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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  Favorite Car Yet! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By lamzygrl - October 12 - 12:05 pm

  I bought my car in May 2010 and absolutely love it. The way it handles, the sporty/sleek look inside and out, acceleration, storage, versatility of going from XM to iPod to AM/FM to CD - fantastic all around. Its an incredibly fun car to drive and I get stopped by strangers repeatedly to ask me about the features or just commenting on how pretty it is. When I started my search I looked at features on the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Mazda 6. The options that were comparable to the Sonata (if the other cars even offered them) averaged $4,000-$6,000 more and truthfully I didnt like the other designs nearly as much. Going to upstate NY on cruise I was able to get 580 miles from a tank!

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  2007 Hyundai Santa FE - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Robert - October 12 - 4:10 am

  Compared to the 2005 Santa Fe the 2007 blows it away. The curve handling and smooth accceleration makes the driving exerience more pleasant. Road noise has been reduced also. Great vehicle.

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  Good and getting better - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Michael - October 12 - 2:30 am

  I have been driving my GLS for about a month now and so far I continue to be impressed. The integrated blue tooth is really nice and I love how you can stream music from your i-phone to the car speakers using it. The ride quality is about what I expect from this class of car but unfortunately the steering feels a bit disconnected especially at highway speeds. The SE may do a better job. I really like the exterior styling and have gotten several compliments. I get about 27 mpg with an even mix of highway and city miles which is impressive. Overall I dont think you can get more for your money and I am happy with my decision. Never thought Id own a Hyundai but now Im proud to say I do.

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  Second Elantra in 2 years - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By lovetosavegas - October 12 - 2:00 am

  We had our GT hatchback for 2 years now and when I had to replace my other car, another Elantra had all the features that I wanted for a good price. Mazda3, Corolla, Civic and Kia Spectra were my other choices but Elantra still has the best value for the money IMHO

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  Just picked it up - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By matt8265 - October 11 - 9:23 am

  I will review after 10K miles as everyone loves a car they just got, but having owned 15 new cars in 20 years I can say that this car is worth more than sticker. Smokes the Camry in value.

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  Hyundai EQUUS Signature - 2016 Hyundai Equus
  By Rev Sam - October 10 - 9:58 pm

  I purchased the Signature new in 2015, in comparison no other sedan could match the emenities for the cost or ride. In 2015 we drove to San Diego, Ca., the ride was silky smooth and very fuel cost efficiency. Unfortunately I was headed to TN, on April 7, 17 @ 5:45 am and three deers crossed the expressway and I hit the 3rd deer. I got word that the car is totaled and it literally hurt. My family and I were safe, not a scratch. I want all Equus owners or potential buyers too know the cars safety features are awesome. Im in the market to purchase another vehicle; guess what it will be ...an Equus! This time the Equus Ultimate trim. Rev. Sam

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  great - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By joe retzer - October 10 - 2:00 am

  buy one, great ride comfort handle great nice interior. strong motor with alot of great features.

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  Fantastic Car!! Best in its class!! - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mike S. - October 8 - 11:50 pm

  This is the best car I have ever purchased. For around $21,500 plus taxes and fees, you cannot beat it. Steel Gray exterior is gorgeous! With the sport package alloys the car turns heads. I get compliments all the time. The gas mileage is good for a V6, and the interior is of high quality (Tip: the cloth interior is nicer than the leather). Hyundai is definitely making a run at Honda and Toyota with this car.

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  Great Car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By imlostnow98 - October 8 - 7:10 pm

  Owned the car for about a year and have 24k miles on it. This is the best car I have ever owned. It is well built with logical layout of all controls. A lot of standard features that are options on other makes. The ride is compliant and the chassis is well sorted but steering is numb. It is quite fun in turns for a family sedan. The transmission is smooth but the manual mode is useless since it automatically upshifts in manual mode. I average 26 mpg in mixed driving and 36-38 mpg on the highway. No problems in the first year and with how things have gone for the first 24k miles I dont expect issues anytime soon. Overall best value and car in its class.

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  Surprised - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By John - October 7 - 10:13 am

  My wife is having our first baby, and wanted a crossover. Rated very safe, and my brother in law was hit on the side of his sante fe, and rolled the car three times, and walked away from the crash. I drive a lexus, and did not think highly of Hyundai. We bought the limited edition, all wheel drive. This car is a tank, and great in the snow. We both love the car, and on weekends it is my first choice of ride. Hyundai has come along way, and I would certainly recommend this car. Plus we bought it new for 25k, and list price was 32k. They have great deals, and the car is very nice. Heated seats, many amenities. Great Job Hyundai!