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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  fun and economical - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By happy - February 19 - 4:05 pm

  Peppy engine and very sporty handling. This car took the sting out of $4 a gallon gas. I drive 80% city and routinely average over 30 mpg. Side panels scratch easily and could use a larger center armrest. This car will save you a lot of money over the years.

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  My first car in this country - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Adi - February 18 - 3:44 pm

  I bought this car from a dealer when the Odometer reading was about 72K. Since then I have driven less than 3K. Like the cars style and pickup on the signals. It leaves almost every car in the rear view! I have tried that with cars like Lexus, BMW, Toyota and Honda and my Sonata picks up faster than all of them! The maintenance is costly for this car and I have changed the Alternator (about $500), Power Steering Pressure Hose (about $450) and general maintenance. The cars engine gives some noise which a mechanic couldnt figure out why. I need to take that to dealership (again $$$). Also the Air bag signal has turned Red which only dealer can see ($$$). So expensive drive for 3K travel.

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  A realistic evaluation - 2000 Hyundai Sonata
  By New Hyundai Fan - February 17 - 10:36 pm

  We purchased this car when gas was expensive. It is very similar in size and displacements to our 99 Camry. This car is not a Camry, but is still a good solid car. A lot of the reviews of people really dont seem to understand that owning a car involves some preventative up-keep. Ive had to have timing belts and brakes on both. Toyota Camry is the GOLD standard. But that isnt to say the Sonota isnt a good, solid vehicle. (Its probably not fair to compare the two. Ive heard the new Sonatas are closer in feel to a Camry.) I would have no reservations buying one. The car is very similar in ergonomics, design, and power to my old 96 Accord. Thanks for reading.

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  Luv the van hate the problems - 2007 Hyundai Entourage
  By selena - February 17 - 7:49 pm

  I couldnt wait to buy my first brand new van. Have had this van for one and a half years and have replaced the timing chain 3 times, and it needs a fourth. Have had problems with the tpms also. The dealership has been extremely helpful. But how many times can it go in for the same part?

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  Stop Thinking about buying this car !!! - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By josh - February 17 - 12:20 pm

  I have been in 3 Major accidents in my 2002 elantra gls the first 2 did nearly $10,000 in damage the third was a total loss where I only received $3,500 for my car from Allstate. This car does not have anti lock breaks (abs) and it has poor traction control. In all 3 accidents none of my airbags deployed. My insurance sky rocketed. After the second accident I never felt safe again. The feeling of sliding and then slamming into something is something I will never forget. Save your self and other people from elantras and avoid them like the plague.

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  Elantra is Solid Car - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Daniel G - February 17 - 9:59 am

  Build quality is pretty good, some refinements missing. Example, light behind panel next to shift lever is BRIGHT at night and actually catches my eye and annoys. Wont dim with the dimmer knob like the rest of dash. Heater goes cold when idling at lights. Downshifts a little too easy, but overall good automatic. Good factory sound system. Seats okay, a little cardboardy. For price though cant really beat.

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  First Hyundai - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Lebron - February 16 - 10:00 am

  So far I have driving the car for about one year, no problem with it so far it runs great and has all the luxury I need I like the fact it has a tape player as well as a cd. it came with michelin tires a plus. It is well buil and has a lot of safety fetures. averall it it a great car for the money.

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  Why I hate my Hyundai - 2000 Hyundai Accent
  By Jacqui - February 14 - 5:47 pm

  Sunroof leaks, heater broke,replaced rear wiper motor twice in 1 year ($400each), the brakes completely and calipers? twice in 2 years. I have also replaced the exhaust, the clutch which when it broke damaged the transmission so badly i had to replace both. Also goes through oil like crazy. Spend about $3500 per year on repairs. Doors swing back and slam on your legs as well. Oh loses power trying to go up even small hills. Also bought for $10000 was worth $2500 within 2 years. I hate this car. it is currently in for repairs again. Horrible car. would be great if it ran. Ever. Not worth it even for free, use the money you save on repairs to go on a vacation

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  Great Value for the Money - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Best Deal Going - February 14 - 5:27 pm

  I have always bought new vehicles and driven them between 250-300,000 miles. After exhaustive research which included talking to other Elantra owners I purchased one. I got a tremendous deal out the door including financing for about 15k(on an SE not GLS). On the last trip at 75 mph with the air on, a full load of passengers and full trunk I got 34 mpg. This wasnt based on the trip computer, it was the old fashioned way of calculating.Mixed driving 29 mpg. After 20,000 miles I am thoroughly convinced that this is the best deal out there. I test drove all the other cars in the class and sure some are peppier or handle better but if you are looking for best bang for you buck, here it is.

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  Believe - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Hyundai Fan - February 12 - 11:43 am

  I bought my 2002 Elantra GT (manual transmission, ABS, moonroof) in October of 2002. 2 and1/2 years later, Im convinced it was one of the smartest things Ive ever done. Seats are comfortable, ride is smooth and quieter than my wifes 2001 Neon, no mechanical problems, and its a great looking car inside and out. Quality look and feel of the leather and controls and more rear legroom than youre likely to find in a compact car. Love the storage capacity with the seats folded. I bought an old house and do lots of home imporvement projects myself. Im always amazed at how much stuff I can fit in there with ease.