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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  Dont Hesitate! - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Claudia - December 24 - 9:40 am

  Never thought Id buy a Hyundai but after considering the Cadillac CTS - it just wasnt as comfortable as I expected it to be for the money, nor did it have all the options I wanted. After looking around on the internet for something comparable I came across the Sonata. My husband and I test drove it & fell in love with it. Its loaded with options, has the 60/40 split rear seat, drives & rides like a dream for 1/2 the price of the CTS! Its a beautiful car. Got the camel/pearl. Im looking for excuses to go places so I can drive it! You cant go wrong with the warranty, the price and the exceptional value you will get with this beauty!Its everything & more than Id hoped for.

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  Superb Choice - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By JIM - December 23 - 4:03 pm

  I had been evaluating several new sport sedans over a period of 11 months prior to selecting my Genesis. Specifically, I tested the BMW 535, Audi A6, Cadillac CTS and Mercedes E350. I have also owned Lexus vehicles. I was leaning toward the BMW but had not tested the Genesis during this time span. I had established a price range and didnt want to go north of $70k. After ten minutes in the Genesis there was no doubt in my mind that this car was the best of the group. The handling, spaciousness, quietness and overall good feeling left me with the impression that the other brands were over priced. The difference in the overall savings gives me free fuel and insurance over the 36 month lease.

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  Great for the money. - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Dianes - December 23 - 2:36 pm

  What has been done to this car that is not a wear item: 1) Clutch interlock switch (so it starts). 2) Clutch Slave Cylinder (recently) Maintenance Items: 1) Timing Belt. 2) Front Brake Pads. 3) Tires. 4) Oil changes. 5) Antifreeze change. Super reliable.... I am in the rust belt, so I expect an exhaust pipe in the future.

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  Azera - Great Value! - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By tlworth - December 23 - 12:35 pm

  I needed a car that was not too pretentious, and wanted a car that felt pretentious. This one solved both items. Its a fun car to drive and I feel very safe in it. It doesnt like to go just 35 mph and loves to travel on the open highway. It comes well equipped and the fit and finish is very good. Ive had to have several minor things fixed under warranty, but that was another major selling point of the Hyundai. The warranty is the best in the industry, and Ive had great service from the dealership.

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  Beats Corolla or Civic - 2010 Hyundai Elantra
  By John Shaffer - December 23 - 12:21 pm

  would suggest a light in the compartment under the heating control buttons..great location but need small light for night driving...

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  Very impressive - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By iownsf - December 23 - 11:55 am

  I was looking to buy a sporty 4 door car that had a good amount of interior space. I researched and had the list narrowed down to an Audi A6 or BMW 535i. I test drove the A6, but didnt come away that impressed with the car in light of its pricetag. I was about to check out the 535i in person when I decided to give the Genesis some consideration. I went to the SF Auto Show at the end of November and was shocked at the features and looks of this car. I kept coming back to the car a few times even after looking at other makes such as MB, BMW and Audi. I purchased the car a week later and couldnt be happier. This is a lot of car for the money - a home run for Hyundai.

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  Beats Corolla or Civic - 2010 Hyundai Elantra
  By John Shaffer - December 22 - 12:16 pm

  i have owned 8 small cars. This car far exceeds any Renault, Toyoto, or Volkswagen. I have only had it a short time but it is fun to drive, holds the road well and is large and roomy even for a 61 man and family. Retired United States Air Force

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  Being Honest - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Hard to Sell - December 22 - 10:00 am

  $12,234 was the total price thats Tax, plate transfer everything, for this 2002 Elantra they even paid for the inspection sticker. So far this is the best car my wife and I drove in this price range. The standard features and just great, the car rides and drives very smooth. My suggestion to you, try one before you purchase any other car in and around this price range.

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  Mileage Update - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By JayMagic - December 22 - 4:10 am

  This is an update of a previous review. After my initial 3000 mi. oil change (to Pennzoil Synthetic), my mileage has steadily improved. I am now averaging 24mpg over the last 2000 miles (at 5000 mi now). This is all around driving city, mountains, interstate (no trip over 110 mi. total). I have had it well over 120MPH and had more than a few full throtle accerations to redline (as a aprt of the 24mpg). At first, my mpg was around 21, so fuel economy has been better than expected. I still LOVE every time I get in the Azera.

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  Extremely Good - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Mike H - December 21 - 11:56 pm

  To be honest, I initially hesitated. Now that I think of it Hyundai gets an undeserved bad reputation. Ive owned mostly Toyotas (Lexus), but decided to take the leap of faith and tried the Azera. My experience has been good, if not exceptional. There have been no problems a month in. I have several members driving the car. The power is quite good, solid braking, and I love the interior. Because of my good experience I may consider the Equus when it comes out. I understand will be even higher end. I guess that car will compete with the heavy weight luxury vehicles. It would be an injustice to not test drive this if you are looking for entry level luxury