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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  Thank you Hyundai! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By cargirl - September 1 - 7:26 am

  I researched for months before the final purchase. We have owned many vehicles in the past, 7 Toyotas. I have now changed my opinion and have become a believer in Hyundai. The Sonata was built with alot of thought and it shows. If your in the market for a new car you should do yourself a favour and take it for a spin. Your bank account will be glad you did!

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  movin on up - 2007 Hyundai Entourage
  By db9938 - August 31 - 10:30 pm

  Well, like most everyone else our family grew and so did our needs. Shopping the big three minivans GM,Chrysler, Ford, and Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai, we choose the Hyundai. The price, $10-$15K less than the rest, the safety, by the nhitsa and the iihsta reports, and of course the the over all fit/finish. The domestics were not even in the same league of the others, especially in fit and finish. When it came down to the others the price and warantee were the biggest deterrents. If they are willing to sell a $40K van, then it should have a warantee that reflects the true value of their product. Otherwise, price accordingly.

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  I Love it! - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By MJ - August 31 - 12:00 pm

  I have owned my Santa Fe for 3 weeks. I have always been a Ford owner, but this car made me say WOW! Solid Build, quiet ride, fuel economy exactly was the sticker claims, extremely fun to drive. I thought I would never buy a foreign vehicle, but I am sold!

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  Glad I looked - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Tom S - August 31 - 12:00 pm

  After months of considering a Volvo or Lexus and on the day before I was going to buy a used S80, I saw a new Sonata on the freeway. When I got home and checked the reviews online I had to try it. What a blast to drive! It had most of the amenities I wanted far more interior and trunk space than comparable cars. I spent less money for a new car than I would have spent on a used one plus it has this great warranty. It turns a lot of heads and everyone I show it to is impressed. I only have 3000 miles so far but there has not been so much as a rattle.

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  My New Toy - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Robcros3 - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my first Hyundai. I was in a Malibu 2 times prior to this purchase. I wasnt too keen on the Hyundais but I saw this one and test drove it since my budget didnt allow for much I kept an open mind. I was pleasantly surprised!! Its perky, and it handles very well on tight curves and it bad weather.I love all the gadgets that came with it. So far I am very happy with my Hyundai Elantra GT.

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  my car - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By krolick - August 30 - 2:00 am

  bought brand new never has one before make or model, very nice test drive it really sold us on the car. The comfort and performance has been the best of any car we have owned. for a small car it has a LOT of room. our kids are all grown 6 and up and they can sit comfortable in front or back good leg room and head room. Love it will get new version when we trade for new car.

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  My new Elantra - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By James M B - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I took my new Elantra out for the first time, after signing the paperwork, in the middle of a snow storm. Experiencing the way this 5- speed handled in bad weather confirmed my suspicions, trading my old Elantra for a new one was a great move. Ive owned Hyundais for a lot of years now and even sold them for a while and would recommend the Hyundai product line to anyone looking for a finely engineered, reliable, well warranteed and inexpensive vehicle.

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  Great Sedan - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By NoirCorvette - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy driving this car. It is fun and it has a lot of cool things that you would expect in a more expensive cars. I love the moonroof... and the faux wood paneling. The car looks very good in Blue :)

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  Hyundai Santa Fe - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By LoriW - August 30 - 2:00 am

  After years of driving a Ford F350 crew cab,we bought the Santa Fe based on overall price,package and fuel effeciency. I was totally amazed at the mileage. Hiway trip, it got almost 33mpg. I just grin every time I pass by the gas station that I used to visit twice a week. Very accomodating interior and I can take my two great danes along as well as the heeler. Lots of head room for those of us who are tall, I was surprised by the amount of room in the back seat for my bud who stands 6ft 4in.Even he was surprised. Highly recommended for a pleasant surprise.

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  WoW! - 2003 Hyundai Tiburon
  By Jimm - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This car blew me away. I occasionally drive my girlfriends mercedes SLK 230 and the way the Tiburon drives is so similar. It has the solid feel of a european sports car. I was also looking at the Celica, but for thousands less I stopped looking. Hyundai has changed, for the better!!!