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 SPORTY VALUE WITH ECONOMY TOO - 2013 Hyundai Veloster
  By justcarrie - February 17 - 5:48 am

  Just purchased a REMIX Veloster. Love this car! So far its been great. First new car in 7 years going from a Hummer H3 to this was a change but a very welcome one. I test drove several competitors and found Hyundai to have the best quality, price, styling and warranties that are fantastic. The dealership was awesome...best new car buying experience ever. I wanted economy and hope to see it soon in my pocket book. It is not a speed demon...I dont need the tickets either! It has plenty of power to get up and go. Want more power get the Turbo just save money for tickets! :)

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  Great vehicle, bad mgp - 2005 Hyundai TUCSON
  By Paetz2 - February 17 - 5:30 am

  When I purchased the Tuscan, I was looking at the Santefee.... I was drawn to the Tuscan for more leg room ... (I am 63") I have enjoyed the comfort up front, but the mpg is not that good. I have taken it thru snow, responded well, I have taken it on vacations, good too. I have never had to replace anything other than the drive belt. This car is really a reliable vehicle. It just stinks when it comes to mpg.

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  Crash Revue - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Gaels Guy - February 16 - 11:56 pm

  Well for any of you who might wonder, this little car can take a shot. I was rear-ended by an 18 wheeler tanker.I had to stop for a #$#*&% that pulled a u-turn in front of me and I made a successful stop. Good breaking with the GT (I dont have ABS). Just as I was thinking "close call", WHAM!! I took a shot from the rear. I mean a SHOT. 6,500$ worth of damage. No damage to me. Not even any aches the next day. It hurt when it happened and I was dazed a bit. I am waiting to get it back hopefully this Friday.

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  Problems with 2005 Hyundai Sonota - 2005 Hyundai Sonata
  By James Page - February 16 - 1:12 pm

  Weather strip along top of right top of door came loose also the wiper blade fillers came out on both wipers.

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  Great Car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By crusader117 - February 16 - 8:23 am

  This car is a great car for the money. Interior and Exterior looks are great.

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  Miss my 95 - 1995 Hyundai Accent
  By Traci - February 15 - 11:34 pm

  I had purchased my 95 accent as my first car with 100 thousand miles already on it. I spent a grand on it and I probably put about 500 into it total over the span of 2 years. With almost 60 thousand miles added I only had one problem, a screw bent in the clutch. I trusted the car with my life and I now have a 2004 hyundai accent and I am constantly comparing it to my old car. I recommend this car for anyone who wants a cheap car to get around. The only problem was the crank windows, nothing a little elbow grease couldnt handle though, I was buff at the end of the 2 years.

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  Move Over Honda Accord Look Out Acura TL - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By STjeerdsma - February 15 - 2:33 am

  This car is HOT! Totally redesigned, better engine/gas mileage and performance over previous models....Spend the extra money on the LX, there is not one feature it lacks, and this car is totally turning heads! We are the first purchaser of the LX in Western Washington, people arent sure if they are looking at a new Accord or TL. The back looks like Accord tail lights, but TL bumper/dual exhaust. We bought the dark metallic blue, with beige interior, of course with sunroof and upgraded audio......every option available for $23K, same options on Accord is $30, and $33 for TL. It drives great, is fast, has get up and go, 235 HP! It flies, is comfy, and very stylish and sporty. Get one!

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  I love my car - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By susie - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I test drove EVERYTHING-from a Lexus, Acura, trucks, jeeps and I kept coming back to the Santa Fe. It is a terrific car for a great price. I love the cd/tape player, the feeling of safety, and the handling. If you get one-get the top of the line..it is worth the extra bucks.

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  No Comparison - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By J&M - February 15 - 2:00 am

  We traded in our 1999 Rav4, which we bought new, on the Santa Fe. We really liked the Toyota but did not like its four cylinder engines lack of power, its uncomfortable and cramped back seat, and its excessive interior road noise. The six cylinder Santa Fe is very quiet inside and has much more power and an extremely comfortable and roomy back seat. If the GLS proves to be reliable, we will always purchase Hyundai vehicles.

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  My hot Elantra - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Derrick Baker - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I love my Hyundai!!