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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  Excellent Car - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By tmp - September 10 - 2:56 pm

  I bought my Sonata GSL 03 with all the bells and whistles new and couldnt be happier. Going on 6 yrs replaced brakes @50,000, just did timing belt @ 83,000. Did oil change every 3,000- 5,000 miles other than that general maintenance.Not thrilled with dealer very poor customer service. I have found overall excellent performance and comfort level. Arm rest worn and power lock just went. Previously owned Mederces, Cadillac, TBird, Mustang, Lincoln,

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  needs much improvement - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By senior hot rod - September 9 - 9:44 am

  Need hand grips on under side of steering wheel. No timer for front or rear defrosters. Sunlight washes out nav screen and rear back up camera. Need larger sun visors with side extenders. Windshield washers only spray lower windshield. Limited warranty on all electronic items. Bad blind area when drivers seat is all the way back. Need light under hood. Rear mud guards are to small. Both front seats need the same features and more thigh support.

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  Great Little Car - 2000 Hyundai Accent
  By Nadine - September 9 - 9:15 am

  I purchased this car five years ago when it was five years old and I havent had any major problems, just minor repairs. The car is great on gas and the repairs I have done have been cheap. My only complaint is that the car is gutless and has a hard time making it up hills. This was my first car and I would purchase this car again!

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  2011 Hyundai Veracruz -- Not bad at all - 2011 Hyundai Veracruz
  By joshregenold - September 8 - 10:30 am

  Coming from the nightmare that was a 2011 Jeep Compass (read my review over there; what a disaster), the Veracruz is a dream come true. Ive never owned a Hyundai, but the build quality is exceptional, the interior is roomy and comfortable, the ride is quiet and smooth on the highway (a bit rough at low speeds on rough roads), and the gas mileage is just as advertised. Driving 4,000 miles or so mostly on the highway (I do about 90/10 hwy/city), I average between 21 and 23 MPG. The third row is not bad at all, either. I regularly have adults at about 56" tall back there with no complaints.

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  Hyundai has come a long way - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By C.W. - September 8 - 4:43 am

  Ive had my Hyundai Sonata Limited for a little more than a month now, and I am loving it. I have never owned a Hyundai, and have always driven Nissans. Traded an 04 Maxima SE for the Sonata because of the remarkable warranty. You cant beat it. The Sonata is fun to drive, and I found it to be much quieter than the Nissan. Power is more than sufficient, and the CVVT shifts flawlesly. Interior room is spacious, but I think the fore/aft position on the seat tract should be a bit longer. I love the Infinity sound system, however I had to take it back to the dealer 2X to fix an annoying rattle in the rear deck coming from the 3rd brake light. I also think the suspension should be firmer.

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  Good Choice - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By will - September 6 - 3:50 pm

  Had the car for 3 weeks now and am pleased with it. I never considered buying a Elantra, but friends of ours has 2 and love them. I wanted a car thats reliable, safe, good mpg,comfortable and affordable-the Elantra was it! No other car maker came close with the same options & price plus warranty. Its not sporty or a head turner,but for me thats ok.

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  GREAT DEAL - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Hyundai Lover - September 6 - 4:52 am

  Ive been through alot with this car, it took its bumps and bruises. It stood STRONG! Aside from plastics on the cheaper side, you get so much for what you pay for. Plus, i got a STEAL on it, dont overlook the Elantra! BEAST CAR!

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  Nice Accent - 2005 Hyundai Accent
  By Gordy - September 5 - 9:14 am

  A nice compact for the price. Very reliable. Handles well, but a little bumpy on uneven roads. Great warranty. Only problem has been to replace spark plug wires after check engine light displayed, and this was handled promptly by the Hyundai dealer.

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  Great Value - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By laura - September 5 - 8:08 am

  I bought my 01 Elantra gently used in 2002, because it appeared to be the best value. And it has been. Ive not had to pay for any major repairs in the 7 years and 100,000 miles Ive owned. Def. the lowest cost to own car Ive ever had. The car is not sexy, so Ive been a bit bored with it ( since I bought it), but will keep driving until it starts needing major repairs.

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  Excellent value - 2006 Hyundai Tiburon
  By ccrater4 - September 5 - 4:36 am

  I bought my Tiburon GT for $8000 about a year ago. Ive loved it since day one. It is over all an awesome car to drive. Although, it is not the fastest car. If you are looking for something to race it may not be for you. Its lack of power isnt justified by its fuel economy. I would expect better than 18 city from a 2.7L V6. Over all I would recommend this car to anyone. It is a great deal and is very fun to drive.