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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  love it - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By Ellen - October 19 - 6:46 am

  This is my 3rd Hyundai, and the largest one I bought. I love this car, it is easy to drive, maneuver, and I havent found any negative features. Still havent figured out if its a car, crossover or what, but who cares, it is a pleasure to drive. I saw this car, searched for an automatic, and bought it at once.

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  great car - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By briggs - October 19 - 2:00 am

  the sonata is one great car, very reliable,the only problem i have had was the battery.excellent gas milage,lots of fun to drive.i highly recomend this car.

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  Very good vehicle - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By rguyah - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I was surprised at how well the vehicle runs. It takes on rain, snow, and ice without hesitation. We got a lot of snow and ice this winter here in Pittsburgh and I honestly drive past people stranded in other SUVs and cars. Easy driving in very bad weather. My wife and I drove to Florida and back with it and absolutely no problem. It was a safe and comfortable ride.

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  better then accord - 2004 Hyundai XG350
  By apexawd - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I have owned Camary and Accord both and this car is better then both. Wow!!

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  xg350 - 2004 Hyundai XG350
  By rangerjack - October 19 - 2:00 am

  i am pleasantly surprised at the comfort and reliability of this vehicle.

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  My Second Elantra - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By mnelady - October 19 - 2:00 am

  My first Elantra was good and extremely great in the snow. This new one has "grown up & become sophisticated"!! I see the looks from other drivers. Most people dont believe it is a Hyundai. I really like driving this new Elantra. This car can really move out when it is necessary. I think Hyundai did a real good job with the 2004 model.

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  Love my Sonata - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By ND Sonata Lover - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I love my Sonata!! It is fun to drive and a great looker! I traded in a 2000 Bonneville and never looked back. For the money and the options, I got such a great deal and it looks like a million bucks. I will never go back to a GM car again!

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  Outstanding vehicle! - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By wbnapp - October 19 - 2:00 am

  An excellent all around SUV. Good mileage, power, features. Seats are a little firm, but very roomy.

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  A MUST TEST DRIVE!!!!! - 2007 Hyundai Entourage
  By stush - October 18 - 12:10 pm

  This van is very much worth a test drive. Most of the standard features are options on other vans or you cant get them. Standard traction control, standard stability control, power sliding side doors. Was only looking for the base SE model but with the owner loyality rebate. We got a SE with the PE package and its been nothing short of awesome. Rear DVD,6 disc cd with 13 speakers, with surround sound. Heated front seats. We returned a 01 town & country on a lease. The sticker price between them was $1890.00. All it had was air, power windows, antilock brakes and cassette. Didnt even consider Honda or Toyota. They cant match the warranty.

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  THE BEST SPORTS SEDAN - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Sam - October 17 - 12:03 pm

  This car is the most fun to drive and practical car I have ever owned. We have put 3500 miles on it and gone on vacation and it is wonderful to drive.