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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  I love it - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Mustnvthis - April 6 - 5:23 pm

  Although I only recently purchased this vechile I absolutley LOVE IT!!!! I have no cmplaints what so ever. I went from an 05 elantra to the Santa Fe and I just cant get enough of it. Its very eye catching inside and out. Once I saw it I knew it had to be mine.

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  Best Looking Hybrid out there - 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By coolhokie - April 4 - 3:33 am

  I just purchased Sonata hybrid with the leather package in Pearl White. It is absolutely greatest hybrid. I love how it looks inside and out. Anywhere I look at this vehicle makes me smile. Hyundai really did an excellent job of making this vehicle. Cant wait to drive it again.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By James - April 2 - 7:53 pm

  I bought the 2009 GLS (5speed) earlier this month (April), and I love it. During my search, I drove many similar mid-size sedans, and I have to say that this is the best deal for the price! Unlike other entry level mid-size sedans, the interior of the 09 Sonata does not feel cheap. The fuel economy of the 5speed is fantastic. The car handles well, and has plenty of room in the interior for passengers. The trunk space is bigger than my first apartment. This is a great car, fun to drive, and a great price. (I got the 2009 GLS 5 speed brand new for $14,500 in Richmond, VA).

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  My first new car! - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Sarah - April 2 - 5:50 pm

  When my dad told me he would finally buy me a new car (I had been driving a 12 year old Mazda 929), I was ecstatic. I am somewhat of a car fanatic, so I immediately began researching for which SUV I wanted. After I went to look at the Hyundai Sante Fe, I was sold. Its exterior design appeals to both old and young alike, and the interior is the nicest of any Ive seen. Ive had this car for several months, and I absolutely love it. Its great interior/exterior designs, comfort, performance and cool extra features make it the perfect SUV for anyone. I think its just the right size, too--not too big, not too small.

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  Absolutely love this car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By hyundaiowner5 - March 31 - 8:41 pm

  I cant say enough about this car. It has the style I want in a limited edition and the class I expect. I have 45,000 miles on it now and havent had a single problem. It drives so smoothly and is quiet even on the interstate. I wish the newer models were as sharp looking as this and I would definitely trade it in. My car payment is worth every penny on this vehicle.

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  What are you car reviewers thinking? - 2003 Hyundai XG350
  By Thomas G. Wilson - March 30 - 10:00 am

  I have owned an xg 350 for over one month and find it to be a great car. Many reviewers complain of poor handling. I dont understand this. My car handles very well and at 3000 rpm the car does 92 mph! I dont know the top speed and aint a fixin to find out! If you want to drive in a rally, buy a BMW and spend $25000 more.

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  Cant Believe I Bought a Hyundai - 2005 Hyundai TUCSON
  By FirstHyundai - March 29 - 5:06 pm

  Took delivery July 1 and already have 7500 miles. Was a little nervous about buying a Hyundai and for several weeks I was too embarrassed to admit I owned one. Then I realized. This is a great vehicle! Gas mileage is averaging 18- 20 and I do a lot of highway stop and go. Car is tight, no rattles. Engine has good pickup with a nice roar. 6 Disc CD doesnt put out enough volume but will have the dealer check it when I go in. Some luxury touches are missing like auto up and down windows, auto open sunroof, auto dimming rear view mirror, but hell its a Hyundai not a Lexus. Car does have a huge blind spot so you cant just rely on mirrors. All in all a great vehicle and I do highly recommend it.

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  Very Nice!! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mark - March 29 - 4:26 pm

  After having bought many new cars and "lemons" I switched back to Toyota 5 years ago. I had a 4-door pick-up and decided I needed a sedan (more practical. After initally negotiating for a 2006 Toyota Camry V6 I came across the new 2006 Sonata. I nver completed negotiations with Toyota as I wound up leaving the Hyundai dealership with a new 2006 V6 silver Sonata and it is AWESOME!!! My congrats to Hyundai and building a quality vehicle that looks good and reacts well to driving condions. Also, kudos to the fact they offer so many saftery features as standard whereas Toyota charges $200 just for Carpeted mats!!

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  Own a 2005 Sonota needed a 2006 - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mgardne4 - March 28 - 12:23 pm

  We have found the 2006 Sonota to be an excellent car we own a 2005 and this 2006 is much nicer. More room interior, and very bolb exterior. Gas milage has been great 33-36 mpg mostly highway some city. Much quieter than the 2005 seems to have a little more get up and go. Very Happy!

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  So glad I got this car! - 2015 Hyundai Elantra GT
  By Dom - March 28 - 5:07 am

  This car is the jack of all traits. Im never asking more of it. I bought it with XXX,X33 miles on it. Right now I have X44,000 on it. Had it almost two year. Not one issue. Never asking for power. So fun to drive. I have all the features except the automatic transmission. The panorama sunroof is breathtaking. The leather is high grade. The sound system is better than most Ive heard. Im a pretty active 22 year old has great room for my friends and my items. Hyundai made the perfect car! Thank you!!!!