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 Car / Great Value - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Eric in Concord, NC - November 21 - 4:56 am

  I test drove the BMW 328i, Acura TSX, Audi A4, Volvo S40, and the Lincoln MKZ. Went with the Sonata... It has all the features (or more), better syling, and more room than any of those cars, at a price they cant touch!

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  What a Pleasant Surprise - 2004 Hyundai XG350
  By surprised - November 21 - 1:03 am

  After pricing new & used cars, we Test drove the XG - we couldnt believe it! The XG was equal to anything for far less $$$. The Warranty backs up their claims - havent had to use it yet. The interior is equal to the best available (Audi A6), we now compare the others to the XG. The engine feels very strong & braking is great. All the Safety features - 4 wheel ABS,Traction Control, even Side Airbags.Dont believe Edmunds Editor Review - JD Powers Rating (10/04) puts Hyundai #2 behind Lexus, guess where all the other high priced cars were !! Highly recommend this car - you wont believe what your getting. Quality Quality Quality How do they do it ?

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  Its a pleasure to drive and look at. - 2005 Hyundai TUCSON
  By Anthony Vozza - November 20 - 12:46 pm

  This is my first Hyandai and I must say I am so pleased. Its more than I expected and a good looker many stop to look at this suv. I get a new car every two or three years and I would imagine that this company will get my attention all the time. I was also impressed with the management of the dealership I purchased my car from.

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  Beware - 2016 Hyundai TUCSON
  By Charlene - November 19 - 4:00 pm

  Make no mistake this car is dangerous and Hyundai is being extremely silent about it my brand new 2016 less than 45 days old has been in the shop more than Ive driven it I am on my third rental car from them and now Hyundais inspectors have come out looked at the car and are holding it hostage as they cant decide what to do with this car please please go read and look at the videos on Hyundai turbo issues the dual-clutch transmission is a nightmare and an accident waiting to happen someone is going to get killed in this car

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  I love this CUV - 2010 Hyundai Veracruz
  By ab1608 - November 19 - 11:10 am

  Were glad we bought this CUV after lot of shopping and very much happy & satisfied with Hyundais luxury car- Veracruz.I think Hyundai should market/advertise more about this vehicle so people will know how good this is and what a best value for the money! We like the luxury look & feel of the vehicle with lot less money.

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  Best In Class - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Honda Eater - November 19 - 10:00 am

  I also have a 2000 Elantra. The improvements the company made to the vehicle are too many to list here. I test drove almost every other competing car. There isnt another car I would have wanted but this on. Every thing from the price to performance make this vehicle a perfect 10. For every Honda lover, I ask, can you get leather in a Civic from the factory?

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  Great Buy! - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By sean - November 18 - 2:45 am

  Excellent car, highly recommend to everyone. Only complaint about the car is it only gets 27 MPG on the highway regardless how you drive it. Will buy Hyundai vehicles from now on!

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  Mid Life Crisis - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By SloRideBob - November 17 - 10:30 am

  So far (2800 miles) I have had nothing but great fun with this car. It certainly is a head turner. When the turbo kicks in I get shoved back into my seat, which is great and the bolsters do a good job of keeping me centered in the seat. Cornering is fun and very stable. Speeds approaching 100 (or so Ive heard......ahem, cough, cough) the front end gets really light). The sound system is pretty good, without being very loud on the high end. I love the ipod hookup and the XM radio. The shift pattern of the 6 speed manual is VERY tight and takes some getting used to. Overall my gas mileage is not too bad as long as I try (grin) to stay out of the turbo. I dont regret this purchase.

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  My New 2008 Sonata - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By Bill - November 17 - 9:30 am

  After extensive research,I decided to buy a 2008 Sonata. When comparing it to the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, I decided that the Sonata offered more bang for the buck. While not as stylish as the Accord and Camry, it doesnt have the aura that car thiefs relish. I selected the Limited with the 3.3L V6. The acceleration is good and the CVT is flawless. Ride is firm when necessary and feels cushy on the highway. Road noise is average, but cabin comfort is fantastic. The fit and finish are superb and the Infinity sound system with the rear window mounted subwooofer is impressive. Its my first Hyundai and I have to say that the history of driver and magazine reviews were accurate.

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  my review Hyundai - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By mark - November 17 - 1:04 am

  good overall car for the money