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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  little red corvet (not really) - 2017 Hyundai Elantra GT
  By judith stockli - April 13 - 10:52 am

  so far I really like it, I just bought it so I cant really say a whole let yet!

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  This is a winner - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Vinnie D - April 13 - 5:46 am

  Everyone wants to know who made it! This car has the looks the se has all the features I wanted, love the navigation and blue tooth and XM radio this car is an all around 10

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  Finally a good car. - 2006 Hyundai TUCSON
  By oldsarge II - April 12 - 7:16 pm

  Liked it from the second I sat in it at the dealership. My first longish trip was to Phoenix in June of 2006 (very hot) mileage averaged 28.8 mpg. starts every time plenty of acceleration (I live in central valley of California). I use the car for everything, totally versatile. Last longish trip was to Reno June of 2009, mileage averaged again 28.8. Note to all owners, Change oil regularly, make sure you change the air cleaner at or before the listed time, keep tires up, and be sure your oldest son is a working auto mechanic. prev.cars were Nash, Pontiac, Chevy, Toyota,Nissan X- 2,and a ,46 Bug in Europe. This one is the best.

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  The Start of Something Great - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By Paul Kim - April 12 - 9:40 am

  I think its safe to say I found the car of my dreams, although there are a few things about the car that arent perfect. Lets start with the power of this car: its an absolute beast when you push it around. This is one massive V6 that even trumps the brand new Camaros and competes with cars that cost twice as much and it uses regular fuel to power it yet is smooth, comfortable and reasonably quiet when cruising on a freeway. The styling gets looks from everyone around it and many people who owns G37s and 335is are astonished at the flowing H logo that is attached to it. If you are looking for a sports car that doesnt skimp on features for less than $30k, do NOT count this car out.

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  Great Car Great Price Great Ride - 2005 Hyundai XG350
  By Patty Gee - April 11 - 5:20 pm

  It has a smooth ride and has great pick up with lots of room , front and back.

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  A great car!!! - 2005 Hyundai Accent
  By Rob - April 10 - 8:56 pm

  I just bought my 3-door Accent GT and only have 1000 miles on it. But I love it already. I opted for the automatic and Im glad I did. It shifts well and still has alot of pep. It would be nice to have a 2.0 with the added horsepower. But I bought the car for the MPG, warranty, and price. On all accounts Im not disapointed and I know Im going to trade it in for another Hundai.

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  Whats not to like? - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By herr_howard - April 9 - 10:22 pm

  All in all, Im 16 months and 16K miles in. This car makes me smile every time I drive it. Engine was a little coarse at first and transmission seemed a little balky at first (no biggies, though) but latest engine/transmission flash makes things smooth as buttah! My only regret is that I ddint get one w/Nav but there are some after market kits coming available now.

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  Great car for a teenager! - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By Michal - April 9 - 5:53 pm

  I have this car almost for a year and its perfect for me! Its the best car that you can get as a teenager ! Over the year car didnt broke once, only oil change and thats it ! Worth the price !

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  impressions after 4 months - 2000 Hyundai Sonata
  By bigmutt - April 9 - 12:54 pm

  No problems encountered so far the only negative thing for me personally is the reputation these Korean cars have.

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  New Hundee owner - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Sonata - April 8 - 7:13 am

  Previous Altima owner looking for similar size vehicle with same engine (2.4L)size. Liked the Sonatas styling and warranty; decided to buy since the price was right and so far so good. Satified with its roominess and engine response and smooth ride. Satisfied owner.