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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  Best car Ive ever owned! - 2009 Hyundai Azera
  By RBuck - January 12 - 1:16 pm

  I spend a lot of time driving since I commute 4 hrs per day. Thus, I have already put 29K miles on this car in only 11 mos. I am 59 and have owned/driven a lot of cars, including some very expensive ones (both foreign & domestic). And this car is, without a doubt, "the best" car I have ever owned. Hyundai is producing some great products at a reasonable price. The closest equivalent car would be a Toyota Avalon but the Azera rides better, is more powerful, quieter, and more responsive in handling. Yet the price of an Azera is thousands less than an Avalon. Great workmanship & reliability: like I said, I have put 29K miles on this car already without any mechanical problems. Great car!

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  Could use improvement - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By nutsaboutcars - January 12 - 10:41 am

  The first hundreds of miles were great like the quiet ride v8 engine and styling

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  Great Car - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Gary - January 11 - 3:19 pm

  Our 04 Elantra was a great car for us. Unfortunately, it just got totaled after an accident. It was very reliable for us and we put minimal money into it outside of maintenance. We would definitely buy another one. It was our first car but will also probably be the best car we ever buy.

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  Incredibly worry-free - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By NoWorriesSonata - January 10 - 11:07 am

  I travel a lot of miles in the city and on the highway between Denver, Albuquerque, and Flagstaff. This vehicle has been completely flawless. I follow all manufacturers recommended maintenance intervals: oil changes, drive belt, timing belt, spark plugs, etc. I will probably never sell this car as I am sure it will give me at least 250,000 good miles before any major repair is needed. Take good care of your Hyundai and it will take better care of you!

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  Test Drive It-You Will Buy It ! - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By Frank Duve - January 8 - 4:46 pm

  I have been waiting for this 2010 for almost 2 years. An awesome driving experience. On a recent 2,000 trip, averaged over 24 mpg. Friends drive MB, Lexus, BMW. Am so bored with their designs. I wanted something that will blow you away. The six is adequate. You dont need the eight. Get this car!

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  Great car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By rla443 - January 5 - 8:00 am

  After 58000 miles, it has turned out ot be a great investment. I looked at Lexus, Audi, Volvo and Nissan and found most of the same features and better power for over 10,000 less (if buying used, beat the depreciation). Perfect reliability. Only two complaints. The visor broke and wont stay in the back position and It would be nice to have a greater range of adjustability in the power seat. I will definitely buy again. My wife only averages about 21-23 MPG but the price difference is worth it.

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  Youve Got to drive it - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By KentKEN1147 - January 4 - 12:42 pm

  I tried many cars at Auto Show before deciding on Elantra SE, more interior room than many bigger cars. Handling fantastic when pushed on mountain roads but SE suspension is sometimes unforgiving on poor roads. If the road is bad youll definitely know it. The car is great on freeways but you have to drive it, on the on ramps dont leave it in "D" use the shift-tronic youll enjoy the power and control it gives you. Im a high mileage driver and enjoy the 30-31 mpg average Im getting. Long rides avg 34+ mpg.

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  Beats Corolla or Civic - 2010 Hyundai Elantra
  By John Shaffer - January 4 - 5:12 am

  very quiet cab..great radio. roomy for a tall person...easy entry...of the 8 small cars i have owned the elantra is the most comfortable and quiet car...

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  Solid Car for Hyundai - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Paul - January 3 - 12:31 am

  This car has put them on the map. Attractive design inside and out, and solid build with tons of amenities. Smooth engine and ride. The car has a good seating position and a large trunk.

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  Great car! - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By Lindsay - January 2 - 11:32 am

  Overall I love my Elantra. When I was looking to buy a new car last year, I singled in on the Elantra because of its rave reviews and all the comparisons people were making between it and similar vehicles (Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic) in terms of dependability and other perks. My previous vehicle was a Toyota Corolla (so far I like the Elantra just as much). During the first year of ownership Ive not had any mechanical problems (knock on wood) and have had to do minimal maintenance on it. Its exactly what I wanted in a vehicle--its dependable, low-maintenance, nice looking, has acceptable gas mileage, has good standard features, and wasnt outrageous in terms of pricetag.