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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  A Challenge to the Japanese - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By roe1 - October 24 - 1:06 pm

  A superbly-engineered vehicle with a full range of accessories, comfort, and power for less than $23,000.

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  Nice car - 2003 Hyundai Tiburon
  By Tiburon_Buyer - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Just bought one today. Runs like a charm.

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  Great value for the money - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Andreamarie - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my red 2002 LX (fully loaded) since November, and its been nothing but a positive experience. I highly recommend getting the LX: the leather seats have been very durable, despite the abuse they have taken my two dogs. In fact, the seats still look brand new! Even our New Beetles leather seats looked shabby after a month or two. I still get a kick out of people staring at my car! Also note that although the outside styling is very different with this model, the engine has not been remodified too much, which cuts down on the risk unexpected suprises. This was a big selling point for me.

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  silver bullit - 2004 Hyundai Accent
  By patrick nugent - October 23 - 2:00 am

  i love my accent.the is built with the highest quality.the fuel economy exceeded my expectations.also for a 4 cylinder it has surprising power.

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  I love my Sante Fe - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By judi - October 22 - 6:33 pm

  We purchased our Sante Fe to tow behind our new motorhome, and needed a vehicle that would accomodate our 3 puppies as well. WE LOVE IT! It has met all of our expectations and was a GREAT BUY!

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  So far So good! - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By KT - October 22 - 3:50 pm

  I loved the body styling compared to the box like appearance of other SUVs in its class. The interior is pretty comfy. The leather seats are not very soft but the give good support. I am disappointed that the passenger seat does not heat up as represented. The driver seat nicely heats and warms your lower back. Steering is tight. The gas pedal is too touchy. Barely pressing the pedal and it jumps into action full speed ahead! It is difficult to get used to and a bit annoying. Today I loaded a tall size hot water tank into it. Dropped the back seat and pushed the front seat forward and in it went with room to spare. Smiles all around! My friends find the back seat very comfortable.

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  Love My Sonata - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By VLB - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I have been a Chevy owner (various models) for more than 15 years. This is my first non-American made car and I love it!!!

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  Most Impressive in its class - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jack in Arkansas - October 22 - 12:16 am

  My kids both owned the early Hyundai models that we deemed THROW AWAY cars. I was leaning toward a Honda and test drove some, but I kept reading the reviews on the Sonata and test drove one. I bought it immediately. Much more for the money than my second choice -- Honda. This is quite an impressive machine. Then, there is the price and the warranty. All together an unbeatable fine automobile for the money!

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  A Whole Lot More Than Price Indicates - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By dshelley - October 21 - 9:36 pm

  This car is often compared to BMW 5 series and E series MBs, but its probably closest in size, engine type, features, and overall class to Infinitis M35. Closest until price is compared. At about $10K less, its the automotive bargain of the year, perhaps decade. Like others I looked at and drove BMW, MB, Audi, Lexus, Infiniti and others, all of which are a lot more money. Believe me, none are quieter, more comfortable, more solid feeling, or handle better in every day traffic. This Hyundai is that good. I can only provide a warning. DO NOT DRIVE THIS CAR, if you are not ready to buy. You will fall in love with an affordable automotive experience you may not have known existed.

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  Awesome Ride - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By deeezldoc - October 21 - 5:03 pm

  Ive owned BMW and Lexus-my Genesis 3.8L is more comfortable and has a firm, quiet, comfortable ride. Plenty of power but great mileage for a 3.8L. I couldnt be happier-Ive researched and waited for this car since I saw it on the Super Bowl ads. Look out Lexus-here comes Genesis.