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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  Very satisfied with this SUV - 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By vlasi - January 5 - 6:48 am

  We bought this suv new over two years ago. We absolutely love it. We have not had a single problem with it. Other than the seats being a little hard for me I cant think of a single thing I would like to change. Smooth riding, good acceleration and very good gas mileage.

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  Great Car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Chey1 - January 5 - 12:36 am

  I did a lot of research before I committed to buying the 2011 Sonata. I had a 2004 Camry which was the best car. I test drove the 2011 Camry, and the Acura TSX; but after seeing the 2011 Sonata at the Auto Show, I just had to drive it also. I was unbelievably impressed with the Sonata Limited! It has all of the bells and whistles that the TSX and the Camry XLE have for thousands less. The 4 cyl engine is direct injection and is just as responsive as the TSX and the 6 cyl Camry. It puts out 200 hp, yet gets GREAT gas mileage. I recommend getting the nav system as it is the only available option for the Limited. It handles like a dream!

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  A Very Nice Car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By AndyfromVA - January 4 - 4:23 pm

  I loved my 2001 Camry and was certain Id buy the 2010 model, but Toyotas problems had me looking for an alternative. I was intrigued by the looks of the 2011 Sonata but decided to try out the competition (including the 2010 Sonata). After many test drives it was clear to me that the 2011 Sonata was the class of the midsized cars. Not only did it have the best appearance, it had the nicest interior (tied with the Malibu), the best handling (tied with the Accord), the most comfortable seats, the best power, the best gas mileage and even the largest trunk. I got a good deal from my dealer and Im very happy with the car. Hyundai has a winner in the 2011 Sonata.

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  smooth driving must cost more - 2016 Hyundai Elantra
  By joe c - January 3 - 5:20 am

  If you are looking for quick take off and power with four in the car forget it. Noise in cabin from suspension is poor. terrible in snow. the traction and anti-lock brakes make it hard to drive. the car wont move if you get stuck. shifts gears terribly. great gas millage. nice sound system. great controls for everything. very well equipped. lots of space. nice color choices. looks good.

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  Update - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By akabud - January 2 - 10:20 pm

  Ive had my Limited w/nav for over 2 months now and havent had a single problem. On strictly hwy driving, Ive gotten 41.2 mpg @65-70 mph. Averaging 27.2 mpg overall. In dash mpg readout is almost identical to the mpg when I figure it manually. Comments on noisy tires are probably due to the fact that they are low rolling resistance tires for better mpg. Still, this car is quieter than the Acura TL I traded in. As for the ride, the Sonata rides better than the aforementioned Acura TL. No rattles, no squeaks, no problems with fit and finish, no leather seat issues, etc. The adaptive transmission has not given me any issues and shifts up/down almost unnoticeable. 100% satisfied with the Sonata

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  Great value - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By vermont - January 2 - 8:13 pm

  I compared Pathfinder, 4-Runner and BMW X3 and this car had, on balance, more features for far less expense. The warranty is also better than each of the others. It is incredibly well- constructed, quiet and with plenty of power (especially with the combo transmission). Visibility is great. My wife loves it.

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  Love this car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By buukyak - January 2 - 4:59 pm

  I bought mine new in May 2011. Ive got about 15,000 miles on it now. I love this car. Granted, I spent a little more to get the touchscreen nav system, the alloy wheels, and premium audio...but other than that, its pretty much a regular GLS. I love driving this thing. I have seen some of the other reviews of people saying this car is really disappointing...I dont think thats the norm. The design is just very well thought out. Ergonomically its a dream...and there is a TON of room inside. Its actually deceptively roomy because it doesnt look like its as roomy as it actually is. The car runs perfectly and Hyundai also offers great support.

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  Disappointed customer - 2010 Hyundai TUCSON
  By Disappointed Owner - January 1 - 7:00 pm

  The paint - chipped less than a month (exactly 28 days). Im so disappointed. The dealership repair was poor- they just touch up with paint which was so obvious to see because its not the same color as the original and the touch up paint comes off, also the original paint continues to peel. The in charged from dealer repair told me that they will paint the car in the body shop. I cant believe it. A new car repainted? For me they should change that part not just painting it because its brand new. Now, Im planning to talk to the manager, missing my work and hoping for the best. Was so excited I bought my new car, then less than a month so disappointed. How I wish i can undo everything.

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  my elantra - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By m.greenwood - January 1 - 4:58 pm

  I love the way the car handles on the road and enjoy the comfort of the car. there are some interesting quirks that take a while to get used to ie. driving lights that turn off when the ignition switch is turned off, also The passenger airbag light is hit or miss depending on where you sit in the front passenger seat.

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  Great Surprise - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Ron - January 1 - 2:00 pm

  I was hesitant when I considered a Hyundai. Research and friends who are Santa Fe owners alleviated my concern. I bought the GLS because cost figured in to my decision. I am not disappointed. This is a great SUV. It is all that I hoped it would be and more. After having owned Chrysler product minivans over the past 20 years, this GLS is a definite step up.It drives great, its fun, its comfortable. It looks great. My wife and i love it.