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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  bang for your buck - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By JJ - March 4 - 9:43 am

  I am impressed - not much out there that delivers that much value. 100K, 10yr bumper2bumper warranty upgrade is a no-brainer. The quality is convincing, the design well thought out. Plenty of room and the air-vents in the cargo area are perfect for dog owners. Low-tire pressure warning - nice touch, but the tires are not something to write home about... I hope the mpgs will come up a little as the engine settles in. Handles really well, smooth, quiet ride (which would probably improve quite a bit with better rubber). However, be prepared to sit in the dark, if you have the DVD installed - the interior light in the back does not do much for the front row - the front ones are for reading only!

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  Car with No problems - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By vignesh - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought this on 09/99 for the past 4 years i dont have any problem with this vehicle.I think this could be due to the fact i am religiously doing manufacturer recommended services and 3k oil change.

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  My Tuscon - 2006 Hyundai TUCSON
  By Bob0a - March 1 - 4:30 pm

  I bought this as a in town run-a-round. I have found this to be a excelent choice for this. I have used the load area twice and have found the flat folding seats easy to lower and raise. The MPG is holding at arround 19 MPG of intown driving. I have curently 1500 miles on it and am pleased with my choice.

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  My dream car - 2004 Hyundai Tiburon
  By Marci - March 1 - 2:00 am

  This was my dream car. I have owned a total of 3 Hyndais now and think that they are the most reliable cars made. I have never had a moments trouble with any of them and just keep upgrading until now thay I have bought my dream. The car handles beatuiful, I have now had to drive it in a few snow and ice storms and it handles beatuiful, with the 6 speed and lots of power the car is fun to drive.

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  Fun to drive, great mpgs - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Brad - March 1 - 1:40 am

  We had a 2006 Sonata GLS V6, which we loved. It had 83,000 miles without a problem. It was totaled recently in an accident so we were forced to go car shopping. I test drove a Mazda 6 and Ford Fusion, but new 2011 Sonata is a very impressive car. New GDI engine is very efficient. Doesnt necessarily sound pretty, but quiet once going with very adequate power. The new 6 speed shifts great, keeps rpm low when driving easy and downshifts quickly when asked too. MPG 33-37 for us so far. We bought the GLs for the slightly softer seats and slightly better ride than the SE. Our two tone tan/black interior makes car look more expensive than it is. Paid $19,800 with Hyundai loyalty.

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  Love It !!!!! - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Sante Fe - February 28 - 5:30 pm

  This is probably the best auto maker out there. After working for GM/Delphi and knowing what they make and owning GMs my entire life I wanted something made better, more reliable and an alround better deal. I found it with Hyundai. I bought a SAnte Fe and a Tiburon GT this year...that is how great they are!

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  Great car and value - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Al_W - February 28 - 10:00 am

  At just over $14k, this car may be the best value on the market in its class. After 3 weeks, we love it all the more. Its more comfortable than expected for its size, has just enough pep, and looks good. The GTs hatch is versatile for cargo. Rear 60/40 seats fold flat by flipping up bottom seats - nice. You cant get more for the money. After over 8 years & 120k miles with a Hyundai Excel, Ill attest to the long- term quality, low mtc. cost and reliability. Not to mention how far theyve come in that time with design and value-added features. You cant go wrong with a Hyundai.

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  My 2004 Accent sedan - 2004 Hyundai Accent
  By E. Corser - February 28 - 2:00 am

  I recently bought a 2004 Hyundai Accent sedan. It has automatic trans. and has the popular equipment package. So far I have had no problems w/ it and enjoy driving it. Its comfortable and looks very attractive inside and out. My only complaint is the limited handling on winding roads due to the small tires.

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  Good Car - 2003 Hyundai Accent
  By wenixonii - February 27 - 2:00 am

  For anyone who maybe skeptical about buying a Hyundai Accent, dont be. I have had this car a year now, very good car, excelent gas mileage and I absolutely love it. Plus to top it all off, I didnt spend 25,000 for a brand new car.

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  AWSOME - 2010 Hyundai Sonata
  By savitels - February 25 - 3:20 pm

  All I can say is this is a great car...I had a nissan sentra before my Sonata and it is like Im gliding on the road instead of feeling every bump.Im very happy with my car its nice and roomy and good on mileage and it runs great!! Thank you Hyundai,you are Awesome!!