best value - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By turtle - December 1 - 2:53 am

  Hyundai Azera provide the best value for the segment. For the price, it is the best equipped with a well defined interior space, nice and easy driving, and a good torque. You will have a continued satisfaction as you drive Azera. Just go for it.