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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  g4newkjhgkgn4pewytre - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By fancy pantseys - July 24 - 3:56 pm

  it is a cool sporty car that any body ages 16-50 can drive

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  Too noisy - Badly built - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By somanycars - July 24 - 7:13 am

  At first I thought I really did well getting a Camry-like car for $3000 less. The V6 is smooth, power when you need it etc. The car is comfortable and you sit higher than in most other cars. The heater starts working within a mile. The car would be completely fun to drive BUT The BIG problem is that the 17" rear-suspension makes clunking noises on bumpy city roads. A Nov. fix supposedly doesnt include my VIN (according to dealer). In fact the car is weak on sound proofing There are other noises in this NEW car such as squeaking rear window, A rattle somewhere in the front roof as well. If you want precision carmaking, this is not the car for you - what a disappointment & hassle.

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  26 miles per gallon average/32 Hiway - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By Suzan Gone! - July 23 - 11:44 pm

  excellent point a to point B car Maintenance first year $200dollars 2 oil changes & 1 year service/15kmiles Fuel economy 26 miles per gallon average/32 Hiway close 17 City/last 1500 miles 27 average. Ride with ABS,Traction control,braking better than average. Consumer Reports buying guide rates better than average/contradicts reliability ratings average/accident avoidance better than average frontal crash test Good A

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  One Fine Vehicle - 2007 Hyundai Entourage
  By woodrosegary - July 23 - 1:56 pm

  We bought the Limited (Ultimate Pkg) and it is worth every penny. Last Veh was Chrysler T&C. Had a few problems. Gas millage has been according to the speed you drive. @65 mph, I get 25-26 mph on the Hwy. My grandchildren are loving the DVD player and Surround Sound. Love the middle electric window. So many considerate touches. A dream to drive. Super comfortable. After test driving all the other vans, I fell in love with the Entourage. Even the name is sexy! I have over 30,000 miles and the engine is perring so quite.

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  Awesome Car - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By Dave - July 23 - 8:50 am

  This is my second Elantra. My first was a 2002. The 07 is a beautiful car. The steering is great and the acceleration is much better than the 02. The larger interior space is a welcome change. The automatic shifter is really cool. I purchased the premium package with the sunroof. 1st one sold in my state. Lots of heads turn as I drive by. the car has some cool lines, and the blue lights in the dash are easy on the eye and very appealing. The styling and features are better than that of the Sonata. Truly a great car!

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  Love This Car!! - 2007 Hyundai Entourage
  By Gail - July 22 - 7:15 pm

  I was looking at the Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna, but stopped by to see the Dodge Caravan for the heck of it and there was this beautiful Minivan in the Showroom that had just come out. I loved the look and we took it for a ride. It is sooo much fun to drive!! I came back three times after driving a Honda Pilot and everything that had a third row seat. We got the cloth seats because they were heated, but I now regret not getting leather because its easier to clean. Gas mileage is awful, but I dont care, but someone who has to watch their pennies would have a problem with this. Also, I would like to see more interior storage.

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  Impressive - 2005 Hyundai TUCSON
  By Choice04 - July 22 - 4:43 pm

  I used to drive Honda CR-V and recently changed to Hyundai Tucson. First time I took it for a test drive I fell in love with it. Its comfortable (better than Santa Fe), versatile, & fast. Tucson is also fuel efficient. I get avg. 23 mpg. I am really impressed!

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  not bad for the money - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By pleasedfornow - July 22 - 10:00 am

  The poor mans jag. Nice exterior look. The engine is slow on pick up but once it gets going the engines power is very respectable. The seats comfort and the position of the stearing wheal need improoving. I cant last more than 3 hours in that car without cramping up. I wouldnt want to take that car across the country.

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  excellent - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By josh s - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I was a little wary at buying a hyundai by thier past reputaion but not any longer. This car is great! It is fun to drive with tons of features. I was lucky enough to get a program car that came with the moonroof with shade and a cool looking rear spoiler. I am very happy i bought this car and way better than my 91 pontiac sunbird. great price too.

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  This Car Stinks - 2001 Hyundai XG300
  By THIS CAR SUCKS - July 22 - 8:26 am

  Please oh please never buy this car! I have owned this vehicle for three years and it is the newest and nicest car I have ever owned but it is also the least reliable and mostly costly to repair. The check engine light is on constantly and I average about $200- 300 per month in car repair bills. I have replaced so many parts I cant even keep track anymore. New transmission at 55k miles! If I sell you this car I am so sorry. Paint has been chipping and peeling for the past couple of years. So very cheaply made fake leather seats that are way uncomfortable. Also, lots of stuff breaking down far earlier than it should now I need a new radiator and catalytic converter. I hate this car!