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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  All I can say is WOW - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By mike91326 - March 4 - 10:00 am

  We recently purchased a 2003 Hyundai Sonata LX with package 7 and I cannot believe how much car you get for the money. While we were out shopping we decided to look at a Camry at our dealers ToyotaÂ’s store which was across the street from their Hyundai store. We found that a Camry XLS equipped like our Sonata LX would have cost almost $7,000 more. I know about HyundaiÂ’s past, but that was then and this is now. As fun and reliable as my 2001 Elantra has been, I could never justify spending $7,000 more for a comparable car.

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  Good Deal - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By dodge man - March 4 - 10:00 am

  My review is plan and simple. Im a big commuter. Im talking 2,400 miles a month. Ive had this car for one month now. Im very satisfied with it. I bought it used, (second owners still get 5yr/60,000 coverage on the drivetrain). Try gettting that from Honda. At anyrate, the only flaw with these vehicles is the front seat track locking mechanisms. They have a tendency to move if theyre not fully locked in. You have to put some large force into them to lock them in. The seat movement is why their crash test score isnt as high. Just push your seat hard until it clicks twice and youre fine.

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  Thrilled with my Sante Fe - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By jen233 - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a 4WD Sante Fe LX and am thrilled with the vehicle. It is fun to drive, comfortable, and the amount of cargo space is great. I especially enjoy that the vehicles added styling, which is more unique than most vehicles on the road today and makes me feel like I am driving something special!

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  love my car - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By shawna - March 3 - 8:30 pm

  I love my Santa Fe, but it has had a few problems I have had to replace the battery on it 4 times the brakes 2 times the timing chain, and pvc valves and 3 gas caps, and tires 2 times. Im going to have to have it fixed again as the check engine light is back on and wont go off. Safety though in this car is wonderful I have been in 2 big accidents in it and no one in my car was hurt.

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  Impressed... - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By DanoNH - March 3 - 4:00 pm

  We all remember the early Hyundais of the late 80s... total junk. I am admittedly impressed with the design, ride, noise level, performance and quality so far of my new 2009 Santa Fe AWD Limited. I would definitely recommend pitting at least 2 dealerships against each others quotes to price match (or beat) as I did. Doing this, I got the limited model for slightly less than the SE retail price after rebates and the "Cash for Clunkers" deal.

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  Luv my new car - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By sendmenews - March 3 - 1:43 pm

  I am extremely happy with this car. My prior car was a Subaru Outback sedan. I was pleasantly surprised to see that this car is much more comfortable and drives just as well. My only complaint was the dealership experience, which was absolutely horrible.

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  Near luxury, but a few flaws - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By hsudog - February 29 - 12:50 am

  The Santa Fe is a fantastic vehicle for its price. The leather seats are high-quality, the automatic climate control and audio system both work well, and of course, its loaded with features. While it handles well, it is definitely not "car-like" due to relatively high ground clearance and 18" wheels compared to other car-based SUVs.

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  Glad I Bought It!! - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Shelly - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I just love my Hyundai Sante Fe. I ended up getting the LX with all the bells and whistles and cant believe what I got for $19,000! I cant understand how the dealership is making any money off these. The ride is great, not big and bulky. I drive alot for work and I wanted a SUV, so my first need was a good warranty and with the 100,000mile bumper to bumper...how could I go wrong. I would definately buy another and recommend it to anyone. And as for any "sluggishness" that some have referred to, I dont understand what they are talking about. Its not a sports car!! I perky enough for me.

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  Macs opinion - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By McCullough - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Have been pleased with the Santa Fe. Have taken one trip ov 1700 miles and was very comfortable to travel in. Drives and rides nice.

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  What a deal... - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Jaw10611 - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased this car on yesterday. I was really surprise. Considering that I am 63, 260 lbs., I had second thoughts about getting another compact car... but this car easied all worries. I am really happy. The leather seats, leg room, hip room, sunroof, and most important cost... I now see how it feels to hit the lottery. Oh yea, deal with the sales internet manager when making the purchase... better deal. I got this car $1,251.00 less than what the TMV on edmunds states, plus $1,500 rebate.