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 a corolla - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By better than corolla - March 27 - 3:49 pm

  I agree its not the best looking car but its worth all the money I paid for it. I have driven this car to Las Vegas many times, so yes its comfortable and I make it in less than a tank of gas. Everything on the car still works perfect. My car has 35,000 miles on it and Ive had it for 3 yrs I just had to change the tires. Ive had no problems with it. It runs and looks new. I also have a 2002 elantra that runs perfect I also bought that car new and Im now handing it down to my sister cause her corolla already broke down 5 times and she just got it 2 yrs ago.

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  No Regrets - 2002 Hyundai XG350
  By New2Fla - March 24 - 10:36 pm

  Recently moved to Florida and needed a car right away. I loved the look of this car at a used dealership. 6 Years old and it ran soooo smooth, I named it "Denzel". It just needs it reagular oil change, ive replaced all belts and, with just one previos owner. So far its been worth its purchase price.

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  Reliable Used Car at a Low Price - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ledfoot472 - March 23 - 8:58 pm

  I do not own this car, but a family member to whom I recommended it to does, and I do drive it from time to time. Overall, it is a good midsize car. I thas the special edition package that includes heated cloth seats and automatic climate control. Comfort on long drives is fine. The ride is smooth and engine and road noise are well controlled with only an occasional squeak or rattle. The car was purchased with 23k and now has over 40k. Only needed new tires, brakes and belts in addition to regular maintenance, of course. The V- 6 has adequate power, but my much more powerful Azera gets better gas mileage. Overall, a good choice for a reliable used car at a low price.

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  The Value Leader of the 4-Door Sedans - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ledfoot472 - March 22 - 9:23 pm

  I had this car for almost 4 years and just traded it for an Azera. I do not have many complaints. There were only a few warranty repairs. The dealer always honored the warranty despite what some people say. My 4-cyl felt more like 192 horsepower than 162. There was ample power 95% of the time. The 4 speed auto was smooth and the manual mode worked well, if a bit slow. Averaged 30-33 MPG on trips and 16-20 MPG in city driving only. The ride was comfortable, but the car could have used a bit more structural rigidity (a few squeaks and rattles). Interior comfort was also good and noise levels were low unless you really wound up the engine. Doing your own maintenance is also simple.

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  Great car for the money - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Radley - March 22 - 11:46 am

  Bought this car new in late 02 now have 92K miles. Had only a few minor problems, all covered under extended warranty: E-brake cable, rear wheel bearing, hatch latch. Orig. tires went 40K miles, brakes a bit more. Needs a new clutch, but 90k mile seems about right. Paint is sensitive to dings and scratches, but the body has held up fairly well. Ive lost a few radio control knobs, and the speakers are beginning to give a little static, but the interior has held up nicely. Service at dealers has been mixed, sometimes too expensive and other times they dont do things listed in manual (like radiator flush at 60,000). Resale value isnt great, so I will keep this car until it falls apart.

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  Good cheap car - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Jack - March 22 - 10:09 am

  I drive my Elantra 80 miles hwy everyday for the past year. It has had very few issues such as the O2 sensors failing and my parking break snapped. Relatively cheap fixes. What did concern me was when I hit my cow of a deer, was that the air bags didnt deploy when the whole front end of my car was smashed up. The repairs, covered by my collision insurance were extremely cheap, only coming out to be $1400 total for new headlights, grill, hood, bumper + cover fog lights, horn, paint job and tire. It has been a great car and has been a pretty good winter car.

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  My Elantra GT - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Elantra GT in Cincy - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a reliable car that was fun to drive at a decent price. The Elantra GT semmed to be the best choice. The features for the price is incredible, as is the warranty. The engine in this car kinks butt, great acceleration and its happy cruising at 90mph. Compared to anything else out there, this is hands down the best choice.

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  2009 Santa Fe SE AWD - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By JBird - March 22 - 3:13 am

  Traded a 2007 Subaru Forester for the Santa Fe to get some added interior and cargo space and so far Im very pleased. Got a terrific end of year deal too. Almost bought a GLS. Very happy I did not. The GLS is underpowered, plus the SE has all the looks of the Limited minus leather for a couple thousand less. I have one major peeve and a couple minor peeves. The major peeve is no daytime running lamps. For a 2009 vehicle, this is a must have safety feature. Minor peeves are Hyundai should give drivers control over the sensitivity of the automatic headlights sensor, and headroom is cramped if you opt for a sunroof.

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  Best car I got ..! - 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By dapril32 - March 20 - 6:20 pm

  Look at this .. after 176,000km on the count. I decided to chage my tire for the first time! They are still good for one summer so I will keep them for next year. The best tire on this thing I never had. No problem at all with this SUV. Did change oil every 5000km, regular maintenance, the closer dealer in my area is about at 200km. Dont need them anyway .. haha The paint still great on it after these years. The one thing is the break that need to be change every 50000 at least. I paid this SUV after 3 years then its money in the bank! I cant compaint at all ...!

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  Great Value, Great Car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Andrew - March 20 - 11:43 am

  Great car, I have had this car for over 3 years now and have no problems, gas millage is good, spunky 4cyl is more then enough. This car is effortless to drive, I have another car choice of a much more expensive so called "drivers" car and I always choose the Sonata when I have long trips.