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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  Handy - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Cee Jay - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Great fuel mileage for a 104 mile a day commute. Handy to zip in and out of small parking spots & great to go shopping in.

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  From palm trees to mountains - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By twitch1900 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Awesome car for the money....many ammenities incl in the price! Puts Honda and Toyota to shame for comparable car.

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  I like my Elantra - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Drakke - April 25 - 10:00 am

  My 2003 Elantra, replaced a 2001 Elantra, which was totalled in an accident. I like the Elantra. Its reliable. The local dealer, Automax, has an excellent service department. Im happy with my Elantra.

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  2012 Hyundai Azera - 2012 Hyundai Azera
  By Michael G - April 25 - 1:15 am

  I bought this used 2012 Azera just a week ago. I have only had this car a week and I absolutely love it. I am probably driving my friends crazy with that look at my new toy, look at it, lets drive somewhere attitude. Before the Azera I owned a 2005 Hyundai Sonata GLS which I bought in 2006. I loved that car and did my best to give it the TLC a car needs and it has lasted and lasted and still turned heads. But I was more than ready for a newer car with updated amenities and the 2012-2014 Azera model Really captured me. Also I never see this model and trim on the road which made me want it all the more. This car is simply gorgeous in every way its Pearl white with the black glass top and 19 inch wheels and a camel leather interior. I love the lines, the curves and the sharpness of the interior and exterior. I am over the moon with this one. Its super comfortable and very roomy. Im 62" as I sit in the driver seat I then get out and sit in the back seat to see how another tall person would feel, it sit has ample leg room. I love everything about my 2012 Hyundai Azera Special Edition. My only complaint is the GPS/voice command isnt very user friendly, but perhaps Im just not doing something right, I have only had it for a week.

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  I love this car! - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By Jayme - April 24 - 6:23 pm

  I had a 2004 Hyundai Elantra before this 2007 and they are not the same car. It is so so much better. It has a lot more room on the inside and the outside but it still drives like a littler car. I love this car!

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  fun,affordable luxury - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By luvmysantefe - April 24 - 2:50 am

  The Sante Fe is truly my favorite SUV of them all, it handles unbelievably well in winter conditions, the sleek look makes it a real eye catcher and the heated leather seats are a luxury. The interior is very roomy, plenty of cargo space. Its a little hard on fuel. An overall fun affordable luxury SUV.

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  Reliable and Nice Ride - 2001 Hyundai Sonata
  By the_ca_bohemian - April 24 - 2:00 am

  This car is great! It gets up to speed quickly which is important for merging in California. :-) The ride is comfortable, and the stock stereo is pretty decent. Comes with so much more than the Camry I was looking at, and affected my wallet a lot less as well! Would definitely buy another Hyundai.

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  Sonata= let down - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By aporter1995 - April 23 - 12:39 pm

  Bought used with 35,000 miles about 2 years ago. Within the first year, the thermostat had to be replaced (not covered under warranty). Now, the power door lock does not work on the passengers side and the drivers side window picks and chooses when it wants to work. 05 Honda Accord w 160k still starts easier on colder mornings. This car grinds terribly and takes too long to turn over for a car this new! Nothing but cheap Korean plastic and metal that is like tin foil! Looks good but looks are deceiving! Painted trim on steering wheel is peeling as well. Will be trading for a new Honda Civic or Accord very soon! Wheel well also busted after hitting very small object. Too flimsy!

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  Long time owner - 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Long_time_owner - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I have had this vehicle since 2001 and has over 165,000 miles! It wasnt been without its share of problems though. The first major repair was a new transmission at 20k. Lots of other problems too all covered under the warranty. Since the bumper to bumper warranty has been out, only a few minor repairs, so I cant complain too much. Factory put quality tires on, didnt get a new set till 100k! Its a very comfortable vehicle and has been on many, many road trips. I think it may be getting time for a new vehicle, Hyundai will probably be at the top of my list, I think theyve come a long way since 01, and the warranty and affordability cant be beat.

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  Great car - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By joehardware - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Bought this as an import fan, and havent been disappointed. Have owned Acura, Mazda, and VW prior to this, and I can say that its of equal, if not better quality, than the lot of them. Fun to drive, and the 3.5L V6 is a no brainer if youre considering this. I test drove many of the competitors in this class, and none compared value wise. 276 hp makes it a great choice if you like to experience where youre going as opposed to just getting there.