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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  A pleasant surprise - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jack S. - February 10 - 6:40 pm

  After purchasing my 1st Hyundai in April 2005 it seems that every time I use my vehicle I find a new pleasant surprise. The power in this sedan is deceptive, I got more then I expected out of the 2.7L 6 Cyl. engine. My prior car was a Pontiac Bonneville and I would rate the Hyndai on par for comfort. In the sound system it was super. I keep my cars clean and have received a multitude of compliments for this Black (Ebony) and Charcoal interior. Last but far from least is the safety factor which I have researched and found to be exceptional. If Hyundai continues to build cars in this fasion, the have a repeat buyer with me. Good job guys !

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  I love my LX - 2005 Hyundai TUCSON
  By Jack Whipple - February 9 - 11:23 am

  I have enjoyed rideing in my Tucson. This is the first front wheel drive car I have owned. Last winter in the bad weather it was handled like a dream

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  Fun car - 2005 Hyundai Tiburon
  By TErri Douglas - February 9 - 1:23 am

  I love this car. I have not had a bit of problem with it. The only people that complain are the ones that have to sit in the back. The only thing I would change is the color, I chose black and it is hard to keep clean.

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  Fabulous Car - 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By rphello101 - February 8 - 4:56 pm

  Ive had my car for almost 2 years now and I love it. Ride is acceptable. Handling is very good. Power is phenomenal. Absolutely no issues with it. Build quality is quite good. Sat nav is next to useless - maps are outdated. iPod and Bluetooth connectivity are fantastic - interface lacks a bit. Infinity sound system is fantastic. Maintenance is cheap. I have two formal complaints: the traction control is absolutely horrible. It allows for 0 tire slip - very safe, but not fun. It will practically put your head thru the windshield when it kicks on. Take it off and youll end up backwards. Secondly, the exhaust sounds like it came off the Elantra. Im in a big V6 sports car - sound like it!

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  Outstanding Value - GET ONE ! - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Sparks - February 8 - 12:53 pm

  Ive just bought my first Hyundai, an Elantra GT Sedan with full package and Im thrilled with it. Had never even considered one until a week ago, but the facts and the feel all added up to one obvious decision - I had to buy one. FACTS: Theres NOTHING thats cheaper anywhere in the market in new cars. Ive compared all the majors. With the special $1,750 rebate, it was a must-have! Theres more standard on these cars than any other make and no better warranty anywhere! Period. FEEL: Plenty of power from a 2.0 liter motor if youre OK with a manual tranny. Very solid ride (GT only) - handles turns and bumps with ease and safety.

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  steering problem! - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By ni55 - February 8 - 3:29 am

  when I first got the car I loved it. that was before I went on the highway. on the highway the car is dangerous!! not safe! steering is very sensitive and it is hard to keep the car in the lane. bad design and im very surprised that no one crushed this car on the highway yes and there is not a recall. after I discover the problem I called the sales person and she told me that it is normal, bc of the electric steering power...what kind of nonsenses is this? I drove Hondas for the last 15 years but fell in love with this car on the test drive and the price was great. so for now I will say. great city car and thats it!!

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  GREAT Little Car - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By Tom Butler - February 7 - 4:59 pm

  Was skeptical at first of the EPAs mileage ratings. On the first trip, I obtained a consistant 38-40 mpg, highway. Around town, Im getting 25- 28. Car is very comfortable, and the GTs suspension is very tight.

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  Fun-to-Drive, but low on refinement - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By KB - February 7 - 2:02 pm

  I got a used 01 Elantra which had served me well. Apart from regular maintenance, never had any major issues. Performance wise 0-60 in 8.4 (manual) and ~140 hp (exaggerated or otherwise), this car has got it for traffic light takeoffs & freeway merging. Although gearshift quality is a tad vague at times. Engine is slightly on the rougher side at high revs but has more than enough guts to take on compact crowd. Fuel economy is disappointing as well. In short, its a winner if low cost, reliability, driveablity (MT) is important & fuel economy, interior trim quality & image are not that important

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  I Love my 350L - 2004 Hyundai XG350
  By Frank Shea - February 7 - 10:00 am

  The exterior, The inteior, the way it handles. It is worth every cent and more.

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  2012 Sonata Limited w/ Navigation - 2012 Hyundai Sonata
  By maureen680 - February 6 - 2:01 pm

  Just bought my new 2012 Sonata Limited and its the greatest car I have ever purchased. I am particularly thrilled with the interior and luxury items like electric seat positions with lumbar support, reverse image on screen to help with backing up, and overall look. While not a Turbo, I still feel the acceleration and handling is excellent.