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:

• 

  bobs report - 2001 Hyundai XG300
  By bob weatherly - October 31 - 10:00 am

  the only thing i found bad was havin to select traction control and cruise control each time i start up the car. it behaves like a dream on the road. looks like a winner to me.

• 

  Go Get One!!! - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Blinx - October 31 - 10:00 am

  What a great car!! Great on Gas

• 

  Very Pleased - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Mwabell - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my vehicle for 18 months. I have had no problems what-so-ever. The gas mileage is consistent on the highway or in the city at 20 - 22 mpg. I enjoy driving and appreciate the unique looks.

• 

  Drive, you decide! - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Robertson - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Prior to purchasing this vehicle, we looked at Subarus. As I was on my fourth and was very pleased with the vehicle. I did a lot of research on both vehicles and we felt as far as value goes, we could not go wrong with our purchase of a 2003 Santa Fe LX AWD. The warranty told us that the Company was going to be here down the road. Hyundai Industries, has a lot of money behind them and as soon as they find their niche in the marketplace, you will find this vehicle, retailing for at least 3000.00 more.

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Linda Haller - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This is a great vehicle at a great price. Very stylish with lots of room.

• 

  Wonderful SUV - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By SkKirtely - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Hyundai a year now and could not be more satisfied. I really like the 10 year warranty. I like it also because I feel safe driving it. I will by another one when its time to buy again.!

• 

  Hyundai Respect! - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By XCELO8 - October 30 - 5:36 pm

  I trade every 3 years and wanted a smaller SUV with improved mileage and adequate room. Looked at the Equinox, Rav4, Subaru outback, and the Murano. Chose the Sante Fe due to the power, interior design, fuel mileage, ride, and backseat/storage room. Also made in America. Very good sound system and climate control.

• 

  wonderful! - 2010 Hyundai Veracruz
  By Paula - October 30 - 2:46 am

  Great purchase. I was looking for a safe, AWD, family, luxury-like SUV and I found that and more with this vehicle!

• 

  Hyundai LX, 2003 - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By E. Greet - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Totally satisfying experience. Great value for the money, many compliments from other lookers and drivers when parked almost daily. Design reminds many of "Jag S class" expecially rear lines.

• 

  From 350Z to 2011 Sonata SE - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By 2011SonataSE - October 29 - 2:46 pm

  Just took delivery on a 2011 Hyundai Sonata SE. If you like what is portrayed in the Super Bowl ad (Geaux Saints) go out and take a first hand look. I came out of a Z and was a little worried about HP. ItÂ’s not dragster but with the 6 Speed VDC Trans it shifts like a dream. The exterior lines, paint form and fit are truly matched to the high end manufactureÂ’s standards. The interior is very impressive with well thought out placement of speakers, gauges and remarkably comfortable front and rear seats. The Bluetooth microphone is very well placed and connection clarity the best IÂ’ve ever experienced.Buy now before the discounts go away and/or the dealers realize what a catch this car is.