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 family car! - 2008 Hyundai Entourage
  By Love it - May 12 - 2:22 pm

  I never thought I would drive a minivan but I actually like this one. It is a great family vehicle and it rides very nice.

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  new GLS Accent 2009 manual - 2009 Hyundai Accent
  By kisiel - May 12 - 2:18 pm

  I needed second car, so we decided to buy something small and fuel efficient. So the most important for me was fuel economy, I did not care about others "comforts". So after two months I have to admit economy is good, when I am not speeding (average 50 mph) accent is doing about 37 mpg! I read editors review here on Edmunds and I knew that accent does not belong to demons of speed, but I am fine with this. So car let say is ok, worth money I gave, but I would do more improvements: 1) put smaller engine (1.4l) so they will beat Toyota in fuel efficiency 2) I do not really like in this car gear stick is not smooth and is hard to change gear, Hyundai schould work on this in manuals.

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  Great bang for the buck - 2018 Hyundai Sonata
  By Benjamin A. - May 10 - 6:15 pm

  As much as I want to say that my new car is great in every way... It isnt. But its extremely GOOD and very well priced. The interior materials use hard plastics in very unfortunate places (hurts to rest elbow or side of knee on door panel!), the seat bolsters arent big enough for slippery leather, and winter traction has been downright alarming. On the other hand, the stereo has absolutely fantastic sound, the car has a very comfortable suspension and steering, and while it is on the slow side, its great for cruising once youre up to speed. Fuel economy has also been better than expected. The place where it really shines though, is price. It was a full $4000 less than similarly outfitted midsize sedans. While it isnt the best car Ive ever owned, its not far off, and the value-for-money is outstanding.

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  Im practical and I Like It! - 2007 Hyundai TUCSON
  By Charmaine - May 10 - 6:46 am

  Ive only owned it for a short time, but its got me hooked. I traded my 2002 RAV4 for it, and I have no regrets. (I did like my RAV, so this is not meant to denigrate that wonderful car.) My insurance was about $3 different, and I absolutely love the color. (I chose Alpine Frost, which looked dark in the book, but is rather light and wont show dirt easily.) Im so glad there was something other than silver available. The V6 moves. After my little 4-cylinder, the power took some getting used to -- unless I wanted my first ticket! The Tucson is comfortable, versatile, and looks good. Ill write again after Ive had it for a while...

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  Hope the Resale Value is Good! - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By Future Chevy Owner - May 9 - 3:16 am

  I do a lot of driving and I needed a decent commuter car. I bought this car primary to the fact that it had a $5000 Rebate on it. I looked at the Honda Accord and thought it was the ugliest car on the planet and it cost more. I was unaware of the new Chevrolet Malibu at the time. After adding around 27,000 Miles annually on the car, I am ready to put it for sale due to it subpar performance, as well as a lack of comfort. I know, I bought this car for commuting, but I expect to get a little more out of the I4 Engine than I currently receive. The seats are comfortable, but they are lacking in long term comfort for those long trips. Interior styling is outdate. Goodbye Sonata, Hello Malibu!

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  Great Runner - 2008 Hyundai Accent
  By NATIONofLEAFS - May 8 - 2:37 pm

  I purchased this car not too long ago, but have nothing but good things to say. For the money you pay you get alot of car. You cant expect too much but it does the job great. So far no complaints.

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  We Love Our Santa Fe - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Theron - May 8 - 7:33 am

  Traded a Mazda mvp van for the Santa Fe... White... Se model. For the price.. You get a lot for your money. Great style and a great smooth ride. We have 18 in tires which helps. Controls inside are easy to use and easy to find which my wife likes a lot. Our highway mileage on interstates driving to Florida is about 22 - 23 miles per gallon... Less of course around town. But we love the Santa Fe and are impressed by it. We chose the 6 cylinder for added power. This suv also has 6 air bags and a great safety rating. Would we get another one... Absolutely.

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  Surprised in PA - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Will - May 7 - 7:53 pm

  The car is surprisingly nimble and attractive. The 6 cyclinder engine is powerful and throaty. The dealer however leaves something to be desired. Maintenance department employs strange and scary charachters

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  Good vehicle overall - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Jackie Smith - May 7 - 12:37 pm

  We bought the vehicle used with 125,000 miles and owned it just over 2 years. The mechanics of driving the car were great! The main problems were 3 of 4 doors stopped unlocking with remote, and door to gas tank had to be manually opened pulling cord in cargo area. And occasional problems with brake lights and turn signals.

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  OK value and practical car - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Doug - May 7 - 10:46 am

  Pros: easy on the eye very roomy interior for smallish car with nice leather nice suspension that handles bumps very well, gives impression of heavier and higher end car. Cons: Engine runs very hot, maybe inefficient design since gas mileage below average sheet metal very soft (thin gauge?) and prone to dings and dents very uncomfortable front seats for interstate driving headlights burn out too often sun roof causes annoying hums and air pressure waves when used. I would not recommend this car although it is average and of OK value for its price. My advice if you buy one is stay well clear of Hyundai dealer who scam you by calling every 3,ooo miles a "service" at $100+