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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  Great little car - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By Crystal - September 29 - 2:24 pm

  This car has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. I have put 80,000 miles on it so far and I have had no major repairs. Only maintence type repairs have needed to be done. Very good car for the price.

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  Beautiful inside & out! - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By seximobile - September 28 - 11:13 pm

  The redesign is a lot more fluid and curvy than last years box. I test drove last years 08 sonata and it only had ok power. The upgrade on the new four-cylinder feels like there is more power off the line and highway passing. If I lived in hilly terrain, I would purchase the v6 but when I climb hills, I use the shiftronic and it goes just fine. Exterior is beautiful and Pearl White is stunning. Could go without steel wheels, but the covers have a Nice design. Interior is very Nice with high quality cloths and plastics. Good stereo.

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  Hyundai Santa Fe - an great buy - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By twludlow - September 28 - 7:16 pm

  Except for fuel economy the Hyundai Santa Fe is a best buy. Ive only driven it a bit over 1,000 miles but thats enough to know that this a fine handling SUV that, fully equipped, is as well appointed and comfortable as the BMW I owned previously. The fuel economy isnt as advertised however. The literature promises 16/17 in town and 22/23 on the highway. Sorry to say that is way off reality. Im getting more like 16. The dealer is ready to check it for necessary adjustments, so hopefully that will improve the situation. If so, Ill be a Hyundai fan for life.

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  New Clutch at 30000 - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Patrick - September 28 - 2:08 pm

  New clutch at 30000 and not covered under "bumper to Bumper". I was the only one who drove it and I did not abuse it! Do not buy a manual transmission, because the clutch is not covered under bumper to bumper and they wear out prematurely. A Auto transmission is covered.

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  less than satisfied - 2014 Hyundai Sonata
  By roscoe103 - September 28 - 3:11 am

  gas mileage not what was advertised transmission shifts into higher gears at the wrong time. took it back to dealer and was told it is running as designed. that is there standard answer instead of trying to fix it. complained to Hyundai and that was a waste of time. beware of the advertised fuel mileage, although I am sure it is an industry wide problem of not getting what is advertised as far as gas mileage

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  Wonderful vehicle - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Enfurno - September 27 - 7:26 pm

  I absolutely love my Sonata. It is fun and exhilarating to drive. Performance is definitely there, comfort is top notch, and the features are second to none for the price that you pay for this wonderful machine. Not too mention it is the best looking sedan on the road today. If you are thinking about the Sonata and comparing it to other sedans then stop and buy right now because no other sedan even compares.

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  A Little Disapointed - 2007 Hyundai Veracruz
  By Billy Lewis - September 27 - 5:56 pm

  After being high pressured by the dealership, we finally signed on the line. Now with 13000 miles, we are beginning to wonder if we made a mistake. at 10,000 miles we had to return to the dealership, because my wife (primary driver) got stranded. At first they said it was the transmission, next they said it was the throttle body. After a week in the shop we got it back, and every time we slowed down for a red light, the transmission would jump and slip, then the drivers seat quit working. We have never gotten better than 22 mpg on a 500 mile trip, and around 1+ in town!I am not a happy camper at all!

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  Very Happy Owners - 2008 Hyundai Tiburon
  By Tina - September 26 - 9:03 pm

  The Tiburon was our first Hyundai and the looks and power sold us. Just took it on a trip to W. Virginia from Wyoming and got between 29 - 32 mpgs. No problems with not having enough power, not much kept up with us. Passed the tractor and trailers very easily. Gets lots of looks. Very comfortable for two to ride in.

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  Love these cars - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By Angie Tedder - September 26 - 7:00 pm

  Bought my Accent SE on 9/23/06....almost to the day of my last Accent, a 2001 hatchback. These cars are extremely reliable. I have to get used to driving an automatic. But, have found this car pretty peppy and responsive. The SE is loaded with sunroof and CD(6). My previous Accent was very sporty and I just loved it. Talked my husband into getting the Elantra Limited. Now hes a fan! Never had a problem with my 2001. I expect the same from my 2007 Accent. I encourage everyone to check out these vehicles and test drive them before spending thousands more just because of a "name".

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  Sonata 2.0 T - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By artie512 - September 26 - 6:14 am

  I purchased the car in Oct 2012 it was destroyed in the Sandy storm I liked it so much I purchased the exact same model no problems performs as stated