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 value for the price - 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Barry Shapiro - February 24 - 2:51 pm

  We looked at the Mazda 9, the Toyota Highlander, the Ford Explorer, the Chevy Traverse, and the Honda Pilot. Nothing came close to the Santa Fe as far as value for the dollar. We had a 2007 Santa Fe that gave us very little problems and that followed a 2006 sonata that was equally as reliable. Some of the other vehicles had some aspects that bettered the Santa Fe but in its entirety the 2017 Santa Fe bested them all.

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  Based on several test drives - 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By mickeyrom - February 24 - 8:23 am

  The model I am waiting for is the ES manual with the beige interior.That is why I am still waiting. Nice interior,looks pretty nice on the outside,lots of punch with a 5 speed,not so much with the auto. It really stands out in the non hybrid hatch- back field.Big difference between the GLS and the SE,such as no cruise control on a manual GLS,plus plastic hubcaps,Bleeech...My evaluation is based on the SE model.

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  Better than expected - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By DonCisco - February 24 - 6:53 am

  I used to drive a company car, after 10 yrs of "worry free" driving, I looked at every possibility out there. Test drove everything from Scion as to Escapes, RAV4s. I knew I needed something to drive but had no idea what. I started paying attention to the cars in the road, and kept seeing Hyundais, Elantras; Santa Fes, so I decided to check them out. With a limited budget I had to get the most I could with the money I had. I finally decided on a 1yr old Santa Fe with 10K miles. The price was definitely fair, and ever since I have enjoyed this car more than any of the other free cars Ive ever driven. Whenever something has to be fixed, the warranty picks it up, and I am left very happy.

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  Had1 - 1998 Hyundai Elantra
  By had1 - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Got this car with 59000 miles on it for my daughter. Based on reviews I thought it should hold up for ok for a first car. The car has 80000 miles now with no mechanical problems! We just went shopping for her second car, she wanted to "move up" a little. After driving four other manufactures cars guess what she bought... 2002 Elantra!

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  Basic transportation. - 2004 Hyundai Accent
  By cabofriop - February 24 - 2:00 am

  After 25,000 miles the car developed too many squeaks and rattling from doors and seats. During acceleration, engine noise is very high. Extra gear and revised transmission are needed. Automatic transmission lacks finesse and does not compare to Honda Civics or Toyota Corollas. At speed does not corner well. Performance is OK, if prepared to high revving engine and increased (engine) noise. Disappointing fuel consumption for a 1.6 liter engine: did not exceed 33.60 miles/gallon even at 65 on major highways. In short: just basic transportation.

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  Very good - 2002 Hyundai Accent
  By ronny 357 - February 24 - 2:00 am

  It is a nice no frill automobile. Main disappointment is fuel mileage. I expected around 45 mpg/ I should have done my homework better

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  After 40k and 3 years, shes still beautiful, but... - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By dandedor - February 23 - 7:21 pm

  Design: The car is beautiful inside and out, and the paint is still shiny. The ergonomics are great. The materials are decent, but the seat is uncomfortable. MPG: In mixed driving, I average 24 MPG. On the highway, I get 35 MPG. Engine: For a four-cyl, it moves nicely, but man it is LOUD! Transmission: Smooth as silk. Handling: The worst part of the car. Its like theres a marshmallow holding the steering wheel to the wheels. So numb. The ride is jittery as well. Brakes are a-ok. Aging: The car feels much cheaper now compared to three years ago. The engine is loud after 1.5k RPMs. Several rattles have developed in the cabin.

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  Excellent but for headroom - 2003 Hyundai Tiburon
  By BDPrice - February 23 - 10:00 am

  Only had my new 2003 Tiburon for a couple of weeks but absolutely love it. Got the SE model but for a 4 cylinder it performs beautifully. Accelleration and cornering are great and an outstanding Clarion sound system. Wrap around seats make driving comfortable on both short and long drives. Visibility takes a bit of getting used to but not a problem once accustomed to it. Only wish a bit more headroom was available for the driver. I am 60" and my hair touched the headliner. A larger sun roof opening would have fixed this. Overall.....Great valye

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  GREAT VALUE - 2003 Hyundai Accent
  By RTJ - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Great option for someone looking to get from point A to B with good reliability and mileage! Lets be honest, I have to rank this car average or below in interior/exterior design, fun to drive, performance. BUT, that is not why I bought it! Reliable, good mileage, not stunning features/performance/design, but it gets job done and very well for the price paid.

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  Move over Toyota and Honda - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Ray - February 22 - 5:10 pm

  I love my new Sonata!! I just wish I would have known when I bought my 2009 Sonata a all new one was coming out!!! I got over 500 miles on my first tank of gas!!!