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Who Is Hyundai? A History of Innovation

A grey 1974 Hyundai Pony Coupe angled left while parked on a dirt road.

Hyundai is a South Korean automotive brand known for its excellent vehicles, incredibly comfortable interiors, and bevy of standard features across the lineup. It is also known for its innovative work in future technologies, as well as for producing vehicles for markets around the globe, from Australia to America. We're proud to be your used Hyundai dealership because we know that you can find a quality used Hyundai at an affordable price, and you’ll feel great knowing your Hyundai is equipped with everything you need to have a superb driving experience every time you get behind the wheel.

There are plenty of Hyundai vehicles to choose from in the brand's modern lineup––popular models include the Elantra, the Sonata, the Santa Fe, the Tuscon, and the Santa Cruz, all with many accolades from the industry and drivers alike. That’s not how Hyundai started out, though. Its origins are a testament to what can be achieved by constant progress toward future goals. Decades later, Hyundai is going strong, with plenty of surprises coming in the near future. So, how did Hyundai begin, and how did it get where it is today?

Hyundai’s Humble Origins

After South Korea’s liberation from Japan in 1945, the country was in dire need of rebuilding, and to do so, it tapped the Hyundai Engineering and Construction company. Hyundai immediately began building transportation infrastructure, which led to new roads and bridges to connect the country. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Hyundai continued to receive government construction contracts, but in 1967, the Hyundai Motor Company paved the way for a new venture: automobiles. Hyundai quickly became known for its “car of the people”––the Pony––and has since overtaken many older motor companies as one of the most innovative automobile makers in history.

Hyundai is responsible for boosting South Korea’s modernization efforts and influencing automotive brands worldwide with the company’s dedication to finding alternative energy sources, making travel cleaner, and making automobiles more environmentally friendly. The introduction of the Ioniq electrified car in 2017 was another first for Hyundai and the world. It is this continued progress and consistent development that has made Hyundai a household name. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to try a Hyundai, there’s no better time than now to get one.

The Hyundai Pony

Though the Pony was not the first vehicle to be produced by Hyundai, it was the vehicle that began Hyundai’s now global business. The Pony, or “the people’s car,” was introduced to the market in 1975 after Hyundai successfully partnered with Ford on a few early vehicle projects. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Pony Coupe concept was created as a timeless classic and played its part in the inspiration of other vehicle designs, including the DeLorean DMC-12, as you can see by the clear-cut lines of the body, a contrast which helped set the new vehicle apart from its competitors.

Giugiaro, who was quite new to the automotive design world, said: “I felt very proud that I was in charge of creating a production vehicle for a country that was about to face a fiercely competitive market.” His design proved to be a rousing success, instrumental in what would become a highly profitable market that assisted in South Korea’s movement from reconstruction to becoming a booming global marketplace. The Pony continues to inspire Hyundai and its future projects, which goes to prove just how much a single great design can change the automotive world forever.

A woman walking by a parked grey 2024 Hyundai Tucson.

The Hyundai Tucson

Looking for an SUV but don’t want anything overly large? The Hyundai Tucson is your answer––a compact SUV that seats up to five individuals with plenty of room for cargo in the back. While it might be on the smaller side, that doesn’t mean it isn’t comfortable. High-quality materials are used throughout the cabin, and the latest upgrades and tech features will keep you entertained and on track however long your journey. The Tucson beats out other competitors by offering more room for backseat passengers, stellar safety reviews, and a host of features that are standard across the board.

Hyundai’s dedication to quality and design is evident in the Tuscon––every individual inside the vehicle will be comfortable, and there are plenty of spaces throughout the cabin for storage, along with tech features like USB ports for charging phones and tablets. The outside of the vehicle is streamlined, curving here and there to optimize airflow and cut down on wind resistance. With the Tucson, you get everything you love about an SUV––the power, space, and comfort––without the things you don’t always love, like higher fueling costs, a rough ride, and a lack of standard comfort and convenience features.

A blue 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 6 driving from a used Hyundai dealership.

The Hyundai Ioniq

In another important move for the industry, Hyundai is committed to offering an array of electrified options. While some companies might offer a handful of electrified options, Hyundai offers battery electric, hybrid electric, and plug-in hybrid electric powertrains, with plenty of vehicles in the Hyundai lineup to pair them with. If you’ve been searching for a vehicle with a particular type of powertrain, it's time to see what a used Hyundai can do for you. Once you go electric, there’s another world that opens up for you––you don’t always have to rely on gas, which means your vehicle won’t produce as many emissions and will create power with cleaner energy.

