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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  You get what you pay for! - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By goose.one - September 19 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the car as a commuter car. Highway gas mileage was poor considering the 4 cyl engine felt like it couldnt get out of its own way. Service at the dealership was sub- standard to say the least. I had to have the radio replaced , an electrical problem, 2 alignments, and a check engine light go on, all under 10,000 miles. Handling was very poor, especially in bad weather. Terrible in the snow for a front wheel drive car. Just recently involved in a frontal collision after hydroplaning in the rain on the highway. The car crumpled up like a tin can, AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY!

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  This Car rox - 2004 Hyundai Tiburon
  By hahahalookatyou - September 19 - 10:00 am

  i like this car because it is one of the best i have ever drove.

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  Red Rocket Rocks - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Chris Sykes - September 19 - 10:00 am

  Very fun to drive, especially with the 3.5 liter engine. However, the gas pedal can be touchy. I inadvertently burn rubber on occasion when pulling into traffic while stopped. Handling is exceptional for an SUV. Much quieter and smoother ride than truck based SUVS. An excellent value for the money. Of course, has a great warranty to go with great price!

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  Not even a SAAB - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By RONIN - September 19 - 10:00 am

  I have owned a SAAB 900 five speed. I loved it. I still like them. Yet, I would call the Hyundai Elantra GT a "Korean" SAAB with one up: a ten year 100,000 mille warranty! The GT is fun to drive, the gas milage is great and I love the interior! The purple lighted instrument cluster with fiber optic indicators is really great.

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  Catalytic Converter Gone Already? - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Disappointing - September 19 - 2:43 am

  I was first impressed, but quickly disappointed. After owning the vehicle for 2 weeks, the rear right tail light had built up condensation. Then the check engine light came on and found out that the Catalytic converter was bad....how can that be? I do not even have 8 thousand miles on the vehicle and I am dumping it. Oh yeah...one more thing...the stupid visor on the passengers side fell completely off...just hanging by a few wires.

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  Its a Keeper! - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Wheelman - September 19 - 2:30 am

  Only having the car for less than a week makes it difficult to offer critique that might affect someones buying decision. However, I am so impressed with how this car feels and performs that I am compelled to write something. Prior to making this purchase, I checked every available review, both professional and consumer, and I shopped every available source. When it became clear that this car was one that I should strongly consider, I agonized over whether I would buy a 3.8 or 4.6 variant. For the difference in price, I am happy with my choice although both cars are winners. I have owned a stable of fine cars over the years, and, Hyundai just didnt appeal to me...until now!

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  My Hyundai - 2003 Hyundai Sonata
  By Joseph Wyckoff - September 19 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this vehicle in June of 2003 after realizing that my 1992 Dodge Grand Caravan which had 260,000 miles was ready to be turned in. The all over design is inspired by Jaguar. The interior is quite spacious and well appointed for a car of this price. The price and warranty cant be beat, even if it is a Hyundai. I have been on several long trips from Jersey to Boston and back. Never felt any degree of discomfort in the drivers seat. After nearly three months the car has 9000 miles and sounds perfect, and runs perfect. Gas is 23/27. I am very impressed and happy with my purchase. Will probably keep buying Hyundais...

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  Great Value and Very dependable - 2000 Hyundai Sonata
  By WWLJR - September 19 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my sonata in july of 00. I currently have 110,000 miles on the odometer. This has been the most reliable car I have owned to date. I would recommend this model if you are in the market.

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  A bang for your buck - 2002 Hyundai Sonata
  By Sonata Owner - September 19 - 2:00 am

  I almost bought a Toyota Camary, but felt like i was giving money to the wrong place. I stoped into Hyundai, expecting a noisy,tinny little econobox, but I was sure wrong. The styling attracts many people. I continously get compliments from Lexus and Jag. owners. Engine is a little noisy, but not annoying. Acceleration is pretty good. Interior design is high quality, but has some cheap bits in it.Comfortable. Hasnt caused me any problems but a popping speaker. I would recomend this car to anybody.I constantly do 250, 500 mile trips across the state and feel very confident.

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  At first we were afraid - 1998 Hyundai Elantra
  By AprilW - September 18 - 2:00 am

  At first we had a lot of problems with this car. I think a lot of it had to do with the dealership more than anything--we had to take it back 4-5 times before they fixed what was wrong. Ever since it was fixed, though, we havent had a problem with anything except the usual maintenance. We had to have a tune-up pretty early, plus other things that would typically last a little bit longer.