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 car, few problems with noise and leather - 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By susan72065 - July 29 - 3:39 am

  Bought this version in August of 2013. The dealer had put almost 500 miles on it when I bought it. No problems until it rained hard. There is a loud rain noise near the rear on the drivers side. Dealer says they cant figure it out, although it persists. A similar noise has started when the wind is blowing hard. About two months ago I noted that the leather on the drivers side seat is wearing thin on the edge. Dont know if this is unique to the saddle leather or not. Awaiting dealer comments. Rides well, otherwise very quiet, good pick up, great sound system with the upgrade and navigation. Navigation maps are already out of date for where I live and it costs $250 to upgrade.

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  LOVE IT - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By macjack - July 28 - 10:10 pm

  I really like like this car. It offers alot of power, performance and standard features for the money. The interior space is decent and the design sleek. It was worth the time to take a look.

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  Hyundai Accent - 2003 Hyundai Accent
  By sjones958 - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Sales People are very friendly. Price is excellent. The warranty is best available. I received a full tank of gas. The 1st oil change is free. Ive never been happier about a new car.

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  First time Hyundai owner - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By urik - July 26 - 8:20 am

  Bought my 06 GLS V6 used with 14K. Liked the style and drivability. Combines comfort with a sporty feel, and the V6 is an added plus. We have an 05 Camry SE 4I, which is a super car and gets great gas mileage. The mileage for a V6 Sonata isnt much different, which was an added attraction. I actually prefer my Sonata to the Camry, but both cars are great. Except, my Sonata cost less and gave me more bang for the buck. My hope is that the value will hold up over time, and that it will be as reliable as my Camry.

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  A Great Deal - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Scordova - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Overall, this car has a great, great ride. It is very smooth in comparison to the Toyota Camry. With its low wheelbase, it corners very well with stable, predictable handling. The six cylinder motor gives plenty of extra kick when accelerating and going up steep grades, even with a full load.

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  Completely satisfied! - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By tedrik - July 25 - 8:43 am

  Purchased a 2010 Hyundai Sata Fe SE, FWD with the 3.5L 6cyl 6A. This is my first Hyundai and I was really surprised at the quality and refinement. I think it compares favorably with more expensive SUVs (Nissan Murano etc.) I really wanted the Limited version-but could not get the gray interior-only on the SE. However, I am very pleased with my SE. Its very quiet with outstanding ride/handling characteristics. I also calculated approx. 19.5 mpg on my first tank of gas (mostly city). Excellent mid-sized SUV!

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  Love my new car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By K Crawford - July 24 - 8:36 pm

  Ive had my new Sonata Limited, all black with gray leather interior for about a month now, and I love it! It has everything I ever wanted in a car for a reasonable price, yet features compare with Lexus, Mercedes, Acura, etc.

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  Mission Accomplished!!! - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By imtraveler - July 24 - 6:20 pm

  I was following & really looking forward to this motor car, so I bought it! Owned 7 series & was nice compromise, esp. price. Hyundais first foray with an all-new RWD platform & V8 engine in this class is impressive. My car turns heads and I love its understated execution. Has the luxury amenities I need and $$$ to spare. Wish it was sold in a dedicated channel -- i.e., Genesis brand -- wouldnt mind stripping the H logo and replacing it with domestic market Genesis wings logo (front, back, wheel hub & horn pad)

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  Happy Driver - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Happy Hyundai Driver - July 24 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Santa Fe for a year.I love it. It is a great size for a small person that wants a vehicle with substance. I especially like the lumbar support on the drivers side. It is great when on those long trips. It gets great gas mileage and is very roomy. I have even used it to haul garden supplies around. I already have the next color picked out on my next Santa Fe.

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  I love it but. . . - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By SantaFeGurL02 - July 24 - 10:00 am

  My Santa Fe is the best purchase ever. Too bad I have already had to use the warranty for my windshield being cracked from the heat, some loud unexplained ticking that they fixed. Now there is some sort of belt or something that is squeaking that Santa Fe is going to go in for next. Dont get me wrong. I absolutely love it to death.