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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  Azera- Things to be aware of...... - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Hyundai Azera - December 17 - 6:30 pm

  The headlights have a very dark line and I think very limited range on the headlights. I noticed this when I test drove the vehicle. The dealership raised the headlights to what they said was the proper level. After purchasing the car I noticed that the lights were set too high and people were flashing the high beams at me. I had an independen garage check the the lights and they had been set too high. In other words, I was mislead. In addition, the car doors do not lock automatically. This was something I didnt notice in the test drives. Even the cheapest cars have this feature for security. I also find it annoying that you cannot charge a cell phone without the engine running

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  Great Value - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By michael - December 17 - 1:48 pm

  My wife and I have had this car for two years. My two children have had older Sonatas and we all would buy another. Drives and feels like a more expensive car. Had a BMW and think this is a much better car considering the price difference. Have never had it back in the shop for anything. Never did like the exterior, but the new models are very nice.

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  Elantra - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By eex_heywood - December 17 - 10:03 am

  So far, so good! Love the car...looks ALOT better than the 97 Elantra we traded in for it! Little funny acting in 3rd gear around town..kinda quirky or something, but straightens out at 2000 rpms. Only 1200 miles on it now, but so far this cars very good! Id recommend one to anyone looking for a smaller family vehicle, without any worries.

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  Hyundai Azera - 2012 Hyundai Azera
  By echooks - December 17 - 4:55 am

  I really enjoy driving this Hyundai Azera. I have had it for almost a year now without any problems. I am looking for comfort and reliability and my Hyundai Azera has it. I really love this car and would definitely buy another one. I heard Hyundai will discontinue the Azera after the 2017 model because of the lagging sales. I hate to see it go.

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  I LOVE MY TIBBY! - 2006 Hyundai Tiburon
  By Donnalyn - December 17 - 3:13 am

  Hope Im not jinxing myself here, but Ive never had a bit of problems with my Tibby! Shes always there when I need her...totally reliable. Will definitely buy and recommend Hyundai autos again. With their 100,000 mile warranty, Hyundai just cant be beat!

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  excellent performance in accident - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By PA driver - December 16 - 2:05 am

  It was a cute, fun to drive little car. Gas mileage was decent. It did act up on a cold start for a while, had it to the dealer 5 times, they kept giving it back with same problem, so thats a service dept problem, not the car itself. I recently was in a head on collision on the highway. The car was totaled, but the passenger compartment stayed intact. The front end absorbed most of the force before it got to me. My most serious injury was a broken heel, so compared to what could have happened, that car did an amazing job of keeping me alive. My head/face was untouched except for a bloody nose from the airbag. Im definitely considering another Hyundai for my next car.

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  Solid Car - Great Looking & Good Value - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By turtle_girl - December 16 - 12:06 am

  Have taken the car on a 700 mile road trip averaged 35 mpg and had a smooth ride. Never ever would have thought I would purchase a Hyundai in this lifetime but boy have they come a long way. Solid build, great look, and one pleased owner. Direct line 4 makes a difference good go power. Engine shifts smooth with the 6 speed trans and just hits 3000 RPM at 80 miles per hour (amazing). If you thinking about one, you honestly cant go wrong.

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  Awesome car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By art - December 15 - 3:20 pm

  Enjoying every day driving, Cool car, soft driving. Gas efficient with powerful engine. Exterior is just awesome. Really recommend.

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  Love Hyundia Azera 2006 - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Hendrix - December 14 - 12:05 pm

  It is a car which has extremely high quality and a great unmatched warrenty,and safety values and the price is truely a great value

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  New purchase - 2005 Hyundai XG350
  By Dan - December 14 - 10:33 am

  Just bought the XG350L - our second Hyundai now. Fantastic value and solid quality and ride. We are very happy with the options and warranty.