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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  Yes Hyundai does build a quality Vehicle - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By dantheman - June 13 - 4:33 pm

  I love this truck...If you are looking for a car like ride with the height of a truck, this vehicle is for you. The interior is roomy & comfortable. Compared this truck to the Ford Escape & Mazda Tribute....Drive all three, & you will buy the Hyundai like I did.

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  Finally, my dream car! - 2010 Hyundai Veracruz
  By anniebanana - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive been waiting 46 years for this car! I love everything about it! (ok, except maybe the fuel economy). It has a sophisticated look to it, and the interior is both comfortable and functional. The engine is super quiet as well. And finally the warranty cant be beat. I would have loved to take a step up to the limited for some of the extra features but just couldnt swing it. Even my 20 year old daughter and her friend are in love with it, which is really saying something considering their age group. Cant wait for a road trip.

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  Rides like a RX350 - 2007 Hyundai Veracruz
  By THSAutoman - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Purchased for styling, comfort, price & warranty after comparing to Pilot, Highlander & Mazda RX9. Subsequently found it to compare equally in size, comfort and features with XC90 and RX350 owned by other family members. Dealer warranty experience has been good on two occasions. Handles great in town and on highway.

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  Service Status - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By cj - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Be aware the manufacture allows the local dealership to decide whether the car needs to be serviced under normal conditions or severe conditions. This could double the cost of ownership for you. This is according to a response I received from Hyundai.

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  Will not disappoint! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Sonata SE Fan - June 13 - 10:00 am

  The Hyundai Sonata SE is the best looking out of all three models. I dont know why other reviewed as noisy and that it has a stiff ride. Believe me, ride is JUST PERFECT. Definitely worth a look if youre in the market for a sedan. You will fall in love with this car, trust me!

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  Move over Honda/Toyota, theres a NKOTB! - 2007 Hyundai Entourage
  By Dan - June 13 - 1:33 am

  I researched mini vans for nearly a year before purchasing our Entourage last week. We had settled on a Sedona, but when the Entourage became available a few weeks ago we loved the sportier look, the chrome, the whole package. We went with the Limited to get the options we wanted. After all my research, I can say we got the best deal of them all. More room, more saftey, more power, better sound, head and shoulders better warranty, all the same bells and whistles as Honda/Toyota for nearly $10K less! If anyone is looking for a van, I say stop looking and buy and Entourage! If a company is willing to cover their vehicle for 10 yrs/100K miles Im going to trust that company!

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  Not Happy (Throw away car) - 1998 Hyundai Accent
  By Not Happy - June 11 - 11:19 am

  This car only lasted me a year. I bought this car for $2,500 on a payment plan and on my last payment the transmission went out. It went forwards but not backwards. I wasted money. When I go to car menchanics they tell me its not worth fixing because the parts are too expensive and hard to find. I got oil changes and tuneups regurlary and it still broke down on me. Its hard to try and trade this car in because the dealerships want to only give you a couples of hundred dollars for this piece of garbage.

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  Driving IS believing...really it is. - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By paulc1994 - June 10 - 10:33 pm

  Ive been impressed. Being a long time Honda/Toyota buyer, I was somewhat skeptical about Hyundai. But what really drew me to the Santa Fe was its unique and bold styling..so I got one last fall. Its been an impressive experience for me ever since. Hyundais advertising claim, "Driving is Believing"...is reality. Once you drive one (especially the FWD version - sportier)...youll want to get one.

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  bought today......wonderful !! - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By doug - June 10 - 6:07 pm

  just bought car, they have done many refinements as i have a 98 gsi too, i can compare ,they are as different as night and day

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  Genesis is the new BMW!!!! - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Genesis - June 10 - 5:36 pm

  Absolutely love it! I drive approx 23,000+ miles annually so its extremely important I have a vehicle that is comfortable, has get-up-and-go for the freeways, is great to handle up and down the mountains in California, that is classy yet sporty...Im telling you this car has it all! Everyone stares at the car - even those with Beemers and Mercedes B drivers in total disbelief. The car is a total dream to drive. I set cruise, set the seat back, plug in the IPod and off I go. I stayed with the V6 because that had PLENTY of power. I dont know Id do with the V8. As it is I do 85/90 and dont realize it. Awesome, awesome, car! Go for it...seriously give the Genesis thought.