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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  Its Cheap and It Runs... - 1999 Hyundai Sonata
  By House - May 2 - 12:10 am

  I bought this car in August 2005 with only 40K miles. Ive had it for 6 months now with no problems whatsoever. So far, its been good, cheap, reliable transportation. Not sporty, not luxurious, and I wouldnt enjoy it on a long trip, but for my 10 mile daily commute -- it fits the bill.

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  Look out Toyota-step aside! - 2003 Hyundai Tiburon
  By Go Hyundai - May 1 - 11:56 am

  I purchased this Tib GT for my wife. We saw it at the Denver Auto Show in 2001 as a 2003 model for 2002. She wanted her first new car and we were comparing it against the Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra and a couple other compacts. We decided Hyundai for they had the best warranty, standard features and best style. Test drove it and fell in love. Bought the third one in the state. Reliabilty is insane, Ive owned around 10 vehicles and this GT is by far the most reliable. Maintain it and it goes and goes. Its quick, fast and fun. Winter 2006-2007 was rough here in Denver with Blizzards and all. But with only all season tires, never got stuck. 89,000 and still screams down the road.

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  Hyundais Head-Turner! - 2016 Hyundai Genesis
  By Eddie - May 1 - 11:44 am

  Hyundai came a long way since their introduction of Genesis model and at some point they must have invested enough efforts to get it to stand out the way it does today. Genesis kept grabbing my attention on the roads in passing. I just couldnt look away trying to recognize and confirm if I was looking at Hyundai or some other super expensive brand. I eventually took the time to drive one and was instantly impressed. Ive driven most luxury brands out there, owned an MB S550 and E550, BMW 750Li and 535i, and a Lexus LS430 and 460L, so the last thing I expected is to be captivated by design, feature set, or driving dynamics of a Hyundai. All that said, while not without cons the Genesis really stood out as a complete package in luxury sedan market with significantly lower price tag. I ended up buying a 2016 V6 with Ultimate package and so far Im super happy with it. I cant comment re. reliability aspect as this is my first Hyundai and I only owned it for about 3 weeks and 800 miles now. I test drove the V8 as well and while its performance is very impressive I wasnt ready to sacrifice the MPG given that the V6, while wont leave you breathless, has plenty of power. Since for 2016 Hyundai also changed the Genesis emblem on the back (optional dealer installed feature for 2015) I have people approaching me on the daily asking what the make and model of this beauty is, confusing it with other badges :). So here goes the summary: Pros: Quiet and well handled ride. Very little road noise and nicely hushed wind noise. Very nicely controlled steering. Very well equipped with Signature Tech OR Ultimate packages with lane assist, adaptive cruise, and auto hold features that actually respond in a smooth and controlled manner unlike some other brands out there. Window shades on rear and side glass is a nice add-on. Very nice sounding stereo. Nicely laid out instrumentation and controls and very easy to use intuitive software (dash and main screens). VERY comfortable heated and cooled seats that adjust every way possible. Impressive fuel economy for a 311hp V6. I average 20-22mpg in mixed driving so far, and Im on Normal driving mode, which could improve with Eco. Roomy Cabin with plenty of leg / head room even for taller individuals beyond 6. Very cool looking and functional pano roof. Cons: Remote start available ONLY through Bluelink subscription is just dumb! Cant phrase it any other way, sorry. The feature shouldve been included on keyfob independent of any additional subscriptions as every mainstream (not luxury) vehicle offers it at this point. Side mirrors are mounted pretty high up and can block visibility into turns. It would be nice if the HUD could auto adjust its brightness for day/night operation. Its adjustable but not variable for day/night operation so I have to constantly adjust it. Thats about it for gripes!

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  Watch out! - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By philly331 - May 1 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car with the mindset of it being a family car for the next ten years. Now I hope I can get five. I had the car in for its first oil change and had the dealer look at the transmission since it had been shifting hard into first, second and third gear. To my surprise a week later I had a new transmission. From reading the other reviews it looks like this is a universal flaw. If you have this car I hope your dealer is as honest as mine was or you could have a big problem on your hands! To anyone thinking of buying this car dont!

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  2010 Santa Fe Limited 3 Mos NEW - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By vigs - May 1 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle hesitates when I try to accelerate and sounds like slipping into gear Dealer Reset Computer 3 times. Also, Air Bag compartment is different color than dash board. Leather seat squeaks when moves. Very poor workmanship and quality highly disappointed. WOULD NOT RECOMEND ANYONE PURCHASE A SANTA FE OF ANY KIND. the dealerships just tells you thats the way it is and too bad. But I paid $30K for the vehicle and its like a 20 yr old used car.

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  Former 2009 Camry Owner - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Robert Morgan - May 1 - 10:00 am

  Owned Camrys since 92. Traded in my 2009 Camry to take a chance on Sonata. Glad I did, Love the car. Love the interior features and the exterior look need I say more. Had for only 872 miles so far. Two tanks one at 21.5 mpg and then 28 mpg, so improving. The ability to manually shift is fantastic when you need it! Not as cushy a ride as a Camry, but the standard options such as bluetooth, XM, 6 Cd changer, Homelink (garage). Leather. My prediction is it will be the 2011 Car of the Year.

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  An Eye Catcher - 2003 Hyundai Tiburon
  By the producer - May 1 - 2:00 am

  Hands down, the fastest car on the road. Get the V6 version. Only I dont like is that it eats gas like no other and doesnt ride as smooth as I thought. But all the attention that I get is worth it. everyone wants to know... " What is that?" It turns so many heads. It will smoothly glide to 60 in a heartbeat and move you wisting past cars before you know it. Get it if you are trying to look good while staying under $20,000.

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  Still Great After 7 Years - 2003 Hyundai XG350
  By EdB - April 30 - 9:40 pm

  After 7 years with the car that was bought new, there is only ONE area of dissatisfaction. The interior overhead lamps (right and left), over the dash are extremely dim. Many trips to the dealer yielded no fix. They said that there is nothing that can be done. It has been this way since new. Next year, an Equus might be in my future.

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  Good starter car - 2005 Hyundai Accent
  By Brenda - April 30 - 7:42 pm

  The Accent is definitely economical but it offers a rough ride. The engine is loud especially when accelerating quickly. The ride is stiff (not floaty) you know you are in a small car when you drive it. It will get up and go if you push it but dont plan on any long drives with a car full of people in comfort. Overall I would rate it at about a 6 or 7. It would make a great first car because of the Parking capabilities, fuel economy, low price and warranty. Seasoned drivers are bound to be disapointed. Just try to remember this car is not intended to handle like a Camero or even a Corolla. It is a compact car and performs like a compact should.

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  Feeling safer - 2016 Hyundai Sonata
  By Brad Sorensen - April 30 - 2:57 pm

  Everything is great so far. The only knock would be the low ground clearance on the front end.