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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  the best - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Hyundaifan - September 20 - 10:00 am

  no wonder the elantra is one of the best in its class, if not the best. It has lots of room, a powerful engine, a smooth ride and the best price, off course. I own a 2001 for almost two years, 30 k miles. I love it more every day. Thanks Hyundai

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  M.P.G. Disaster - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By mister bob - September 20 - 3:03 am

  I have my new Azera about 5 weeks now. Im retired so I dont do alot of driving. Its a good thing beacuse so far the gas mileage is horrible. On my second fill-up I put 19.6 gals. in the tank after going 271 miles. You do the math. I hope after the break in period my mileage will get better. I traded in a Cadil. Deville that got better MPG than that. Otherwise the car delivers all that was advertised so far.Would have traded sun shade for tilting down mirrors. They spoiled me.

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  great car - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By heatc1 - September 20 - 2:53 am

  very nice car

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  I love my veracruz - 2007 Hyundai Veracruz
  By coquilee - September 19 - 4:13 am

  We are so impressed with the performance on our VcZ

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  Electrical problems - 2007 Hyundai Veracruz
  By Mark, CO - September 18 - 1:36 pm

  My wife and I bought a new Veracruz 6 weeks ago. Our main reason for purchasing the Veracruz is its safety features. Our main concern is that this vehicle has now been back to the dealership twice with electrical problems. On both occasions the vehicle would not start - the dealership seems to think it is just the battery (despite the battery checking out OK). The electrical equipment is also behaving very oddly. Clearly there is a major electrical problem with this vehicle which makes us concerned about the many electrical and safety features on this vehicle. Our advice - wait before buying this vehicle. We either have a lemon or Hyundai has a major electrical issue to resolve.

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  Just the Best Car - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Sanots - September 17 - 11:13 am

  The more you drive this car, the more you like it. It feels great to drive it. The ride is smooth and enjoyable. It has a great suspension. It is equipped with great standard fitures. I cant wait to drive it again today. It is just the best car in its claas.

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  RLKemp - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Robert L. kemp - September 17 - 3:40 am

  Front Seats could be softer as Ive compared same to leather seating in other makes. The exterior and interior are exceptionally beautiful. The vehicle is a pleasure to drive but havent been able to experience highway driving to ck. the so-called 30 miles per gallon. Would like Hyundai to make a recall to soften seats. The styling is eye popping overall.

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  Excellent Value - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Paul Hickey - September 17 - 3:16 am

  Were just over 3000 miles into our new Santa Fe which we bought after a 5 minute test drive having read the reviews on line. Wow what a motor, my wife has moved from Mercedes Benz to Hyundai and no wonder what a super product. We test drove the new 2008 C Class today just to compare the two brands. The Santa Fe 3.3ltr Ltd edition in Black with Cream Leather interior and the high driving position wins hands down. We had a spin in the 2.7 litre version which also impressed however the bigger engine makes a massive difference to the overall driving experience. For those of you lucky enough to own the new Santa Fe happy motoring for those of you who are still sitting on the fence enjoy the view

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  Amazing - 2007 Hyundai Entourage
  By kwachong - September 16 - 11:50 pm

  This Entourage minivan is the best qualtity car I have ever driven. I have driven BMW 3 series. Actually I am more satisfied than BMW in its comfort, brake, manuvering on the street, in all the matters in drving.

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  2013 Hyundai Elantra GT - 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT
  By bcgordy1 - September 16 - 10:24 am

  Just bought the car a couple of weeks ago. Had narrowed decision down to Toyota Prius or the GT. Decided on the GT because of price, standard features, warranty, no batteries to replace and, believe it or not, quietness! Admitedly it is a little smaller than the Prius but we are empty nesters in our 60s looking for an around town/short road trip car. The car is a joy to drive and so quiet. Suspension is "sports", i.e., fairly stiff. Car feels solid.