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 orignally wanted a Chrysler 300C - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Webbtman - January 13 - 11:13 am

  I have only had mine for a week now, but I am throughly satisfied! When I first was shown the Azera by the salesman, I liked what I saw. When he said let me get the key I said no thanks, let me do my homework first. I went home and looked up the reviews by the experts and owners. Two hours later I was back with my wife and said go get the keys. After carefully checking the quality of the interior, exterior and finally the drive I was sold. After a week of ownership I am still pleased, and with the warranty I think my satisfation will go well into the future. I have suggested this same car to a couple of friends that are currently thinking of buying a new vehicle.

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  NO POWER - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By BIGBUM - January 13 - 10:00 am

  ALL WHEEL DRIVE 2.7 TO SLOW POOR SHIFTING

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  Get One Now - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Scotty - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I test drove all of the Small Suvs. This is the best. Fantastic Ride and gas milage, Short turn radius, No blind spots comfortable seats. And What a warranty, have been back in in for my first check up and the washed and waxed it for me. So far Im super pleased.

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  Alot for a little - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By METS313 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely the best vehicle made for under $16,000. Loaded to the hilt with great, practical features. I use this car for work. I drive all over the North Eastern U.S., and this car can handle any road condition. A great car.

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  My Hyundai - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Grey Elantra - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I always used to drive Ford. Then when I needed a new car this was in my price range, I wasnt sure if I would like it at first. I am so glad I bought this car. With the price of gas, you cant beat the mileage this car gets and also how comfortable this car rides and drives. My parents would never buy a foreign car, but they fell in love with mine and they are looking in to it. I would definately buy another Hyundai.

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  Love my GT! - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Happy-buyer! - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car in January after driving everything else in the "class" range that was $20K or less. I would say $15K, but as soon as you add a CD player and half the features that are standard on the GT to other "base" model cars, you are suddenly looking at a grinning slaesman as he tells you that your Toyota Corrolla as equipped will cost you $19,555 (and thats before tax, tags, freight, etc.). BUT, contrary to buying for the money, I also clearly got the best car in terms of performance, equipment, value and reliability. After 9 months of driving, all I have done is changed the oil. I LOVE this car!!!

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  good car bad service - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By unlucky - January 13 - 10:00 am

  been to shop twice and problem still exists

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  One Of The First - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By suzuki - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I actually bought one of the first ones in Sept. of 2001, but there was no option for that year on the above form.

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  8/17/03 - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By HAGGIE - January 13 - 10:00 am

  VERY FUN TO DRIVE. MY WIFE ALWAYS WANTS TO TAKE IT.

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  What a great ride - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By stepie82 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I love my car!!! It drives great and I have never had a problem with it. The people at the dealership call to remind me when I am due for tune ups, oil changes, and regular checks. For the price this car is fabulous. It was definately a steal.