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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  A wonderful car - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By Steve D. - July 27 - 5:50 pm

  I just purchased my V6 Limited, Black on Black, and am very impressed by this car. I traded an 06 Accord V6 EX-L, arguably the benchmark for the class. The Sonata has a more sophisticated look inside and out than the Honda, and a more refined ride. The Accord was very athletic in its suspension tuning, but was also harsh at times. The Sonata is lighter on its feet, more like a dancer than an athlete. The interior is outstanding. Refined elegance is how I would describe it. The designers clearly sweated the details inside and out. The Sonata is tuned towards a luxury feel and look, and for me provided a better balance of style, ride and comfort.

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  I love this car! - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Megs82 - July 27 - 5:23 pm

  I bought the car about a month ago and am in love. Its a fantastic value for your money and its a fun car to drive. Great safety features, great sound system, very comfortable ride. Gas mileage isnt quite what I hoped, but its not bad at all. I highly recommend this car to anyone whos safety and budget conscious but also wants a car you feel great in.

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  Huge Advance - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By BorisB - July 26 - 10:13 pm

  My driving and ownership experience are really excellent. I am the owner of Santa Fe 2000 and next year I am planning to buy new Santa Fe 2007. I have already tried it and I can only say "HUGE ADVANCE!"

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  not bad - 2006 Hyundai TUCSON
  By d. - July 25 - 10:10 pm

  ok... not bad. nice little suv for the price.

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  Not your average Hyundai - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By SG - July 25 - 6:36 pm

  Many people have a stereotype of Hyundai cars for decades when it comes down to its built quailty or reliabity. Hyundai has been working hard and improved their product quality dramatically since late 90s. They say the new Sonata is a conerstone of their companys new image and the future. I was very impressed by its design when I saw the car in the showroom. It had Japanese sharp looking and European- like elegance at the same time. I was very impressed again by its Toyota and Honda like built quality when I test drove the car. Yet, class leading powerful V6 3.3L engine was more than surprising. Now manufacturing in New State-of-the-Art plant in Alabama, Hyundai is really moving forward.

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  Excellent car for the money! - 2003 Hyundai Accent
  By Rami - July 25 - 4:38 pm

  This car is great for the price!! Been driving it for 2 years now, and it drives like a champ. I love the stereo system! But i wish it had cruise control. It also looks pretty good. My personal preference is White color with cream interior! Awesome!

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  Fun to drive little car - 2005 Hyundai Accent
  By Dereck - July 24 - 12:03 pm

  My only complaints of this car are where the cup holders are and the gas milage is lower than i expected. Other than that car is a blast to drive.

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  HAD A JAG - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By WISEGUY - July 24 - 8:38 am

  Didnt want to spend money on gas anymore. Checked the Hyundai and its better than the Jag, less expensive, roomier, more comfort, and practically the same extras. Almost looks like the Jag too. Gls special value pack is a bargain.

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  I bought a great car - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By bgirsch - July 22 - 8:03 pm

  I bought this car on May 31st and we cant be happier. The Hyundai dealer was very professional and a pleasure to work with. The Sonata offers very solid construction, great look, fun to drive, strong warranty, and fantastic gas mileage. Incredible value! We initially considered an Accord or Camry, but thankfully didnt waste our time.

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  Love my Sonata - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Cass - July 22 - 5:03 pm

  After years if driving a VW (a nightmare from the beginnig) we bought a use Sonata and I am in love. It love that car! Its stylish, fun to drive and pretty darn good on gas, depsite current gas prices. Hyundai might has nabbed a customer for life if the car remains as great as it has been!