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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  So good, Im buying another one - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By Jeff - May 10 - 5:55 pm

  I bought the 2010 Genesis sedan with the V8 in early April. I totalled it two weeks later. I loved it so much that when I get my insurance settlement, Im going to buy another one. This time Ill get the V6 as I want better mileage and the V6 is plenty powerful. This car is great. Ive owned Lexus, MB, BMW and others. This one is the best. The technology, fit and finish and well thought out design is amazing. It has almost every bell and whistle I can think of. Styling is fantastic. Nothing negative to say. Its priced right and a great value. I loved it and will love it again.

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  Best Luxury Car - Especially the Price - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By Mark C. - May 10 - 1:18 pm

  My 4.6 is the best luxury car in this price range AND others that cost $10- 20K more! I drove the GS350, ES350, and G37. I really liked the GS & ES but couldnt justify spending at least $10K more. My friends dogged me for buying a Hyundai, but after seeing the car and driving or riding in it they have changed their minds. 2nd Hyundai and Im impressed. Quiet & comfortable. HD stereo is great but youre limited on stations. Nav is great - you can change it while driving. Takes a while to get used to command knob. I like this car much more than my wifes 07 TL!! Ive had the car for 5K miles and still love it. I highly recommend this car! I think Hyundai is building great cars.

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  best car for the buck - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By jose - May 10 - 12:40 pm

  I purchase th car 2 weeks ago and so far I like it better than spected. Love the interior design and quality. I can conplain about the exterior, it realy pull lots of heads.

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  My First Sonata - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By j0anne@bellsouth.net - May 10 - 9:18 am

  I have a 100 mile commute to work. This is primarily driven on a Interstate. Nothing has been replaced on the car except for the air conditioner condenser, because a rock punctured the original. As of today I have 119,000 on the car and still enjoy it like it was new. My next car is going to be the Sonata Hybrid. Thanks for making a great car.

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  Love it - 2008 Hyundai Accent
  By candice - May 7 - 10:02 am

  I bought my Hyundai new in 5/2008. Its been a great work car on the hwy and in city. It took about 10,000 miles to see the 34 mpg on hwy and 30 in city. Only problem is seat belts sit far back but reliable and no problems. I even drove it 8 hours to Illinois but not real comfortable for 50 year olds on long trips.

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  I am happy with my Blue Hyundai Accent - 2010 Hyundai Accent
  By David Sumner - May 6 - 2:05 am

  2010 Accent is a well designed, well priced commute car. After owning 4 Toyota vehicles (i.e., Camry, Tercel, Echo, Yaris) I took my chances and bought a Hyundai Accent. Hyundai Accent is a surprisingly nice car for a very low price. Has a good design, and is roomy inside, and very fuel efficient. I strongly recommend it to first time car buyers, college students, those who need an economical second car for long commute,and young drivers. It is well worth the price you pay, and if it lasts like my past cars, I will be very very happy with my choice.

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  It does not get any better - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By tazman - May 5 - 3:15 pm

  I leased a new Hyundai Genesis after 27 month lease on an E-350 MB. This is by far the best car for the money period. It is 24,000 less then the MB and a better car. I test drove BMW, Lexus, Jag, and MB. This car won hands down. Get past the Hyundai badge and you will be driving one.

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  Honest & detailed review - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By Don - May 4 - 5:36 pm

  Price: you get so much more for what you pay for in this car, compared to others such a Mercedes, Lexus, Audi, etc.--- truly a great deal. Looks: I see people give this car looks all the time, and some people ask me about it, saying they really like it. Features in navigation screen: easy to learn. Heated 2 front seats and cooled drivers seat: works so well and keeps you so comfortable. Features: --rear window sun screen - I like it! --superb radio - complete quality. --memory drivers seat: controlling outside mirrors also. I will move up to the Hyundai Equus (the next higher model) next year. I have seen it, and it is even better yet than the Equus, but also more money ($56,000).

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  Reliable and economical - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By Steve M - May 3 - 11:53 pm

  I bought this car from Enterprise mainly for the fuel economy. I get a little over 30 mpg and its all in town mileage although some is on our turnpikes. The only thing Ive had to do in the way of repairs is replace the battery a year ago. Now at 53,000 I do need 2 new tires. Having bought from Enterprise with 31,000 miles, I dont know when or if they replaced tires prior to my purchase. This car is fun to drive, turns on a dime, and has a better sound system than you would probably expect. I will definitely buy another Hyundai but maybe next time a Sonata just because its bigger and more stylish.

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  I am a believer! - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By Jason - May 1 - 7:59 am

  Like most of current Genesis owners, I was skeptical about buying a $40,000 Hyundai car. But after reading so many positive reviews and test driving for 30 minutes, I took a leap of faith and bought a Genesis. I have 2000 miles under my belt and I love every mile of it. I have the technology package (Please do yourself a favor and get the package) Smart cruise control is a must if you spend a lot of time on the freeway. Even after driving for 4 hours straight, I dont feel tired because of the comfortable ride and smart cruise control of the Genesis. If you were skeptical about spending $40,000 to buy a Hyundai like me, have a faith. This car is a real deal.