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:

• 

  Enjoyable - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By J R LAW - August 28 - 11:33 pm

  I have had five Cadilacs and now also have an Avalon. The Elantra is the easiest and best car I have ever owned for driving around the city. My wife and I both fight to see which one will take the Elantra.

• 

  I love this SUV! - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By ica1972 - August 28 - 6:33 pm

  This has been a fantastic vehicle for a commuter driving 90+ miles five days a week. The fuel economy isnt all that great, but I feel safe and I love the ride. I drive over quite a few mountains and steep hills, it handles perfectly in all kinds of precipitation including 10" of snow covered ice. Fan tends to blow in your face or off parts of the vehicle back into your face.

• 

  SHAKE RATTLE AND ROLL - 2007 Hyundai Entourage
  By Frustrated "OWNER" - August 28 - 10:33 am

  Bought it on the 6th of June, returned it same day. Wheel shook out of hand. Sent to tire shop. Balanced tires. All were out. Steering wheel still vibrated. Dealer over the next 2 months tried, as directed by Hyundai; balancing 4 times; new tires; checking axle balance no problems. Hyundai rep said "...normal characteristic". Then Dealers mechanic found excessive play in HUB. Installed new hub(bearing assembly) passenger side. Shaking stopped for 10 days then began again, drives. Tried tightening bolt on hub and polishing rotor with no positive results. Now they are supposed to replace Drivers side hub. Filed a LEMON LAW Claim against Hyundai. Dealer has had vehicle for 45 days.

• 

  Hyundai needs new badge. - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Sean - August 27 - 11:06 am

  When I first saw this car through commercial, I thought "well thats a good looking car from hyundai". I didnt really care, until I saw a silver one on the road. I was in the market for a relatively reliable, all-around characteristic, and bang-for-the-buck sedan, so I visited Hyundai dealership right away. I was blown away when I first saw it, and I was in love with it when I got inside of it. I bought it after I test drove it. Do I need to say more? H is no long solely standing for Honda anymore. There is something called Hyundai coming very fast. I was never fan of hyundai. I heard few people saying its a nice car. Now, I believe it.

• 

  A great ride - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By suggy - August 27 - 12:33 am

  Owned a limited AWD w/ premium package for over 6 months. No complaints, pleasant to drive, spacious, comfy and performant, excellent quality, outstanding safety features. The best value for under $30k

• 

  New owner, now hard to find any - 2008 Hyundai Tiburon
  By LarryC - August 26 - 7:03 pm

  Only a few 2008s left for sale in Southern California: only 100 left for sale in USA. Purchased the six cylinder because dont want loss of power with AC on. Dealer gave huge discount off sticker and low 2.9% financing. This car is a bunch of fun to drive, my wife loves it, even though there are physical adjustments with seat, mirrors instead of all automatic features. The Kenwood radio is great sounding and the AC will literally blow you away. I like the sport seats too. Needless to say, it is the exterior styling that recommends the car most. The interior lighting is exciting and I opted for BlueTooth connectivity rather than sunroof, which I never use.

• 

  2006 Azera limited - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Mary Bertollini - August 26 - 6:40 pm

  While the vehicle is still very new to me, it is an amazing car. I thoroughly enjoy driving it and would recommend it to anyone.

• 

  You get lots more than what you pay for - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Eddy Burke - August 26 - 5:10 pm

  I paid a bit more than 15,000 USD for this large sedan. No luxury car, granted, but it has all that you need: nine airbags, four automatic windows, AC, et cetera. The greatest two things are : (i) size: even with he front seat entirely back the people in the back have ample space; (ii) the engine: the "little" 2.4 is a real joy: because of the manual upshift, you can really beat most of the other traffic. In town, the car gets 20 mpg. But highway, I easily get better than 35 mpg. The fifth gear picks up very well and moves smoothly from low rpm to high rpm. I just did 1500 miles in three days and the seats give ample support as well. What a car. Why cant GM make such gems? Ed

• 

  First Day - 2008 Hyundai Sonata
  By Lumbermoto - August 26 - 4:03 pm

  I took delivery of my Sonata SE this afternoon and I am really impressed so far. For years Ive wanted a 4 cylinder with a 5 spd that was fun & value packed for a reasonable price, a la Hondas of years past. I had heard about the big rebates and called a dealer for a quote. They had the car I wanted in NC. The dealership sent drivers to get it and bring it back to Atlanta. Then they installed black leather and delivered it to my office for free. The paper work was as agreed, so no drama there. They threw in tires for life (sweet!) and I got it for less than 18 grand out the door which is just unreal. This car has so much value packed in it. Super nice & safe.

• 

  Brake hog - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By KATHY SEDGWICK - August 26 - 3:40 pm

  This car is a money maker for the service department when it comes to the brakes. I have had to replace the brakes almost every 20,000-25,000 miles. I will not be buying another Hyundai again. Will be going back to a Ford or Chevy!