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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  Best Car for the Buck - 2004 Hyundai Accent
  By dailydj - September 29 - 2:00 am

  Rated at 33 MPG I get consistantly 36 to 38 MPG. Fast, zippy fun to drive with plenty of acceleration. Handles well even when the front tire was punctured on the freeway! What more could you ask for for $7000...

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  second time around with the hybrid - 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By Richard - September 28 - 11:18 am

  Took delivery of my hybrid a little over one week ago. Prior to purchase I had been following the many reviews ,most of which were very high. I originally had four years in a 2011 hybrid limited. Which I would grade no higher than a B-. As soon as I test drove the 2016 I was amazed at the difference in the second generation hybrid. The quiet interior,smooth ride,seamless switching between battery and gas engine,are way over and above the 2011. First week out average about 39mpg 90% city driving. Did a reset to check highway mpg, got 48.5. I am quite pleased with the vehicle, and highly recommend purchase.

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  a good car - 2004 Hyundai Accent
  By scotiarun - September 28 - 2:00 am

  solid ride, good handling, roomy, and plenty of power with good fuel economy. i really have found no faults with this vehicle after the first 2500 miles. time will tell if it is a good a car as my 2000 civic.

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  one great car - 2000 Hyundai Tiburon
  By khlh - September 27 - 7:53 pm

  This has been a great car and fun to drive. I got this car it 0.10 miles on it and it now has 305,718.00 and it is just now on its way out. I has just had 2 clutches and one tranny ( 1 clutch and tranny) broken due to a bad shift in to 2nd gear at 80mph. just a great car.

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  Outstanding - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By J. Donohoe - September 27 - 8:16 am

  Dollar for dollar one of the best cars I have owned and I have owned two Lexus (ls 400) and (sc 400).

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  Great Value - Luxury on a Budget - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By dgsverona - September 27 - 12:03 am

  Ive had my 2009 3.8 Genesis with tech package for about 6 weeks. Have not seen the dealer since I bought - it was delivered with no defects. The interior is pure luxury and the Lexicon sound system is unbelievable. The ride is whisper quiet. The suspension has been a topic of discussion for many. In some circumstances, there is a little more bounce than Id expect and in others I cannot believe how smooth the car handles. I only seem to notice the suspension at slow speed on uneven pavement. The car handles great and is very roomy. I am getting about 23 mpg on regular gas with a mix of highway and city driving. This is a luxury car at a bargain price.

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  What a great car! - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By jrseattle - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car based on the attractive price and the many positive consumer reviews and I have not been disappointed. The car drives like a dream, has not given me any trouble and is a joy, to look at, to sit in. The hatchback feature with flat rear seats is very practical and the leather seats still smell good. Initial acceleration is great but midrange performance definitely could be improved but hey, its not a Porsche (I used to drive one). Fuel economy around town is no better than 24 mpg but jumps to 35 going 75 on the freeway (I love the little computer showing this). The doors dont quite close a easily as Id like when the weather is warm.

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  Santa Fe - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Robert Satler - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Very good value, solid chassis.

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  comfort and accelleration - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By 4lifR8R - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I was very impressed by this vehicle for the short time I was able to drive it. The comfort and space is awesome. At first glance it looks tiny but it is only an illusion. The space and comfort rival those german high dollar vehicles and the performance is just as awesome. The accelleration is the best of all. I zipped around the Los Angeles area as if I were in an indy car. Hats off to Hyundai.

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  Great Choice - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By New Jersey - September 26 - 12:23 am

  I traded my Mercedes ML in for the Santa Fe with no regrets. I cant go wrong with the 10 year 100,000 mile warranty. I wish that I didnt get the 2.7L. But is still worth every penny. Everyone loves it!