Although you may not be huge fans for Hyundai cars, you have to admit that there is something special that make the Hyundai as world’s fifth largest automaker in 2009 (see car manufacturer statistics).

Hyundai (Hyundai Motors Company, 현대자동차주식회사in Korean), pronounce as “Hyon-dae” in Korea, is one of the most famous automaker in Korea. Hyundai means modernity in Korean. The company was founded in 1967 by Chung Ju-Yung. At that time Korea government preferred to import cars rather than produce them locally. However, Chung Ju-Yung believed in his own convictions and founded the company.

Hyundai logo

The first Hyundai car, the Cortina was introduced in 1968 in cooperation with Ford Motor Company. The Cortina was a successful car due to its quality and reliability. Later on in 1975, the first Korean made car was debuted (although the powertrain technology is provided by Mitsubishi), the Hyundai Pony.

Hyundai expanded its business and began to export their vehicle to overseas market right after the Pony was debuted. The Pony gained popularity very fast in overseas market especially Canada. In 1986, Hyundai entered to the United States market with Hyundai Excel which hit the U.S. market immediately and more than 100,000 units were sold.

Hyundai started to manufacture Hyundai cars by its own technology in 1988 and attempt to establish Hyundai as world-class brand. However, Hyundai’s image was tarnished during early 90’s because some of the models are poor in durability and reliability.

Why buy Hyundai Cars?

Although Han in “Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift” once said “The Red Evo’s yours. You’re representing me now. What you think, I’m gonna let you roll in a Hyundai?” We have to say Hyundai have something really doing well. Hyundai has improved their cars over the past few years with more quality materials but at affordable price. It is also currently one of the automakers that provide the longest warranties, which are 10-year or 100,000-mile warrantly to cars sold in the U.S.

Famous Hyundai Cars

Since Hyundai acquired rival Kia Motors in 1998, Hyundai had built many new and reliable cars including the Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Genesis, Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Hyundai Sonata, Hyundai Tucson, Hyundai Accent, Hyundai Azera, Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Veracruz, and among others.

Hyundai hybrids include the Hyundai Sonata Hybird and electric cars include the Hyundai BlueOn and Hyundai i10.

Hyundai Competitors include Toyota Cars, GM Cars, Volkswagen Cars, Ford Cars, Honda Cars, Nissan Cars, Fiat Cars, and Mazda Cars.

Today, Hyundai cars are well-known for offering great cars at great value.