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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  Outstanding car for price - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Robo - April 22 - 5:40 am

  Traded in my 2005 Elantra GT for the Sonata LX. I have logged over 1000 miles in the past week and it has performed flawlessly. Im sold on Hyundai because of the performance of my Elantra GT. I had driven that car cross country and logged over 19,000 miles, through the heat of Florida to the frozen ski resorts in Idaho. So far I havent found any needed improvements other than the folding mirrors and XM radio. I find the gas milage averaging 28.5 with the V-6, I got 32 with the 4 cylinder Elantra. I dont know where everyone is coming up short on the MPG figures other than the trip computer is off, it will click off MPG while sitting still. Log your miles and divide by your gallons.

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  Enjoyed this purchase! - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Keith - April 21 - 10:53 pm

  Internet shop for your auto and save thousands! We love the sporty look and luxury of the Azera Limited. Very quiet ride. You have to look at the tach to see if the engine is running. We originally looked at the Toyota Avalon but the Azera has high end quality for thousands less. The safety features are the latest technology and 10 year 100,000 miles is comforting also. Hyundai is making a strong statement in the auto business. Cant wait to see the Hyundai trucks!

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  2005 Tuscon(or is that a Lexus or BMW?) - 2005 Hyundai TUCSON
  By JPC - April 21 - 10:40 am

  Ive owned the Tuscon for a month and have put a 1,000 miles on it.The fit and finish of this vehicle is very impressive. The interior is quiet; no squeaks or rattles and you do not have that cheap plastic feel surrounding you as you drive. It feels like your driving a well thought out solid vehicle. If some people have not heard...HYUNDAI has arrived. These are not the same throw away Hyundais of the past. They have really improved in every aspect.

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  Great Deal - 2005 Hyundai TUCSON
  By jollyrider - April 21 - 2:00 am

  The first time I saw this vehicle I was impressed. The exterior and interior is much better looking than the Santa Fe. It may be smaller in the back, but it compensates on much better front seat room for driver and passengers. Although, it doesnt accelerate like a sports car, it does have a confident exit and highway take-off. Steering is good enough for normal driving conditions

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  40,000 Miles in less of Two Years - 2007 Hyundai TUCSON
  By Pedro J Matos - April 20 - 9:23 pm

  I love my truck, I almost live on the roads of Puerto Rico. As an IT person I keep driving daily, to reach my Customers a on different parts of this Island. I try Suzuki, KIA, Mitsubishi but I love my Tucson.

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  Excellent car for the money - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By rickb - April 19 - 3:36 pm

  Our 2006 Sonata LTD now has 18,000 miles and we have owned it 18 months. Pleasant to drive in small town traffic. Also performed very well on long trips and didnt miss a beat at 9000 ft altitude in the rockies on vacation. Large capacity trunk. It even ran good on 85 octane. Pleasure to drive at 80 miles an hour, very comfortable and roadworthy. More acceleration than youll ever need. Highway mileage 27-28 at real highway speeds, 30 mpg only if going 60 or less and no headwind. We have not needed any work done on the vehicle except oil/filter/tire rotation etc. Dealership is very accomodating.

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  Nice Car - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Charles G. Davis - April 19 - 6:56 am

  I have only a bit over 2000 miles on the car so far but like it very much.

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  I love my Tiburon - 2003 Hyundai Tiburon
  By Kristy H. - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I absolutly love my little shark! Infact it seems like everyone who sees it does. A week after buying mine, a friend of mine bought one in a different colour, and now my best friend is looking to buy one. This car is wonderful. I love it. I would enourage anyone who is looking for a sports coupe to buy a tiburon (just not in mystic teal K? just playing). Mine is teal.

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  So Far So Good - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By The Hud - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Have only had for two weeks, but so far I love my Santa Fe GLS (V6/4WD). As others reviewers have noted it could use a bit more get up and go, and a bit better gas mileage (Ive filled twice and am in the 20/21 MPG range). Other than that I love this SUV. Mine came with side running boards installed. Kinda sets it apart from others Ive seen. Great sound system - 6 speaker Monsoon Stereo with CD and Cassette. Well thought out interior with loads of pockets and storage bins. Nice touch in cargo area with the storage pockets back there. Have gotten lots of looks and had several "wow, thats nice" comments.

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  Surprised - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By HappyLynn - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Downsized from luxury vehicles (Mercedes, Infinti) due to financial necessity. I never expected to love this car so much! One of the most surprising things to me is the ride -- it feels heavy and solid on the road, surprising for such a small (and inexpensive!) car. It handles well, has good pickup, and doesnt generate a lot of noise on the highway. And its loaded with features which would have cost thousands more in other makes.