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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  Better than you think - 2003 Hyundai XG350
  By Taurus2 - September 4 - 2:00 am

  After a few PCM bugs where worked out I am more than pleased with the quality and performance of the XG. Before I purchased the XG I owned a 86 XJ6. I did not expect it to handle like the jag but it fine for normal uses. [City & highway] The vehicle is very quiet and gives me a feeling of luxury despite the inexpensive tag. Resale is some what disappointing but that has a lot to do with non-recognition of itÂ’s worth. This should change as the news gets out. There are so many bells and whistles that are standard. That are options on other compatible cars. As Hyundai refines this vehicle the other manufacturers will start to hurt or keep up.

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  What a GREAT car! - 2003 Hyundai Tiburon
  By Jodes9381 - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I got a great deal on this car, "previously enjoyed". This car is affordable, and sporty as hell! The speakers (though not the Infinity) bump, and the sound is great. Its about as fast as I figured.... slower than most sport coupes, but if you arent looking for extreme pickup and speed, is more than adequate. Its definitely cute, but not for the large driver! Im 52", small frame, and its perfect for me. I love this car!

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  Great Hybrid and excellent value - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By cleveland_bob - September 4 - 1:36 am

  Appearance - striking lines and contours produced completments from friends and family. Ride - The suspension absorbs bumps and pot holes well while maintaining good control. Braking is in dry and wet conditions is very good without pulling to either side. The regenerative braking system does not compromise function. In one emergency braking situation (deer) the car braked quickly. I missed the deer and did not swerve to either side. Interior - very well appointed with switches where they should be. Bluetooth is great and enables hands free phone use. FueL economy - 40-42 mpg in city and 45+ on the highway. The car will cruise using the electric motor up to about 60 mph. Great car!!!!

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  Only Superlatives - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By kaixwing - September 2 - 4:06 am

  I own a Santa Fe so i knew the quality that Hyundai offers for the money. The Sonata is an exceptional value compared to the Accord and Camry costing 6-7K more. The fit and finish rival that of Lexus. Despite reviews to the contrary, the car is actually fun to drive and quite peppy even with the 4cyl. The night display is phenomenal with the blue and white lights. The surprise bonus - high gas mileage. I actually got more than 35 miles per gallon on the highway but going little over 60 and keeping a steady foot.

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  Still happy with my 2016 Tucson - 2016 Hyundai TUCSON
  By Kate - September 1 - 7:58 pm

  I have now owned my 2016 Tucson for 7 months, and its going strong. We have had an unusual winter here in Vermont this year. We have not received much if any snow, and had a lot of slush and ice. I wasnt sure how the Tucson would handle and its been great. I live on a dirt road, and find that dirt roads are especially challenging with ice mud and snow. Mud season has come early in Vermont, and a few times when navigating thru the mud, I felt the Tucson wasnt handling well, I turned on the 4 wheel drive and it did great. My gas mileage didnt go down too much during the winter months, that too was a nice surprise. I still get compliments on what a great looking car it is, and often people dont know what it is.

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  Nice, but a few things to improve - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Hsudog - September 1 - 9:30 am

  Ive had the car for a month now. It is a really nice car for the price. Good off-the line acceleration, good looks, good feature set. Feels like a luxury car in terms of overall exterior appearance, quietness of ride, smoothness of engine, and standard interior appointments. Lots of my colleagues have said, "Its really a Hyundai?" They cant believe it.

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  Wow! Its a Hyundai - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Zyvox201 - August 30 - 5:56 pm

  I have had the Azera for a week, but I can say that it is one of the best cars I have every driven. I have driven Lexus, Infiniti, Mercedes, Lincoln, and the quality of ride is comparable and in many cases better. The car is solid. It handles well, accelerates well and never feels like it is being put upon when driving up hill or whisking down a busy interstate during a heavy rain. If you choose this car, youll wont be sorry. It is not a sport sedan. I would place it in the category of a touring sedan. It has power and subtle elegane. Way to go Hyundai!

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  great car-horrible dealership - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By Elantraman - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I have been extremely pleased with this vehicle. great ride, comfortable, fast, great stereo system, traction control ABS, leather seats, etc. However, I have had numerous problems with the black tape around the doors which continually "peel." They have been replaced 3x and counting!!!!! Stay clear from Huntington Hyundai- New York. Horrible service department! Not concerned about customer satisfaction after they sell you a vehicle!

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  2nd Santa Fe - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By davem - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car in Jan 03 to replace a 2002 Santa Fe which we totalled on an icy snowy curve on Rt. 81 in NY. On the total we got back all of our cost except for $1400 which in not bad for a year of driving. We survived with NO injuries,the front axle bent which damaged the transmission. The 2003 is a joy to drive, the mileage is 25+ on a trip, city about 20. We have 7500 miles now with no problems.

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  Too Sweet For You - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By RepDog03 - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Just a crazy fun and cool car that can be upgraded with aftermarket parts like I am doing with my 2003 Hyundai Elantra. Yea baby.