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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  I love my Sante Fe - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By judi - October 22 - 6:33 pm

  We purchased our Sante Fe to tow behind our new motorhome, and needed a vehicle that would accomodate our 3 puppies as well. WE LOVE IT! It has met all of our expectations and was a GREAT BUY!

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  So far So good! - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By KT - October 22 - 3:50 pm

  I loved the body styling compared to the box like appearance of other SUVs in its class. The interior is pretty comfy. The leather seats are not very soft but the give good support. I am disappointed that the passenger seat does not heat up as represented. The driver seat nicely heats and warms your lower back. Steering is tight. The gas pedal is too touchy. Barely pressing the pedal and it jumps into action full speed ahead! It is difficult to get used to and a bit annoying. Today I loaded a tall size hot water tank into it. Dropped the back seat and pushed the front seat forward and in it went with room to spare. Smiles all around! My friends find the back seat very comfortable.

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  My 2016 Tucson Limited Ultimate - 2016 Hyundai TUCSON
  By Mark Stubkjaer - October 22 - 1:18 pm

  I selected the Tucson primarily because it has all the safety features I wanted and because many reviewers said it is quiet. There are other good compact SUVs I drove and considered, but most of them did not have at least one of the safety features I wanted. My Tucson has only 500 miles on the odometer, so I cannot comment on reliability or maintenance costs. It drives very well. Its agile, peppy, has sporty steering, and rides well. I have not experienced the jerky transmission performance many reviewers have commented on. Perhaps its because I dont jump on thhe throttle when starting out and always pause a bit before shifting into drive from reverse. Unfortunately, it is also much noisier than I expected, even after the test drive. Perhaps its due to the 19 inch wheels and low profile tires. Im seriously considering but a set of 17 inch wheels and tires to address this issue, but I dont know if they would be much quieter. The cabin is all black with lots of plastic. The leather seats are comfortable and power adjustable, including the front passenger seat. The navigation/entertainment system works fine, but has a steep learning curve. Sadly, it does not have Apple Play. The BlueLink system has three components, Connected Care, Remote Package, and Guidance Package. All are subscription based extra cost. I have used them all during the 90 day free trial period. The Guidance Package allows the user to set the Navi destination remotely from Google. It works, but IMHO is far too expensive for the benefit. The Remote Package has the ability to start and stop the engine and climate system remotely for a smart phone and assist in stolen car recovery. For my purpose, living in Southern California, its not worth the cost. The main features of Connected Care are automatic collision notification and assistance, SOS emergency assistance, and enhanced roadside assistance. I may subscribe to it. I dont yet have the overall gas mileage. The amount shown under Car Details is just a guess because it is required to submit this review. We just drove from Santa Barbara over San Marcos Pass to Lake Cachuma and Solvang, returning on Hwy 101 along the coast. The indicated mpg at the end of the drive was 31.8. All in all, Im very satisfied with the Tucson and recommend it.

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  Love My Sonata - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By VLB - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I have been a Chevy owner (various models) for more than 15 years. This is my first non-American made car and I love it!!!

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  unhappy camper - 2001 Hyundai Sonata
  By jmsmin - October 22 - 2:00 am

  This car had more problems than can be explained in 700 words. Briefly, the air conditioner compresser gutted at about 8,000 miles, the engine would die and not restart, (a sensor they said), the engine jumped time and when it was returned, died the nest day. It was towed 9 times and spent as much time in the shop as on the road. At 36,000 miles the engind jumped time again and would not run, the dealer would not fix the problem, and I returned the car to them. I was out down payment and year and half of payments on a car that was at best a piece of junk. No more Hyundais for me.

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  Most Impressive in its class - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Jack in Arkansas - October 22 - 12:16 am

  My kids both owned the early Hyundai models that we deemed THROW AWAY cars. I was leaning toward a Honda and test drove some, but I kept reading the reviews on the Sonata and test drove one. I bought it immediately. Much more for the money than my second choice -- Honda. This is quite an impressive machine. Then, there is the price and the warranty. All together an unbeatable fine automobile for the money!

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  A Whole Lot More Than Price Indicates - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By dshelley - October 21 - 9:36 pm

  This car is often compared to BMW 5 series and E series MBs, but its probably closest in size, engine type, features, and overall class to Infinitis M35. Closest until price is compared. At about $10K less, its the automotive bargain of the year, perhaps decade. Like others I looked at and drove BMW, MB, Audi, Lexus, Infiniti and others, all of which are a lot more money. Believe me, none are quieter, more comfortable, more solid feeling, or handle better in every day traffic. This Hyundai is that good. I can only provide a warning. DO NOT DRIVE THIS CAR, if you are not ready to buy. You will fall in love with an affordable automotive experience you may not have known existed.

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  Awesome Ride - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By deeezldoc - October 21 - 5:03 pm

  Ive owned BMW and Lexus-my Genesis 3.8L is more comfortable and has a firm, quiet, comfortable ride. Plenty of power but great mileage for a 3.8L. I couldnt be happier-Ive researched and waited for this car since I saw it on the Super Bowl ads. Look out Lexus-here comes Genesis.

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  Our 3rd Hyundai - 2016 Hyundai Azera
  By Jay Sherline - October 20 - 10:00 am

  We have owned a 2007 Santa Fe Limited and a 2011 Hyundai Azera Limited (both ourchased new) previous to purchasing our new 2016 Hyundai Azera Limited. We have never had a problem with either of our previous Hyundais. Very low maintainence (Oil and filter on a regular basis) and superb reliablity. Comfort and high mpg on long trips (4000 miles or more) was a plus. They are a great value compared to automobiles in the same class. The Azera Limited comes with everything. You do not have to go through a pick and choose with options. They are already there and part of the total price. This is a comfotable sedan with plenty of room and beautiful styling. As for our dealers, couldnt ask for anything better.

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  Happy New Owner - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By AnthonyN - October 20 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this vehicle 2 weeks ago after waiting 6 mos. before making a final purchase. Researched the Hondas and Toyotas and ONLY the Sonata grabbed me with its stylish exterior. Ive always believed in anything mechanical that it must looks as good as it works...... and while the Honda and Toyota have great work records they dont look good to me. With the 10 year warranty I am sure that the Sonata will still look good if it ever needs fixed. Whereas the others will still look bad even if they last forever.