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:

• 

  An Impressive Car for the Price. - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Robert J - September 2 - 5:46 pm

  I never thought that I would own Hyundai, but on test drive, this car blew me away and sold itself. I have the Pearl Powder White with Beige interior. I have had it two weeks and now have about 400 miles. I really look forward to driving it. With all the features and quality touches, this is a great car value.

• 

  Great Car - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By Dayton - September 1 - 5:30 am

  This is our 3rd Hyundai Elantra and we couldnt be happier. This car is great for young families and people who need the extra cargo room but dont want a large vehicle. Recently carried two full size interior doors with ease. Also packed a crib and rocker with minimal trouble. XM radio is great and 17-inch rims turn heads. Recently had someone stop us in traffic to ask us where we got it. Great car for the money, would buy it again.

• 

  Its a big car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By wayne - September 1 - 3:46 am

  Ive had the car for two weeks now. I bought it with the drivers seat-wheels package. The car has plenty of interior space, except in the back seat if you are close to six feet in height. Its really a nice car and looks a lot more expensive than it costs. Its one weakness is the reduced visibility. The high door panels and small windows could make driving in that crowded shopping center parking lot hard for some. And keep an eye on the little ones.

• 

  Wow! Way to go Hyundai! - 2005 Hyundai TUCSON
  By mdwilliams - September 1 - 12:56 am

  We purchased our new Tucson on 4/10/05. And all I can say is WOW! This tiny vehicle is big on the inside, and small on price. We traded in our 2003 Elantra GLS GT and we are completely satisfied. I was already used to good pick-up and power from having the GT,but I didnt think they could do better. We live in the Mts. of PA and the Elantra never really handle the inclines that well, but the Tucson rips up the road without a problem. Previous reviews about the Tucson that said the gas mileage was not good, but I disagree. Gas mileage is comparable with everyone else. At todays gas prices all gas mileage seems bad. Weve had it for 4 days now, and put on 800 miles. I love this car.

• 

  GT is way to go~ - 2003 Hyundai Tiburon
  By d.C - August 31 - 2:00 am

  I think Hyundai has come up with very nice sporty car with less price. I have had my eyes on this car for about 4 month before I got it. I love it. Fun to drive. I love it when people ask me "what kind of car is that?" I have driven both base and GT model but GT is way to go with just couple thousand more.

• 

  A very good car - 2005 Hyundai Accent
  By Vern - August 29 - 7:50 am

  I have only had the car for about 3 months, and I can say it is well worth the money I payed. I am very happy with it.

• 

  20K and going strong - 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By RD - August 28 - 2:23 pm

  After 20K+ miles in 20 months, this 06 Santa Fe hasnt had any problems. Dealer recommended oil changes/service by the book. Dealer caught one minor problem at 6K miles & repaired it (no charge). Great in traffic with ample acceleration to move as needed. Good sound system. Would like better than 2 interior color choices (taupe and grey). Body paint still looks new. Braking is still great. Interior cab for driver feels cramped with seat pushed back to its stops; have to rest left foot on foot rest; still uncomfortable with long drives. V6 highway mileage could be better.

• 

  luxury car benchmark - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By JerryBunz25 - August 28 - 4:00 am

  I am only 19 years of age but I know cars. My parents have leased several BMWs which i have driven. I decided to purchase the Genesis because of all that you get for the money. The 4.8 Genesis has 7 series luxury, 5 series performance, for a 3 series price. The pickup is better than the Cadillac CTS, BMW 3 and 5 series, MB C, E, and CLK class, and Lexus IS, ES, GS, and is even compared to the LS, 7 series, and S-class. This car will be remembered for years to come. A true collectors item an the age where collector cars have died out since the 1970s. I will definitely keep this car looking good and running well to keep value high.

• 

  Genesis Coupe is an absolute blast! - 2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By jonbarraudi - August 26 - 7:50 am

  I have the GT which brings all the gizmos that make driving an enjoyable event and V6 engine that pulls all the gizmos along with you from 0-60 in 5.7 (on average). The interior is well put together and offers a lot of soft touch buttons that make you feel like you should be paying more for the car. The exterior is fantastic, lots of looks because no common person (people that are not that into cars) could recognize. The car feels light and confident when steering across corners. But as far as reliability goes, I hope for the best. In conclusion, this car has really blown my expectations away and has somewhat changed my perception of the auto car company known as Hyundai.

• 

  Glad I purchased as Veracruz - 2007 Hyundai Veracruz
  By mkc99phd - August 25 - 5:00 pm

  I was anticipating the arrival of the Veracruz as I was looking to trade-in my mini-van. I had it narrowed down to the VC and CX-9 (GMs were just too big). Seeing the Limited made-up my mind. After 2000 miles am getting 18 mpg (all city) which is slightly better than my Caravan was getting. Driving it is a dream. Easily fits 6 when we need it too (not often). Although it doesnt have bluetooth or a NAV system, which I didnt really care about, a good portable aftermarket system that does both (iPOD compatibility too) can be added for $300-500. Its quiet, comfortable and easy to maneuver around. Its my first Hyundai and I would recommend it to anyone looking in this class.