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:

• 

  A-OK - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By justine - September 17 - 12:18 pm

  I really like my car, a Silver, 2004 Hyundai, Sonata. I bought it brand new in July 2004 and have put about 9000 miles on it so far. The only thing I had a problem with was the fact that a few months ago the circuit for all of the windows went out, none would go up or down and the dealership I went to for help told me I would have to wait a week to fix the windows. Beyond the window problem, I do love my car. I also like the fact that the exterior design makes it look like i spent a lot more money on the Sonata than I actually did. Overall, I am very happy with my car.

• 

  Very Pleased - 2006 Hyundai TUCSON
  By ryan - September 16 - 12:36 am

  I have been nothing but satisfied with my purchase. I bought the car a week ago and it has been great. I expected the weak fuel economy, but it offers a roomy interior with great lines, and awesome styling on the exterior. I bought the Limited model and it comes with more bells and whistles then my parents Lexus Rx300, which cost almost 10,000 dollars more USED. This car will be with me well into the future, if you just bought one, hope you enjoy it as much as myself.

• 

  Review of Hyundai Veracruz - 2007 Hyundai Veracruz
  By rhodes - September 15 - 2:10 pm

  I have driven this car 5000 miles. It is a pleasure to drive. I have not had any problem as of yet. It drives good on expressways and handles well and is quiet. The car gives me a safe feeling and has plenty of room in all three seats. It is an elegant looking car.

• 

  Even better than all the hype! - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By SkinnyLawyer - September 15 - 10:33 am

  Never thought Id buy a Hyundai. But I gave up my BMW 3-series for the Genesis, and I am extremely satisfied. Far more luxury and better craftsmanship. The extra cost of the BMW is only for the slight handling edge on the track and for the bragging rights; I need neither. I put 3,000 miles on my Genesis in just two weeks. Every mile adds to the satisfaction. Absolutely no complaints. If the Genesiss reliability is closer to that of the modern-day Sonata and Azera rather than the 86 Excel, thats all Ill need! Had just spent 3 months in Seoul, and was impressed with the Koreans fast- developing economy, technologies, and mentalities. The Genesis personifies them all.

• 

  AWESOME VEHICLE - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By dms3569 - September 15 - 10:00 am

  PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN THE BEST DECISION I HAVE MADE. I HAVE HAD MY SANTA FE FOR ONE YEAR AND LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT IT. IT IS A VERY SOLID, WELL-BUILT CAR WITH A SMOOTH RIDE, AND IS COMFORTABLE FOR LONG TRIPS.

• 

  Happy Birthday - 2004 Hyundai Tiburon
  By Giarcs57 - September 14 - 2:00 am

  Buying this rocket for my wifes 50th birthday was a joy. Of course, I had an ulterior motive. I had been looking at the Tiburon for some time. I also own 2 other Hyundais and the reliability is simply incredible. The dealership has been a friend. If considering a purchase of a Tiburon, take a test drive that includes a section of interstate. You can certainly wake up the salesperson in the back seat. All controls and options are great.

• 

  03 Tiburon GT - 2003 Hyundai Tiburon
  By maverick219 - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I was a little skeptical when purchasing the veh since it had a hyundai stamp, but I was pleasantly surprised. I did hit a speed bump when I had to get the tranny and clutch replaced after a mere 5500 miles. Since then the car has been amazing, for the price and considering the warranty I love. You will deffinitely get your moneys worth

• 

  go with elantra - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By hndaigal - September 14 - 2:00 am

  i went from a accent to the elantra and am very happy with the change. the car rides and handles like a dream. the car is fun to drive and handles well in snow. i would certainly buy another elantra. im hooked!

• 

  Great car - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Jerome. - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I just love everything about this car it is my first "new" car.

• 

  True Fun! - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Mench - September 14 - 2:00 am

  There is nothing we could complain about. The quality is superb, it rides very well, and its a head-turner, wherever we drive that beautiful creation!