Hyundai, a Korean-based automobile company and manufacturer, was founded in 1947 by Chung Yu-Jung. The name of the company means “modern times” in Korean, paying homage to their innovative designs and sleek finishes. As the company has moved from its humble beginnings to navigate the modern-day challenges of the car industry, it has experienced massive success on a global scale.
How the Company Got Started
Once South Korea was liberated in 1945, Yu-Jung and his company received a significant amount of money from the national government to create “transportation infrastructure” and other aspects of transportation that are essential to rebuilding the country. After two decades of operating under the name Hyundai Engineering and Construction Company, the company rebranded as a vehicle manufacturer in 1967 – renaming itself as the Hyundai Motor Company.
The first Hyundai car, the Cortina, was released in 1968 and shortly after the rebrand. It garnered immense success, leading them to release the Pony in 1975. This car was the first model of Hyundai to be released in the United States in 1986. By the late 1990s, Hyundai had exploded into dozens of different countries and was slowly becoming a household name. Now, they own and operate the largest manufacturing plant in the world.
The Logo
By the late 70s, the logo featured Korean characters and a small logo to the side in a royal blue color. In 1990, the company modernized its logo by featuring a single “H”, yet returned to their original smooth style with the circular features. The logo we are familiar with today was created and introduced in 2011, sticking around ever since.
Sales
According to statistics compiled by CarSalesBase, Hyundai has sold almost 13 million cars in the United States since 2000. In 2017, sales dipped for unknown reasons but picked up in 2021. They did not seem to be hit hard by the pandemic, speaking to their quality and ability to market to their customers. The chart below shows their growth since 1986.
Many Different Models
Hyundai has a wide selection of vehicles available for purchase. Here’s a list of the ones currently available:
Model | Avg Asking Price | Picture | Description |
Used: $12.599 New: $16,645 |  | The Accent is a 4-door subcompact sedan that provides drivers and riders with the basic comforts of a classic Hyundai car. It gets up to 41 MPG on the highway and has 120 horsepower. | |
Used: $10,999 New: $19,950 |  | The Elantra was recently recognized as the 2021 North American Car of the Year for its technological capabilities and sleek design. It is a 4-door compact car that gets up to 43 MPG highway and 201 horsepower. It is also available in the hybrid model. | |
Used: $25,990 New: $43,650 |  | The IONIQ is Hyundai’s most fuel-efficient vehicle. Featuring a stylish SUV look, premium audio, leather seating, and unique safety features, it gets up to 60 MPG on the highway and has 139 horsepower. | |
Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid | Used: $18,990 New: $23,600 |  | The IONIQ is Hyundai’s most fuel-efficient vehicle. Featuring a stylish hatchback look, premium audio, leather seating, and unique safety features, it gets up to 60 MPG on the highway and has 139 horsepower. |
Used: $19,990 New: $21,150 |  | One of Hyundai’s newer vehicle releases, the Kona is a small SUV that features a complete redesign of previous SUVs, all wheel drive, and an 8” display. It also can come in the “N” line and with hybrid capability. It gets up to 35 MPG on the highway and 195 horsepower. | |
Used: $35,657 New: $59,435 |  | The Nexo is Hyundai’s only hydrogen fuel cell powered SUV. In addition to the $12,500 tax credit you can get from purchasing it, it can travel up to 380 miles before it needs a charge and features all the comfort of a luxury SUV. It gets up to 161/120 (Hp/kW) power. | |
Used: $29,988 New: $48,952 |  | The Palisade is Hyundai’s largest vehicle, holding up to 8 passengers with a large, spacious third row. It also features the latest safety and tech upgrades. It gets up to 26 MPG on the highway and up to 291 horsepower. | |
Used: $29,457 New: $39,887 |  | As the only “sport adventure” vehicle with Hyundai, the Santa Cruz features off-road capability and a unique looking truck body style. It gets up to 27 MPG on the highway and has up to 281 horsepower. It also comes with the space of an SUV. | |
Used: $16,590 New: $27,200 |  | The Santa Fe is a 5-passenger SUV with off-road capabilities through the all wheel drive feature. It comes in more colors than ever before, too. It also comes in a turbocharged hybrid electric vehicle. It gets up to 28 MPG on the highway and 281 horsepower. | |
Used: $19,885 New: $24,150 |  | The Sonata is a 4-door sedan that boasts a sports car look with an amazing fuel efficiency to match. It gets up to 30 MPG on the highway and 290 horsepower. | |
Used: $15,290 New: $24,950 |  | The Tucson has an updated sleek design , HTRAC all wheel design, and state-of-the-art technology. It gets up to 33 MPG on the highway and 187 horsepower. It is a compact SUV. | |
Used: $16,990 New: $32,500 |  | Known for its speed, fuel efficiency, and high horsepower, the Veloster is a sports car with a hatchback look that you won’t forget. It gets up to 28 MPG on the highway and has 285 horsepower. | |
Used: $19,000 New: $23,990 |  | The Venue is a “small SUV with a big city hustle.” This subcompact SUV features a large touchscreen display, upgraded safety features, and lane assistance detection. It gets up to 33 MPG on the highway and 121 horsepower. |
Most Popular Model
In the United States, the Elantra is by far the most popular Hyundai vehicle. Because of its affordable price and compact body, it is the perfect vehicle for those
Geographic Popularity
Although Hyundai started in South Korea, the company has become popular in over 190 countries across the world. By 1979, they had already expanded to Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Egypt, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Greece. By the late 80s, Hyundai was exporting to the U.K., U.S., and Canada. Its popularity grew as they began to mass-produce more vehicles that were affordable, yet did not sacrifice quality or efficiency.
Sustainability
Hyundai takes sustainability seriously, as they have been one of the leading companies to produce fuel efficient vehicles that are powered in unique and revolutionary ways. In 2019, they created a new sustainability strategy called “Progress for Humanity.” It is similar to many other vehicle companies sustainability plans, as it calls for their company to “create more valuable time for all humanity” to “become a mobility solution provider that allows people to easily move and connect with one another, space, and places, and thus enabling them to make their time more valuable.”
Their website boasts many of their accomplishments with sustainability, “Even more than other automakers, the brand made considerable investments in low-emission gasoline engines, hydrogen-powered fuel cells and electrified vehicles to confront the challenges brought about by climate change.”
The company was also the first to introduce a car with three different “electrified powertrains.”
Safety
Like sustainability, Hyundai also takes safety very seriously. Within the past decade, they have completely changed their safety features in their vehicles to be some of the best on the market. Some of their new features are:
- Safety Inside
- Safe Exist Assist: Electronic Child Safety Lock
- Rear Occupancy Alert: To enhance safety for all
In 2021, eight of the many Hyundai models that were nominated were selected for the IIHS Top Safety Pick.
Selling a Hyundai?
After learning all about how valuable Hyundai cars are, are you looking to sell your old one? If so, let us help you. Zippy Cash for Cars can help you get the best value for your money with our services, leaving you with enough funds to purchase a brand new Hyundai with ease. For more information on how to sell your Hyundai with us, contact us here.
