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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  All the men in my life are grinning - 2003 Hyundai Tiburon
  By SandiS - April 25 - 10:00 am

  After owning a Honda and being a die hard Honda fan, I thought I would give this little car a try. I was 5 sec. into the drive test and I knew I was taking it home. I is so much fun to drive! Even after owning for 9 months, the power still surprises me. The body style is so sleek and sports- car-like I have been asked, "Is that a Lexus? A BMW?" I was even got out of a speeding ticket because the cop was so impressed with my car!

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  Handy - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Cee Jay - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Great fuel mileage for a 104 mile a day commute. Handy to zip in and out of small parking spots & great to go shopping in.

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  I like my Elantra - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Drakke - April 25 - 10:00 am

  My 2003 Elantra, replaced a 2001 Elantra, which was totalled in an accident. I like the Elantra. Its reliable. The local dealer, Automax, has an excellent service department. Im happy with my Elantra.

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  2012 Hyundai Azera - 2012 Hyundai Azera
  By Michael G - April 25 - 1:15 am

  I bought this used 2012 Azera just a week ago. I have only had this car a week and I absolutely love it. I am probably driving my friends crazy with that look at my new toy, look at it, lets drive somewhere attitude. Before the Azera I owned a 2005 Hyundai Sonata GLS which I bought in 2006. I loved that car and did my best to give it the TLC a car needs and it has lasted and lasted and still turned heads. But I was more than ready for a newer car with updated amenities and the 2012-2014 Azera model Really captured me. Also I never see this model and trim on the road which made me want it all the more. This car is simply gorgeous in every way its Pearl white with the black glass top and 19 inch wheels and a camel leather interior. I love the lines, the curves and the sharpness of the interior and exterior. I am over the moon with this one. Its super comfortable and very roomy. Im 62" as I sit in the driver seat I then get out and sit in the back seat to see how another tall person would feel, it sit has ample leg room. I love everything about my 2012 Hyundai Azera Special Edition. My only complaint is the GPS/voice command isnt very user friendly, but perhaps Im just not doing something right, I have only had it for a week.

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  I love this car! - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By Jayme - April 24 - 6:23 pm

  I had a 2004 Hyundai Elantra before this 2007 and they are not the same car. It is so so much better. It has a lot more room on the inside and the outside but it still drives like a littler car. I love this car!

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  Reliable and Nice Ride - 2001 Hyundai Sonata
  By the_ca_bohemian - April 24 - 2:00 am

  This car is great! It gets up to speed quickly which is important for merging in California. :-) The ride is comfortable, and the stock stereo is pretty decent. Comes with so much more than the Camry I was looking at, and affected my wallet a lot less as well! Would definitely buy another Hyundai.

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  Hyundai--You Hit a Grand Slam - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Barnett917 - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Originally looking for a SUV---but when I saw the Sonata 2011 fell in love with the great looks. Picked up car on Aug.16 and so far it has been great. A fun car to drive and a very peppy four cylinder will amaze you----it has great pickup. Handling seems great so far and the regular sound system that comes with xm radio is great. Bluetooth syncs easily with my Hero 200 Android phone and is a great feature with controls on steering wheel. Would recommend to all. The harbor gray color is fantastic.

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  awesome - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By junkyard1queen - April 23 - 5:53 am

  this car is the best vehicle I could have ever picked, it has the feel of a luxury car without the luxury car price tag. My family has complimented me on my choice of car (even though they have all owned only american cars) I would be willing to bet one of them might end up in one also. The sleek lines get head turns everywhere I go.

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  Great Car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Vic - April 23 - 4:06 am

  This car has been great! We have had no major problems, and has been the first car that I didnt need to bring back to the dealer for "little warranty items" when we first got it. there was a problem with the car not starting after we parked it, but Hyundai roadside assistance came to the rescue and towed us to a dealer. The fuel pump went bad and was replaced under warranty (no out of pocket cost) and we havent had a problem since. The room in the cabin is terrific, especially in the back seat. The trunk is open and can fit more than I ever imagined. I would recomend this car to anyone.

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  So much car, so little money! - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By renosnave - April 23 - 2:00 am

  The Hyundai warranty was what drew me to this vehicle. I wanted to have a car that started every time I put the key in. That I have a moonroof and a cd player and power everything is also great. While other people have $300- $400 car payments mine was just $167 a month! Did have a stereo problem, but they just took out the old one and put in a new one (covered by warranty!)