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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  Didnt want to consider Hyundai... - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Larry - October 31 - 7:13 pm

  at first, but I wanted the lux features without the cost and the research convinced me to buy the Sonata. I got the 4 cyl limited with Navi and BT and it really has blown me away. All of the positive things people have written about the velvety ride (but not too soft), power for a 4 cyl, and great gas mileage are dead on. Interior is very sharp and placement of controls is generally very good. The interior is spacious and seats are comfortable for a big person (61" - 220 lbs). More than anything, its the little things that have impressed me; the air cylinders that open the trunk and hood, the dual layer SW controls and door lock prevention when keys are in the ignition.

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  Many, Many issues - 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By dwmac - October 30 - 6:08 pm

  Where to begin? This SUV has been nothing but trouble since rolling it off the lot. Ive been in for warranty work 3 times in two months, with more scheduled next week. In fact, Ive driven more rentals and courtesy cars since owning this than the car itself. Issues I encountered: rear heater only blows cold air, the back window simply shattered had to have replaced (no lie), lumbar button mounted improperly, and only went one way, dash display intermittently cuts in and out, the bluetooth quality is atrocious, the trim paint in the interior will chip off if even breathed on too hard, It wouldnt even turn over twice, still more to list! Beware of this ride. Its riddled with defects

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  Yes, still happy.. - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By LS - October 30 - 8:59 am

  54000 miles and still happy. Cruise control button sometimes sticks.. Brakes are a bit catchy when cold but have good feel within minutes of driving. Great acceleration, lovely 6 speed gearbox, love the paddle shifts, nav, heater, a/c etc.. all work great. Overall I am happy with the car. Recalls are a bummer especially the last one but I am hoping that Hyundai come through as they have up to now.. Update from my last report: 65000 miles and all is well. My Sonata is performing as expected.., no problems to report. Update: 69000 miles, cold weather is here and I am reminded how well the heater/climate control works. Heats quickly, windows defrost quickly too.. still enjoying the car, no surprises, good car!

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  A work of art - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Chachee - October 30 - 3:43 am

  You can easily see the difference between the 2009 and 2010 models...the exterior looks really sharp.

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  What a Bargain! - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By AZ Bill - October 30 - 2:00 am

  So much car for so little money. Purchased used, it has more warranty remaining than most new cars. Compares very favorably with our 1999 Toyota Camry which cost thousands more. Highly recomend this car. Resale values are a little low now, but should get better as people find out more about this quality automobile.

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  Magnificent AutomobileLovelyElantraGT - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By GLCMAT - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I must tell anybody vividly how joyful I am to have purchased a Hundai Elantra GT 2002(hatchback). Its mechanical, electrical and physical features are about the space-age (with cd player, too, great!)--what more will I ask for. This SMALL-GIANT automobile is socially and economically created with prestige for everyone with taste of class-WOW! My family and friends admire it.

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  THIS CAR IS A POS - 2008 Hyundai Tiburon
  By blucas2 - October 29 - 2:13 pm

  Hyundai built a cheap car and used cheap parts. I can see the South Koreans that built this thing laughing seeing Americans driving it down the road. Numerous clutch problems, paint fading, four different tries at a e-brake and its the noisiest car Ive ever driven. Stay away whatever you do. This thing is a death-trap. I wont sell it because I dont want to have it on my mind that someone is out there driving that POS.

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  Sleek, Fun & Hot - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By loves2speed - October 28 - 10:33 pm

  I love driving this car around. Sometimes I get distracted and miss my turn, but Im happy to just cruise. I used to drive a car with a V-6 engine, but this car is by no means poky. It has a noticeable delay when you "floor it," but makes up for it when it takes off.

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  What - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Fitzgerald - October 27 - 8:03 pm

  Performance, ride, quality, design, warranty and features are all good reasons to own this vehicle. While we have only had it a short time the warranty alone is a good reason to buy this car.

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  Amazed At This Car! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By lovehyundai - October 27 - 9:16 am

  I bought the 2006 Sonata GLS 4cyl. about 2 days ago and all I have to say is WOW!!! I have everything from Chevy to Dodge and this car is impressive to say the least. I drove a Camry before and have to say that this car is definately at that level of performace, quality and style. If Hyundai keeps this up, I will by all my cars from them! Great Job!