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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  Great Car For the Money - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jason - April 11 - 2:30 am

  I bought this car after many months of Research. I looked at the obvious candidates, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Altima. All the cars were good, but the Sonata had something the others could not match, Value for the Money. The car runs strong and has PLENTY of get up and go (0 to 60 in the 7 second range). I have had the car now almost a year and in that time only a few very minor things have gone wrong. First the Windshield Washer pump went out, no biggie. And Second some of the black out tape around the doors on the passenger side came off and has had to be replaced 2 times now. Other than this NOTHING else has gone wrong with the car. I would HIGHLY recommend this car.

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  great suv - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By ro - April 10 - 4:13 am

  I bought this suv because it road so smooth and quiet which makes the 605 Watt stereo sound even better. With 10 speakers and suround sound if you put in a cd and turn it up too loud you might lose your lunch. It has a lot of other Nice features too.

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  Buy it - 2013 Hyundai Sonata
  By Elwood P Dowd - April 8 - 2:52 am

  Bought it new in 13 and after 90,000 its still a great car. Replaced the brakes all around and put on tires, other than that have done nothing to it. Gas mileage has been excellent 20s around town and mid to upper 30s on the road. Have gotten over a little over 40 once but consistently 35+ MPG if you will keep it under 80. Good acceleration and rides very well. The sound system is just ok but overall this is a great car!

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  Everything great but - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By James13069 - April 7 - 4:40 pm

  I purchased my sonata this month early June. everything went great. great pricing for the car you get.

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  Impressed - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Ken - April 6 - 9:16 pm

  Switched over from a Passat. Looked at numerous other midsize SUVs. Santa Fe was the best for our needs at the right price. No more paying for Premium gas. Halleluyah! I was concerned about the reputation of Hyundai. Not any more. This car is really a great ride and the exterior design is outstanding. Handling is great as is roominess/cargo space. Too bad Hyundais leasing deals are awful. I am confident this car would outproduce the Murano and CRV if Hyundai had favorable lease terms.

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  More than competitors - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Patricia - April 5 - 6:16 am

  This is a cheap Lexus ES330. I already owned ES330 2004. I cant find defects compare to ES330. Cheaper but better than Camry or Passat. Good equipment make me comfortable when I driving. If you want to choose Azera, be sure to choose Limited with full option.

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  Incredibly impressed - 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By nymatt - April 4 - 7:00 am

  We added this to our 2013 Sonata after the other midsize SUV we lease was bought back by another manufacturer as a lemon. We are incredibly impressed with all of the features in this car. It looks great, rides nicely, if a bit firm, has tons of room for 2 car seats and all the stuff that little kids come with and great technology. I admit that the panoramic sunroof was one of the biggest selling features. If you havent seen it - you must - it beats all other competitors. The only demerits I give are on the telescoping steering wheel - wish it came back a little more and the rear view camera - the lines do not move when you turn the wheel - which is weird as the Sonata does.

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  2007 Santa Fe - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Paul - April 4 - 6:43 am

  Only owm the car for 2 weeks and love it. Was not looking for a Hyundai until I spotted it on the dealers lot. Once I drove it, I had to own it. Got a great deal and so far am happy with the purchase, a lot of classy vehicle for the money. Love the performance, ride, and interior. Great leather seats.

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  Little Blue Bug - 2017 Hyundai Elantra
  By J Sobel - April 3 - 8:54 pm

  I went from a Camry Sedan to my Elantra. Very happy with all aspects of the car- quiet, great mileage.

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  Love the car - 2006 Hyundai Tiburon
  By 06tiburon - April 3 - 12:46 pm

  I bought my tiburon new only had 45 miles on it and I loved everything about it. I want to say that it is a safe car. I was recently in a accident. July 6th. I hit 4 trees going over 100 mph. Not sure why I was doing that fast. My memory of the crash is gone and before the crash so I cant say what I was doing. But I dont have any broken bones or any serious injuries. I see pictures of the car after the crash and I say I am lucky to be alive. I think the car had a lot to do with it. Thanks Hyundai for building such a safe car!