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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  Everything and More - 2010 Hyundai TUCSON
  By Jayne - November 18 - 9:20 pm

  I purchased my Tucson at Toms River Hyundai in New Jersey. I got the deal I wanted and would highly recommend the dealership and the Tucson. From the first mile I was impressed. My Tucson fully loaded and it has everything I could ever want. Its a pleasure to drive and the stereo system is awesome! Its a bit girly, which I like, for the average guy but perfect for us gals. It has the curves and listens when I give a voice command (really cool technology I might add). Getting 25 - 26 MPG around town which I feel is very good for a vehicle of its size. I feel safe in it and that means a lot to me. Very reasonable price and value for your dollar. Who could ask for more?

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  fun so far - 2005 Hyundai TUCSON
  By Bernie - November 18 - 3:06 pm

  This car has been fun to drive in the short time I have owned it. My only complaint is the rather mediocre gas mileage. A little more oomph on takeoff would also be nice, but it is very comfortable, handles well, looks great, and is priced right.

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  Great Value - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By lenrocas - November 17 - 4:55 pm

  This is my 3rd Hyundai in 6 years. I usually get a new car every 2 years. Okay, I only paid 9,000 dollars for this car brand new so my review is based on what you get for the money. This car is comfortable and easy to drive. Its very light so it jerks a little on the freeway when being passed an 18 wheeler. The get-up and go isnt very good, but sufficient for a commuter car. I have the 2 door, manual, no air. The styling is nice and theres plenty of leg room for a tall guy like myself. People have complained about the gas mileage. Ive filled up 4 times so far and Im getting 29-31 MPG. I do mostly city driving.

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  never buy in your life hyunadi Equus - 2016 Hyundai Equus
  By raj - November 16 - 10:16 am

  stay away from this vehicle.The major problem is with service.Buyers think they are buying a premier car,however the dealerships are not geared to a premier experience.The dealerships are not familiar with this car,and service is generally poor.My car was in the shop for long periods,parts were readily avail in one year my car in shop for 6 month even diner doesnt know about any thing they change every things problem is still there However, the critical fault of the Hyundai Equus is that it handles and drives very poorly.It also has a weak chasis that cannot handle.My car swayed and vibrated at and the dealers could not fix it. My wife just would not drive it on the highway because it drives so poorly. Stay with Lexus and/or Mercedes , never buy equus worest car

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  2013 Sonata cruising - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By mark waters - November 16 - 9:43 am

  Well, I bought the car about 3 weeks ago and i find it attractive and quite sporty for a 4 cylinder. The ride is smooth, absorbs bumps pretty well but the road noise is a little loud. The interior of the car was mint, well taken care of. All the controls are where you would expect them to be. The screen for this model entertainment system could have been bigger and come with back up assist, but alas no...The blue lights are nice and overall the car has been fun to drive without much fuss. The only thing I did notice was the power steering seems a bit sticky when you turn the wheel, very touchy. I am very satisfied with my purchase and thank Edmunds for the help...

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  A great buy - 2005 Hyundai TUCSON
  By MD driver - November 16 - 1:36 am

  Purchased 11/04. Comes well equipped, handles well, no problems so far. Looked at comparable models before this purchase; you get more for your money with the Tucson without a drop-off in quality. Have taken on several long road trips. Decent mileage, low road noise, comfortable cabin. Factory sound sytem more than adequate.

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  The Azera is a great car! - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By CiceroBill - November 15 - 5:29 pm

  Having owned a number of luxery cars that were far pricier than the Azera, I really think tjhis car is a great value. The interior is very nice and upscale. The ride is soft and smooth, and this might be the quietest car I have ever driven! Plenty of power, good handling... what else could you ask for? I have read many of different reviews on the various Azera forums and have experienced none of the problems that have been discussed.

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  love it - 2008 Hyundai Entourage
  By david weber - November 15 - 4:55 pm

  only had the van for three weeks but love the way it handles and very surprize of the pick up this van has for it its size.to change the oil,the filter is on the top of the motor,I never saw that before.

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  Why pay 60k+ - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By WillyB - November 15 - 2:23 pm

  I just got out of my 2002 S-500 sport M Benz. This car has it all! BMW,Lexus,Audi,Infinit, Mbenz all better watch out. This car is the real deal. I have always driven high line flagship cars and this is one awesome tight smooth killer looking car. Hyundai has the complete package with this quiet sleek machine. I highly suggest you give this car a test drive if your considering spending 30k to 40k on a ride. This is the complete package with out killing your wallet.

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  Good for Tall Folk - 2008 Hyundai Accent
  By John - November 15 - 1:36 pm

  While out shopping for price and value, I happened to get lucky with the 08 Accent GS. While the one I bought has little more than a stripped base car, its well-made, handles better than it should and is a comfortable, peppy little car. Best of all, for a guy 64" theres not only room for long legs but also I can even get in wearing a hat! Right now recording about 25-27 MPG in mixed driving, far better than the EPA estimate. But in Tampa, visit another dealer than Courtesy. And watch out for "full disclosure" financing presentations that try to run up the price, especially for unnecessary, rapacious "gap" insurance.