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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  Great Car - 2001 Hyundai XG300
  By xg lover - November 3 - 7:00 pm

  Everyone who sees this car loves it. Ive had it for almost 6 years and I love it as much now as I did then. Still fun to drive. No major problems to report.

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  Great vehicle - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By TN - November 3 - 6:03 am

  First Hyundai. Nothing but Toyotas last 15 years. The Santa Fe had, better styling, more interior room, especially with the third row seats, and a better overall value. We got a limited loaded, including leather and sunroof and third row seating for about what we would have paid for a basic Highlander. We love the Santa Fe. Two years and 40k miles. Some issues, paint chips too easy, slight hesitation in the transmission, especially when going from reverse to drive, rt rear door weatherstrip came loose, Front interior lighting didnt come on with doors, my neighbors 08 did, dealer took care of it by adding an update which was great. 20/24 mpg. Fun to drive. Larger 3.3 is better choice.

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  GREAT COMFORT AND WONDERFUL PRICE - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By C.Silor - November 3 - 2:29 am

  Before I bought this SUV I did my homework, looked at all issues and prices and many pages of reviews from other owners, I love the wider stance it has, my 04 Jeep Liberty limited was narrow and very cramped, the A/C is great, shifting is smooth, I bought a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS 2.7liter FWD 4speed automatic tranny, it rides smooth, MY husband is 62 and he said its like sitting in a recliner, quiet cabin, rocking sound system, great location of vents, for passengers, amazing storage space, (my aunt just bought a 2015 Cadillac SUV and it has small storage area no spare tire or jack yuk and it feels cramped) when she seen my SUV she was amazed at the room and the price I got it used in 6/2016 with 67403 miles on it for $9500 I have searched around and found I got a HELL of a DEAL... Super happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! December 2017, still enjoy the car. I have about 108000 miles now from 67000 when I bought it. No issues, still runs and drives great... UPDATE DECEMBER 17TH 2016 Still love my 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe, very roomy have used it for myself and in-laws grocery shopping and have tons of room... no mechanical issues, rides straight and smooth.

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  Love My Santa Fe! - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By J - November 2 - 7:03 am

  Purchased my new Santa Fe SE AWD in August and could not be happier! This is a definite upgrade from my previous car, a 2005 Corolla. I have wanted to upgrade from the Corolla to an SUV for about two years now. I test drove virtually every new compact and midsize SUV on the market today during that time. I used to never think I would own a Hyundai, but after a test drive of the new Genesis coupe during a promotion in June, I decided to look at the Santa Fe and am glad I did! I love the power and performance, but my favorite feature has to be the upgrade in space over the Corolla. Hyundai has definitely won me over because the value cannot be beat! Drive one and experience for yourself!

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  Awesome car - 2013 Hyundai Veloster
  By s_giusti - November 1 - 12:25 pm

  So I really like this car, Ive had it sense January and already have about 10k on it. It is a very reliable and durable little car, I had someone t-bone me going 40 and the only damage it had was a little crack and scuff on the bumper. the backseat is also big enough to fit 2 car seats.The gas mileage is better than I expected also, I usually drive between 40-50 mph and I average 38-43 mpg. The highest mpg Ive averaged was 51.2 with the Eco boost on. I would recommend this car to a friend and think they should make it in a hybrid because it would get outstanding gas mileage. It also turns heads when I pull up to lights and people surprised its my car and not my parents because of my age.

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  Great car - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By TomBee - November 1 - 5:33 am

  Traded an Accord V6 w/13000 miles to get it. Wife decided to buy a Santa Fe, were closing on it and salesman asks, "Sir, what do you drive?". On laughing and answering that I just got the new Honda, he throws me the keys to a new limited and says, "Drive it and let me worry about the numbers!". The Sonata is fun, quiet, strong, good looking, comfortable, large trunk, fast, better stereo, no rattles, easy to service, sure footed, and fast. I think the hp is underrated.

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  The Best - 2004 Hyundai Tiburon
  By JoshBo - November 1 - 2:00 am

  My experience with this vehicle has been a great one! This beautiful car is nicely equipped from the factory, but I have added a Catback exhaust system to mine for a little extra punch as well as new wheels and tires; for such a low price you can afford to add whatever you want!

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  Great Car - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Hyundai Man - October 31 - 9:21 pm

  I got my 05 Elantra last month, and have put over 700 miles on it. It is a great car-much better than any of its competitors. Purchase price was $11,600, and it is the best value for the money. It has a peppy engine that has a nice growl, and handling is similar to a Jetta. Its very agile around tight corners, and really holds well to the road. I would strongly suggest this car, and think the world of the great warranty!

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  Not bad - 2001 Hyundai XG300
  By renaer - October 31 - 5:00 pm

  I purchased this car 2 years ago from a licensed independent dealer. My car has 188,000 miles on it and its still kickin!!! Its been in the shop twice for minor things...lets just pray things stay that way.

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  Uncompromised comfort and refinement - 2014 Hyundai Sonata
  By gemigniani1 - October 31 - 4:02 pm

  I rented a base model with only 300 miles on it. Im a tough reviewer, but this car really impressed me. I loved the dash - Hyundai made the controls very simple and intuitive - so youll never get angry at the car because you cant figure out how to work the climate control, cruise control, etc. At highway speed there is zero wind noise (amazing). The quietness, ride smoothness, comfy seats, cold and powerful AC and the quality look and feel to everything are reminiscent of the 1990s Camrys we all loved. Toyota doesnt make a Camry with uncompromised comfort and refinement anymore so its neat to know the Hyundai does and its called the Sonata