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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  very satisfied - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By gambler2 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my 2001 GT since mid 2001 and have 23750 miles on it. The only trouble I have had is two light bulbs burned out, the first one was replaced incorrectly by a service writer at the dealer. I replaced the second one.[no problem since] I average 27.4 in the winter and 31+ summers. I would like a softer ride but the car handles excellent, so I guess I cant have everything!

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2005 Hyundai Accent
  By fredtheshrimp - April 18 - 10:55 pm

  I just bought this car last week, 900 miles on it already (I drive about 80 or 90 miles a day). Filled up a couple of times, I got about 34 mpg! Handles great, very comfortable, very fast! Its a lot nicer than I was expecting for the price, it has front and side airbags, lumbar support (nice for long trips), kickin sound system, and so much more, I love this car!!

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  2004 Hyundai Elantra ) - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By drago65 - April 17 - 5:22 pm

  21K in just under a year and she is running great. Running so nicely I just purchased a 2005 GT for my wife. All regular maintenace done and no problems with anything.

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  love my snotata !!!! - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By kim - April 16 - 1:46 pm

  love it!! great features for the $$$ if you dont want to spend the $$ for the jag or caddie

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  Best Value - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Debe - April 16 - 12:50 am

  Ive only had the Sonata SE a few weeks now and I am very impressed with the overall value of my purchase. I just dont think there is a better value on the road today.

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  Top Contender - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By top contender - April 15 - 8:26 am

  After extensive research, I purchased the Sonata Limited 2011 (no nav) because of its style, reputation, ratings and price. The 4 cylinder engine provides more than adequate power and gives excellent fuel economy while still remaining quiet under nearly all driving conditions. I owned/drove toyotas, accords, a 325 bmw and others and this Sonata (so far) is better than those cars with better styling and a better price. The cabin is comfortable,roomy and quiet (Im 64")and the Limited gives you all the bells and whistles anyone could need. Over rough road surfaces, you will feel some of those bumps more like an Accord but generally the ride is surprisely smooth and quiet. Check this car out.

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  Great Car - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ragtime Lady - April 14 - 7:29 pm

  Great Car! Runs great with room to spare. We bought it for the warranty but so far we have not used it. Maybe one of these days Hyundai will retain their resale values like the Hondas. The depreciation of the vehicle is the only set back and it isnt justified.

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  Santa Fe - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Mike - April 14 - 7:16 pm

  I just traded in the Elantra for the Santa Fe and I love it. Great in bad weather.

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  Bills Review - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Bills Hyundai Santa - April 14 - 10:00 am

  I think this is one of the best little SUVs we could have purchased. Everything is set up for the driver and passenger. Its comfortable to drive for long distances and the road noise is non-existent. I am very impressed. I will be buying another one for myself, so my wife can have hers back. I took my parents down and they also bought one.

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  WOW - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By My 1st - April 13 - 8:39 pm

  This is my first Hyundai. Matter of fact my first car (Ive always driven trucks). I love it!