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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  Huyndai is a Big Name now - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Worth every Pennies - October 18 - 8:46 pm

  This v6 sonata is incredible. I tested drive Mazda6, Mits Galan and Lincoln Zypher, they all priced 6-8 K more but cant beat the sonata performance. Its so powerful and quiet and drive smooth. My kids didnt like huyndai but after they drove it, they said dad, it drive like a mercedes, a little exaggerated but they mean it was great. Thats for my wife. Thinking about buying myself an Azera. My relatives still think I am crazy buying huyndai. They can think that way but I just love huyndai.

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  Accent - 2005 Hyundai Accent
  By Thomas - October 18 - 3:39 pm

  I get more mileage than shown in your report. City: 35MPG, Highway: 40MPG

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  BUY IT NOW - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By OZOGBY - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Sonata not beeng so sure about it, but now, after one year of driving it I can tell you that it is better than other cars in its class. the warranty is exelent and no body at the dealer gives you any problems. in conclusion BUY IT

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  Gas Mileage, fantastic on highway!!! - 2008 Hyundai Veracruz
  By bernibookh - October 17 - 10:20 pm

  I cant believe it has been almost a year since I wrote the first review on the Veracruz and I must admit I am still "VERY MUCH SATISFIED!!" My son and I traveled to Boston MA. two weeks ago, and we were so impressed at the gas mileage the Veracruz gave! My son and I decided to split the miles in half(389 each). I started out first from NC. I decided to stop and get gas after traveling 479 miles (son went to sleep) I still had a quarter of a tank left! I have to admit, I was so impressed! This was a comfortable and inexpensive trip!

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  Very Very Pleased - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By lexck - October 16 - 3:39 pm

  Very pleased with my new Sonata!!! I shopped the Toyota and Honda, they were left in the dust as far as quality, price, bang for my buck and nobody can beat my warrenty...

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  Still love it! - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By cwilson - October 13 - 12:11 pm

  I have had this car for almost two years and still love it! So does everyone else. People (several) have actually stopped me to ask about my car. They think it is expensive:)It is the first new car I have ever owned and we are now a Hyundai family. My sister bought a Tiburon yesterday. I thought it was cute but the Sonata has style!

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  Great SUV - 2007 Hyundai Veracruz
  By Jared - October 13 - 11:13 am

  Blows Pilot out of the water. Purchased fully loaded SE. Logic 7 audio is easily on par with Bose. Mistaken for Lexus RX by friends especially after riding in it. Dead silent inside, 2nd row very comfortable, and 3rd row not bad either. Gas mileage not too shabby, transmission shifts like a dream, good call on the Aisin 6-speed. Great value for the money. Navigation not an option, but I am in the opinion that if you dont know where you are going, you should not be driving. If you must, a portable navigation system is cheaper and makes more sense. Drive it for yourself if you are shopping in this class. You are shortchanging yourself if you dont. Dont let the badge fool you.

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  Best Value for a Sedan - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Damon - October 12 - 9:43 am

  I traded in my 2006 Infinti G35x- I looked at Camry/Altima/Mazda6/Accord an Acura TSX. I honestly think this is the best looking car on the road- bar none- any class. The inside is very well put together. I got the Navy Blue/Gray leather. I would never consider a Hyundai until now- their reliability will be challenging Lexus/Acura soon- especially with their warranty. The performance is great for a 4 cylinder and I am getting a combo of 33 mpg (75% Highway). It has much more room than the other cars as well and the trunk is unreal. I got it for $23,500. Go drive it!

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  Traded my Camry - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Tammy - October 12 - 4:46 am

  I test drove this car 3 times, once with the GLS and twice with the limited and then test drove the new Camry. This car had the most features and the styling was awesome. Not to mention the price difference. I love the looks from people when they see it with "thumbs up" and people just wanting to check it out. I got the silver limited with chrome accents. Its a great looking car!

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  2003 4 cyl basic sonata - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By AB - October 11 - 6:53 pm

  Very good car. Excellent warranty. excellent appearance. Dealer is quick to stand behind warranty and offers excellent service and reminders