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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  ABS problems in ice due to cheap tires - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By adveragedriver - January 21 - 2:28 pm

  As a whole, I like this car. It has a very comfortable driving position for someone my size (63"), gets good gas mileage (though not what was advertised), is reasonably quiet and has this nice extended warranty. I have noticed a couple of significant problems, however, one of which is dangerous. But first, for the false sales pitch. The sales person will tell you that the oil only needs to be changed every 7500 miles. That was one of the selling points to me. But the manual has all sorts of fine print around that figure, so the actual service guys will tell you that you may void the warranty unless you change the oil around every 5000. So dont get caught in that trap. see below

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  Now one full year old GL model - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By caperguy - January 16 - 8:23 pm

  A bit disappointed with the gas mileage as it is not getting what was advertised 13000 miles later.

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  Very good value car! - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By dcharpentier - January 12 - 10:44 am

  Bought this car with 65K miles on it for 3000$ two years ago. It went through rough winters in Quebec and never let me down. It is a simple sedan but seems very reliable. The steering is numb and the automatic transmission lacks responsiveness but it is just a commuter car to go from point A to B. I feel that its consuming oil but for a vehicle of that age I am not surprised. Note for people in the north, it is prone to rust. Mine is in better shape than average here but it shows weaknesses. I can afford a better car but I dont want to let this one go. It is cheaper that its Japanese competitors of that era but I feel that it gives better bang for the buck.

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  temperatures and doors - 2006 Hyundai Accent
  By loved7373 - January 11 - 9:04 pm

  When temperatures are extremely high the central lock will not work, even opening the doors manually will not work either.

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  230,000 mile road dog - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By guest101 - January 8 - 11:59 pm

  I bought my Sonata in 07 with 22,000 miles (previous rental). Overall I have LOVED my car, very dependable! There have been some little issues with sensors going off along the way, but just annoyances. My car has a ton of highway time, it has been a commuter for the last five years and never let me down. The only major mechanical fix $400 alternator repair at 217,000 miles. Otherwise just brakes battery, oil, tire maintenance. I give the interior a little lower rating as the quality seems a bit too plastic and I have broken visors, cup holder, center console etc-but my car takes a beating. Interior just hasnt held up as well as I had hoped.Seats are a bit uncomfortable for long drive

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  a steal - 2010 Hyundai Elantra
  By elantrablueman - January 7 - 8:49 pm

  Bought a leftover 2010 in Jan 2011 for 12,200, 13,200 otd. Have conv. package and love the xm radio. Now have 57k and the car has been near flawless. Had a minor brake light switch recall. Averaging 30.9 mpg annually. Keep records for taxes. Better mpg on hwy/trips. I change oil every 5k and keep on trucking. Still have original brake pads. Facing some big bills at 60 k: timing belt, trans fluid, probably brakes, too. Could go $1,200. However, with my new Michelins, I could go another 60k.

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  Still going - 1998 Hyundai Elantra
  By supgamer - January 4 - 9:52 am

  I bought this car about 6 years ago for $1600 with 76,000 mi, now I have over 213,000 on it and still going like a charm, everything is working properly. Some of the things I had to repair were: 1 clutch, 2 oxygen sensors, 1 crankshaft position sensor, radiator, 1 air blower, drivers side interior door handle ( used the one from the back door as still opens the door with minor difficulty), 3 out of 4 vent louvers, (cant remember anything else), and the usual things: 1 timing belt, 2 batteries, 1 tune up stuff, oil, 2 sets of tires, brakes, bulbs, etc.

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  41000 Leased Miles Review - 2011 Hyundai Elantra
  By vixyswillie - January 1 - 3:20 pm

  Review based on 41000 leased driving miles in SE Wisconsin. No major mechanical problems. One recall repair for defective airbag headliner support bracket. Scheduled maintenance costs low. Ride somewhat noisy and rough, including side-to-side jostling over stretches of rough roads. Poor performance in snowy/slippery conditions (could have been a tires issue). Maneuverability excellent. Feature set excellent - an amazing value for the money. Beautiful exterior styling - got lots of compliments on the car. Interior comfortable, fairly roomy and well designed. Outstanding fuel economy (low to mid 30s combined city/highway). I would recommend this car.

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  2006 4 Cyl GLS - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By brantw - December 13 - 10:16 am

  We bought this car 3 years ago for our daughter. It was a one owner, well cared for car with 90K miles. It now has 105K miles and has been good to us. I had the usual 90K mile service done when we first got the car (change fluids, belts, hoses) and all has been well. While the engine may be slightly less refined than my wifes camry, the build quality and fit and finish is better. I am a car guy a really like this car. The mass air flow recently failed but this is relatively minor and the car sits outside at college day after day and this may have had something to do with it. Mileage is good and would buy the car again.

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  2006 Azera LTD - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By brantw - December 13 - 9:26 am

  We bought our 06 one owner Azera for my daughter. It had 93K miles but was well cared for. We have had the car for a year and the engine and interior are top notch. Highway mileage is 27 but in the city it is abysmal. The rear sunshade is a gimic and trouble prone. The car is solid and is a good value used as Hyundais still dont hold their value as well as the Japanese cars but in my opinion are similar in quality.