Hyundai Motor Company, founded in 1967 in Seoul, South Korea, is one of the world’s largest and most influential automobile manufacturers. A key part of the Hyundai Motor Group (which also includes Kia and Genesis), Hyundai has grown from a local automaker into a global mobility leader with operations in over 190 countries.
Founding & Early Years
• Hyundai Motor Company was established in 1967 in South Korea.
• In 1968, it partnered with Ford Motor Company to assemble the Ford Cortina.
• Hyundai released its first independent model in 1975, establishing itself as a major player in the Asian auto market before expanding globally.
Key Models and Trims by Era
Hyundai Pony (1975–1990)
• Hyundai’s first mass-produced car.
• Designed by Italdesign (Giugiaro), engineered with Mitsubishi powertrains.
• Body Styles: Hatchback, sedan, pickup.
• Trims: Base, GL, GLS (depending on market).
• Notable for being South Korea’s first domestically produced car.
1980s – Global Expansion Begins
Hyundai Stellar (1983–1992)
• Rear-wheel-drive sedan, also designed by Giugiaro.
• Positioned above the Pony.
• Trims: Base, GL, GSL, Premier.
Hyundai Excel (1985–1999)
• Known as Pony Excel in some markets.
• First Hyundai sold in the U.S. (1986).
• Body Styles: Sedan, hatchback.
• Trims: L, GL, GLS, Sport.
• Known for affordability but criticized for build quality.
1990s – Modernization & Global Growth
Hyundai Elantra (1990–Present)
• Compact car introduced to compete with Corolla and Civic.
• Generations: 7 so far.
• Trims (varied over years): GL, GLS, GT, SE, SEL, Sport, N Line, Limited.
• Offered in sedan and hatchback styles.
• Performance trims like N Line and Elantra N introduced in later generations.
Hyundai Sonata (1985–Present)
• Midsize sedan, one of Hyundai’s core models.
• Trims over years: GL, GLS, SE, SEL, Limited, Sport, N Line, Hybrid, Blue.
• Modern versions offer turbo and hybrid powertrains.
• The Sonata N Line targets performance buyers.
Hyundai Accent (1994–2022 in some markets)
• Subcompact sedan/hatchback, successor to the Excel.
• Trims: L, GL, GLS, SE, SEL, Sport, Limited.
• Known for affordability and fuel efficiency.
2000s – Hyundai’s Reputation Turns Around
This decade marked Hyundai’s move toward quality, with longer warranties and better design.
Hyundai Tucson (2004–Present)
• Compact SUV that became one of Hyundai’s top sellers.
• Trims: SE, SEL, Limited, Sport, Night Edition, Ultimate, N Line.
• Later generations offered hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.
Hyundai Santa Fe (2000–Present)
• Midsize SUV known for reliability and space.
• Trims: GL, GLS, SE, SEL, Limited, Calligraphy, XRT, Hybrid.
• Santa Fe XL (3-row version) was briefly sold before the Palisade replaced it.
Hyundai Azera (Grandeur) (1986–2017 in U.S.)
• Full-size luxury sedan.
• Known as Grandeur in Korea.
• Trims: Limited, SE, Premium, Ultimate.
• Positioned above the Sonata.
2010s – Design, Technology & Premium Moves
Hyundai Genesis (2008–2016)
• A luxury sedan that competed with BMW 5 Series and Lexus GS.
• Trims: 3.8, 4.6, 5.0 R-Spec.
• Led to the launch of Genesis as a standalone luxury brand in 2015.
Hyundai Veloster (2011–2022)
• Unique 3-door sporty hatchback.
• Trims: Base, Turbo, Turbo R-Spec, Ultimate, N.
• Veloster N became a cult favorite among enthusiasts.
Hyundai Ioniq (2016–2022)
• First model line to offer Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and Electric versions.
• Trims: Blue, SEL, Limited.
• Replaced by Ioniq 5 and the Ioniq sub-brand.
Hyundai Kona (2017–Present)
• Subcompact SUV with stylish design and multiple powertrains.
• Trims: SE, SEL, Limited, Ultimate, N Line, Kona Electric, Kona N.
• Kona N is a high-performance hot crossover.
Hyundai Palisade (2018–Present)
• Flagship three-row SUV.
• Trims: SE, SEL, Limited, Calligraphy, XRT.
• Offers premium features, V6 engine, AWD.
2020s – Electrification and High Performance
Hyundai Ioniq 5 (2021–Present)
• All-electric midsize crossover.
• Based on Hyundai’s E-GMP EV platform.
• Trims: SE, SEL, Limited, AWD variants.
• Futuristic design and ultra-fast charging.
Hyundai Ioniq 6 (2023–Present)
• Electric sedan rivaling Tesla Model 3.
• Trims: SE, SEL, Limited, Long Range AWD options.
• Ultra-aerodynamic with over 300 miles of range.
Hyundai Ioniq 7 (Upcoming)
• Full-size electric SUV, expected by 2025.
Hyundai Santa Cruz (2021–Present)
• A sport adventure vehicle/pickup.
• Trims: SE, SEL, SEL Premium, Limited.
• Combines SUV comfort with truck versatility.
Performance Models – Hyundai N Division
• Elantra N, Kona N, Veloster N – performance-oriented trims.
• Features: Sport-tuned suspension, turbocharged engines, manual transmissions.
Hyundai has evolved from a budget automaker to a leader in design, reliability, and technology. Today, it competes across every major segment, from subcompacts to luxury EVs. Hyundai’s strategy includes:
• A growing electric lineup (Ioniq series),
• A premium focus (Genesis spinoff),
• Competitive SUVs (Tucson, Santa Fe, Palisade),
• And a strong emphasis on value.
Let me know if you want a generation-by-generation breakdown of a specific model.