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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  Excellent all around vehicle. - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By lsnider - December 1 - 2:00 am

  This is a great looking Suv. Along with the warranty and dependability we feel confident that we would by another in years to come. Its fun to drive, and the 6 cyl. engine has all the power youd need. Were so glad we chose the Santa Fe. Our son recently bought a Tiburon GT, leather, 6 speed and he is having a blast with it. Once in a while my husband and I steal it for a drive. Sincerly, Linda Snider,Melbourne Florida.

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  The Santa Fe is a TRUE SLEEPER ! - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Pokekid89 - November 30 - 10:00 am

  The meaning of the Santa Fe being a TRUE SLEEPER is the fact that if more people spent the time to test drive and price compare a Mini SUV, they would realize that this vehicle is exactly what they need. I was always a Chevy Man, until I test drove a Santa Fe. I was more impressed with the quality and design that Hyundai put into this vehicle than that of others that were classified in its range. Hyundai has come a long way in quality and it backs itself up with a great warranty. This Mini SUV is by far the sharpest, smooth riding, and roomiest vehicle in its category. Once people catch on, its demand in the market place will soar.

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  Solid Car/Great Value - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By KCTENDER - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the 2002 Elantra GLS manual 2 weeks ago. The car drives pretty damn good and so far it has exceeded my expectations. Overall the value of the Elantra is excellent considering the standard options, quality of ride and warranty. And when you compare this car to the compition, its a clear winner. The 5 years TCO (total cost of ownership) on Edmunds uses the TMV (true market value) purchase price when calculating the cost per mile. I recalculated the 5 year TCO using the my purchase price and came out with .28/mile cost which is several cents below their number.Your Hyundai dealer will take invoice on the 2002 and give you back the rebate.

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  Better than the Santa Fe - 2005 Hyundai TUCSON
  By Bobby Daminski - November 30 - 6:33 am

  I baught a Santa Fe in 03 and it seems that Hyundai corrected a lot of the things I didnt like about the Santa Fe with the Tucson. The advertised gas mileage is worse than the lie I told my wife when I was cheating on her. I average at best about 21mpg on the highway. Not what I expected. Nonetheless its looks sweet, rides sweet, and the chicks dig it.

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  Great Ride! - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By huyen genomia - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. its sleek,and looks futuristic. It warms easily in the winter and cools fast in the summer. For a first time buyer, this is the way to go!

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By mhamilton06 - November 29 - 6:15 pm

  I bought the Sonata Hybrid 2012 and I am not disappointed. I read a lot on the intranet before purchasing and noted down the negative comments that had been made with a view to evaluating them myself. I saw comments about gear shift transitioning issues, parallel parking issues and so forth and specifically attempted to replicate each of these in turn - and didnt notice a darn thing. I recommend this vehicle. Its solid, stable and Im getting an average of 35MPG. Try it for yourself before listening to the critics.

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  A 2 Hyundai family - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Don - November 28 - 8:43 pm

  This is an incredible automobile from the standpoint of quality, features and comfort. It is a real head turner and Ive had people ask what is that car? I live in a relatively upscale suburban area so there is plenty of "emblem snobbery", so I smile when people tell me what an attractive car I have. We have had Acura TLs for the past several years which we leased. In Jan. I bought a 2006 Sonata LX6 and was so satisfied with it that after test driving the Azera last month I bought that for my wife and as the "family car" so I can have an excuse to drive it. Its one of the finest cars that I have ever driven, and Ive had a few.

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  Lovin my new Santa Fe - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Kevscar - November 28 - 2:46 am

  I have owned my new Santa Fe for just over two weeks and I love the way it drives. I am over 65" in height and find it to be very comfortable. Besides loving the new outside design, I really like the interior. The wood grain and blue lighted dash are really a nice touch.

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  An Excellent Car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Sonata - November 27 - 5:23 am

  Weve driven over 21,000 miles with almost perfect satisfaction. A defective battery in the first month and detached gripper necessitated a couple visits for repair. It is "zippy"" and comfortable for 700 mile days. All the accessories have become necessities and we would only wish additionally for dual side temperature controls. The 10 year, 100,000 mile warranty with road side assistance even for gas gives us added security. Our mpg is what is listed, 20/29, we get it. Well definitely consider another Sonata in two years.

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  Quiet, quick, comfy - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By wanna-azzy - November 27 - 12:13 am

  So far I am very satisfied. It looks great in silver blue with grey int. I cant think of anything it doesnt do well. Fuel mileage is just OK, but should improve with time. And the light interior color will take a little more care to keep clean. With the warranty and MANY more safety features than the competition, I feel good about my purchase.