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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  First Car - 2001 Hyundai Tiburon
  By alishamoody815@aol.com - December 29 - 7:31 am

  I got my Tiburon when I was 16 and still have it at 22. Im just now thinking of getting a new car after putting this little thing through hell. It drives well, parks well, can take snow, rain, and just about anything. Mine has had issues with the fuel pump most recently, radiator, thermostat, and a few other things. But this has been a course of 6 years. Its still running and currently my daily driver and has been for several of my family members lots of times. Its a little car, but its tough. Ive had several incidents in it, but it keeps going. If you need something small and reliable, this is definitely it. I have over 200,000 on mine and if it wasnt giving issues that cost more than it was worth and had four doors, Id never want to get rid of it.

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  Love my Tib - 2008 Hyundai Tiburon
  By Andrew - December 28 - 11:20 pm

  2nd Tib i have owned, last was 2006 GT V6. It was stolen and i replaced with 4cyl GS auto due to budget. Bought new 03-2009 for 13090+ taxes. Cant beat that with moonroof and cruise!!!!

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  Owner From S.Korea - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jake - December 28 - 9:26 pm

  I current own a Korean-built New Sonata aka NF Sonata in Korea. It is an absolutely hot ride. I used to have 03 Honda Accord. But Sonata is a winner! Two thumbs up..

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  A bargain with great performance - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By emsmister - December 28 - 4:28 pm

  I have not been disappointed in any way since purchasing the car (a Limited with the Ultimate Package) ten months ago. The build quality was noticably higher than any American-made car I have ever owned and the feeling of solidity and the quiet ride are still very much in evidence. Routine maintenence has been all that has been required. Small wonder the Azera made it to Edmunds "Most Wanted" list for 2007. Both my wife and I feel this car handles, looks, and rides like a car costing many thousands of dollars more and intend to drive our black over gray Azera well past the 100,000 mile mark.

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  Love this car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By earthwormjim - December 28 - 7:38 am

  I switched over from a Toyota Corolla 2001 to a Hyundai Sonata 2011 GLS. I love it. When I drive down the freeway at 80 MPH it is a smooth ride. The engine appears great and everything about this car seems like it will last me a while. I am tall (63) which is why I needed a larger car. I have been very pleased. Also, I am the type to drive a car for 300,000 miles. I hope it will last me that long or even longer.

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  2007 Veracruz Limited - 2007 Hyundai Veracruz
  By Randy - December 27 - 7:53 pm

  Great buy for the car. Looks and handles great. I bought the first one that the dealer had sold. I do not see why Hyundai does not advertise this car more aggressively.

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  Smooth, quiet, powerful - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By kww - December 27 - 5:06 am

  This car is very smooth and quiet. While no sports car, it is more powerful than my previous two cars, a Taurus SHO, and a Maxima SE. The interior is very well done, the seats are extremely comfortable, and the stereo is excellent. Should be an outstanding interstate cruiser. Am averaging 25mpg in a mix of driving. The nav unit works quite well(after the original faulty unit was cheerfully replaced by the dealer). Very affordable with the rebate($3000). Outstanding value.

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  Second Hyundai - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Honestman - December 26 - 6:03 pm

  I had a 2000 sonata it was great but this Santa Fe has been perfect from the day we bought it. Love this truck.

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  First SUV - 2006 Hyundai TUCSON
  By Jersey Shore - December 26 - 7:50 am

  This is my first SUV after owning strictly sports cars. I love the ability to shop and fit many items, including large inside without too much effort. Nice design. I looked at several SUVs prior to this purchase, my decision was based on the design, bank for the buck and the warranty. The mileage is not that great, it has improved. Only getting about 21-22 MPG. Having owned it for just one year, barring any future problems, I would buy another Hyundai.

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  Love the 2003 Tiburon - 2003 Hyundai Tiburon
  By JustinL - December 25 - 7:23 pm

  I only have 1200 miles on my 2003 GT V6 but I absolutely love the car. This car is absolutely solid. The v6 has plenty of torque on tap in all 6 gears. The handling is superb. The Michelin pilot sports tires have plenty of grip. The interior is very nice and understated. The recaro designed seats are amazingly comfortable. I would higly recomend anyone shopping for a fun affordable sports car to look at this car and take it for a test drive. The infinity sound system is very nice. JustinL