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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  Good car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mike - June 10 - 12:43 pm

  I just wanted to say that I have had Chevy products before I bought this Sonata and all I can say so far that this is a great car. I enjoy driving it and I would recomend this car to any one.

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  Great Buy. - 2005 Hyundai TUCSON
  By rajiff - June 9 - 7:46 pm

  Overall I think its an excellent mid entry suv. Its defintely not the largest, but it does manage to be rather spacious and comfortable considering its smaller size. Not cramped like most small suvs. With all the standard features and optional upgrades, I think I made a great purchase.

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  Satisfied Owner - 2005 Hyundai TUCSON
  By Jill Espelin - June 9 - 8:00 am

  I liked the Tucson as soon as I saw it. It really caught my eye. I test drove it and was convinced that this was the vehicle I wanted to purchase. I really enjoy the ride and the way it looks both outside and inside.

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  Big inside for big person - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Actuary - June 8 - 9:10 pm

  Car is now 5 days old and I still like it. I had to replaced a 93 Grand Marquis due to the high price of gas and a 110 mile a day commute. This was the best fit (at 61", 225 lbs) for both my budget and size. Acceleration, handling, and breaking are all terrific, although it does not take much to beat my last car. The big plus is comfort - much better gas milage and I am not hitting my head on the ceiling. Interior "usable" space is on par with the GM (I neve had more than 4 people in there anyway). Radio and climate controls are easier to reach. Trunk is also more usable (less bending over). All in all, the best compromise between size and fuel efficieny I could find.

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  Hyundai Elantra - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Neil Combs - June 8 - 10:00 am

  This little car is the biggest surprise I have ever had in an automobile. I traded in a Mercury Grand Marquis, which is a fine Automobile. This Elantra rides as good as the Mercury and corners better. It is comfortable to drive and the steering and brakes are very responsive. The 4 cylinder engine was also a big surprise,

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  happy about it - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By econo-cruise - June 8 - 10:00 am

  The Elantra is not a economical as toyota or as fast as some other 4 cyl lighter cars, but is a good combination of all. Most of all, the disign has not fallen into the latest ugly craze. I have been a strong Toyota customer, but the styling has caused me to look around, and I am hoping the Hyundai will be as reliable as toyota.

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  GREAT CAR!!! - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Elantre - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Amazig car, for any money. Maybe not any money but Its worht at least 23-28K and I got my GT Hatchback fully loaded with ABS and Sunroof dont forget the leather CD alloys great 5-door styling unlike mazda and ford which are just wagons for under 15K out the door.

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  The Most Inexpensive Jaguar - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By HyundaiBeliever - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I purchased an 03 Hyundai Sonata GLS with 8K miles. I owned an 03 XG350 prior. I drove across the US 1,400 miles. The interior comfort is amazing. The ride and handling is actually BETTER than the more expensive XG350. The shiftronic feature was great driving through mountains. Most interestingly Im constantly complimented on the "cool" design. Next to the new Jaguars, there are a LOT of similarity. The price makes me feel SMART. For smart car buyers who arent out to impress with a name (HYUNDAI wont) and want a LOT of car for your dollar, buy the Sonata. The 24/7 roadside assistance gives peace of mind that I didnt expect.

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  Nice car - 2010 Hyundai TUCSON
  By marilee - June 7 - 4:53 am

  We did a lot of comparison shopping. We got the limited with multiple sun roofs and navigation system. Once these extras are added in, this car is the best value, with best mileage. We have driven 1600 miles, including one long trip. In general we have found this an excellent car with great mileage and a lot of nice extras. While the rear-view is somewhat limited through the window, our model has a back up camera. We are very happy with this car.

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  SOOOOO Happy With This Vehicle - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Trouty67 - June 6 - 10:00 am

  I looked at so many other midsize SUVs and for the price you cant beat this one. Had different dealers looking for just the right one. I love everything about this Santa Fe. Wish I had bought it sooner.