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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  Genesis Coupe is an absolute blast! - 2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By jonbarraudi - August 26 - 7:50 am

  I have the GT which brings all the gizmos that make driving an enjoyable event and V6 engine that pulls all the gizmos along with you from 0-60 in 5.7 (on average). The interior is well put together and offers a lot of soft touch buttons that make you feel like you should be paying more for the car. The exterior is fantastic, lots of looks because no common person (people that are not that into cars) could recognize. The car feels light and confident when steering across corners. But as far as reliability goes, I hope for the best. In conclusion, this car has really blown my expectations away and has somewhat changed my perception of the auto car company known as Hyundai.

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  Wonderful Car - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Paul - August 26 - 4:28 am

  Overall, I love this car. The fuel economy is not quite as good as the competitors, but its not bad. The low end tourque of the V6 is pretty weak, but once it gets going the car performs very well. passing on the highway is not a problem. The ride is extremely smooth, and quiet, and the car handles very well. The inside is confortable, and the standard features/price ratio was unmatched by any other car.

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  Glad I purchased as Veracruz - 2007 Hyundai Veracruz
  By mkc99phd - August 25 - 5:00 pm

  I was anticipating the arrival of the Veracruz as I was looking to trade-in my mini-van. I had it narrowed down to the VC and CX-9 (GMs were just too big). Seeing the Limited made-up my mind. After 2000 miles am getting 18 mpg (all city) which is slightly better than my Caravan was getting. Driving it is a dream. Easily fits 6 when we need it too (not often). Although it doesnt have bluetooth or a NAV system, which I didnt really care about, a good portable aftermarket system that does both (iPOD compatibility too) can be added for $300-500. Its quiet, comfortable and easy to maneuver around. Its my first Hyundai and I would recommend it to anyone looking in this class.

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  2001 Accent GL Hatchback - 2001 Hyundai Accent
  By Mike - August 25 - 10:55 am

  Bought this car used for a song. On the interstate coming home, it got 42.5 miles to the gallon. Around town with the AC on, it averages about 33-34. The original tires were replaced due to one developing a bulge. Overall, very efficient, and cheap if you buy them used. I would recommend it to someone on a budget that needs good gas mileage. Lacks some power with the AC on, but is peppy enough with it off. The original sound system could use some improvement, but at this price, Im satisfied.

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  Loyal Hyundai Owner Gets Converts - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By 2sweett - August 25 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Santa Fe for my mom last year when her 96 Toyota Corolla was totaled in an accident. She had problems entering and exiting the Corolla because of arthritis. Now she rarely complains because the Santa Fe is so much higher off the ground. She really enjoys driving it; she never thought she could maneuver an SUV. But the Santa Fe is very responsive, and it doesnt drive like a truck. Im planning to buy a Santa Fe for myself. I get many compliments on the Santa Fe, and one co-worker has purchased one in the last month. Several others are talking about buying a Santa Fe.

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  Better Than My Benz C280 and 190 - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Chinsky - August 25 - 3:20 am

  Well Built.. Can not go wrong with this price. Its better than my Benz C280 and 190.

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  cheap car, good warranty but need it - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By hyundai owner - August 24 - 5:25 pm

  Bought the car brand new. Only a couple of minor problems in the first 6 months. The sun roof quit working. After that major problems. We blow all the lights every 6 months. The car has had 2 new computers, a couple of wiring harnesses, sunroof completely inop and will not replace it, mulitple plugs, wires, and coils. Spent 3 months straight in the dealership 2 years ago with no loaner. It is a nice car and has been really well maintain but has severe electrical problems no seems to be able to figure out. It completely dies and wont run or runs and dies and an hour later will start just fine then die again. Dealt with for 3 years. Only compensation 100,000 mile full warranty.

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  Stinks - 2005 Hyundai Accent
  By Adrian Chamblin - August 24 - 9:23 am

  I have had this vehicle for 4 years now and the gas milage on it stinks. It burns oil now 1/2 the time during the 3,000 oil change mark. I wish I had researched it a little more before I bought the car. I know I drive a lot but I shouldnt have to change the tires every 3-4 months either. If I were you... do not get this car! It is a waste of money!

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  Excellent in all aspects - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Marco - August 23 - 6:14 pm

  This car has many safety features. It’s comfortable, reliable, fun to drive and very detailed in both interior/exterior design. The features it offers are seldom found even in high-end brand of cars. Fuel economy is amazing. I average 39.4 MPG. Sometimes I exceed 40 MPG due to the manual transmission, which allows better RPM management. That’s why, overall, I don’t have complains, because it perfectly meets my “wants” and “needs”. In essence: I love it, and look forward to purchase either/or the 2006/2007 version, same model, if still in production (hopefully).

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  What I Paid Too Much For - 1995 Hyundai Accent
  By Mary - August 23 - 5:05 pm

  Dont have a blow out on the front tire, it will tear up your front bumper, your fender and if on drivers side can tear up your wiring harness which can cause the car to catch fire. Very dangerous how they put the wiring harness where they did and so close to the front tire. Great on Gas Milage, especially highway up to 40 mpg. City avg. 28 mpg. Would I buy this car again - NO WAY!!