The original Ioniq is definitely an icon of the Hyundai brand, with a classic look and modern features. It was the first electrified model Hyundai offered and was available with hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully-electric powertrain options. Pair that cleaner energy with high style and ultimate comfort, and you have the makings of a practically perfect vehicle. The original Ioniq paved the way for Hyundai's modern IONIQ brand of all-electric vehicles. With affordable and attractive options like the IONIQ 5 SUV and IONIQ 6 sedan, more drivers are choosing to go fully electric. However, the original Ioniq can still be found used, making it a practical and affordable icon.

Hyundai: Progress Is Ongoing

This South Korean automotive brand has become a powerhouse in the global market. With many awards and accolades for its vehicles, Hyundai is in an excellent position to promote future automotive technologies like clean energy and mobility, including further electrification, hydrogen power, and smart mobility technology. Given the history of Hyundai and its rapid progress through several decades, you can expect to see ongoing updates as Hyundai reaches its goals. When you think of innovation and success, the name Hyundai will always come to mind.

Whether you’re looking for a sleek sedan or a spacious family vehicle, there is a Hyundai model for you. Keep your family safe, happy, and secure in your Hyundai with all its standard safety, entertainment, comfort, and convenience features. You’ll feel great knowing that your Hyundai is made with care and that this automotive brand is focused on the future. If you’ve been considering making a change and going with a different brand from what you’re used to, it’s time to take a look at the Hyundai lineup and find the vehicle you’ve been looking for. It’s time to think about the future, and your Hyundai can take you there in style.

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Is the Tucson Your Perfect Match?

Did you have a sporty Tucson catch your eye and think that maybe it's time you trade in your tired ride for something a little more inspiring? Here at Pride Hyundai of Seekonk, your used Hyundai dealership, we can't wait to show you everything the Tucson can add to your drive. Drivers across the country currently cite its creature comforts, easy driving, and modern styling as just a few of the reasons why they upgraded to Hyundai's compact SUV. more The Tucson effortlessly blends practical benefits like great fuel economy and ample cargo room with comforts like heated seating and cutting-edge features like Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist. The five-seater SUV really hit its stride when Hyundai released the third generation in 2016. The automaker gave the small SUV a full facelift, including a new grill, athletic curves, and a peppy engine. If you think a used Tucson might be your dream car, perhaps it's time you got to know it a little better. What’s Your Idea of the Perfect Road Trip? Are you a beachgoer? A thrill seeker? Or maybe an urban cruiser? Your ideal road trip can say a lot about you and what kind of SUV would fit your lifestyle. If you like packing up the sunscreen and cooler and heading to the water’s edge with the wind in your hair, the Tucson might be for you! And for the thrill seeker looking to get into nature, the Tucson is always up for a camping trip. The athletic Tucson has no problem tackling rocky campground trails or dusty backroads to find the perfect spot to set up the tent. While the small SUV isn’t an aggressive off-roader, it does enjoy getting a little dirt in its tire treads once in a while. Its ample cargo space makes it easy to load up your gear and friends and hit the trails for a weekend. For the urban driver, the Tucson is a dream come true. Not only does it present you with a capable engine, but its ISG (Idle Stop & Go) system helps conserve fuel when you’re dealing with constant stop-and-go traffic situations. The Tucson is easy to drive with smooth handling and features like Auto Hold to keep you from sliding back when starting on a hill. The Tucson has no problem blending a bold design with noteworthy capabilities to keep things flexible for a range of driving lifestyles. What’s Your Must-Have Feature in a Car? This can be a loaded question, considering everyone has their own wishlist of preferred features. It could be tech, comfort, or convenience; whatever the case, ensuring your ride meets your needs is essential to long-term happiness. Do you look for a spacious interior that brings with it all the comforts and convenience of home? The Tucson checks all the right boxes on this front. The interior is modern and streamlined, carefully conceived to deliver convenience and tech right to your fingertips. From upgrades like leather seating and wireless charging to essentials like its clean dash that doesn't obstruct your vision, the Tucson boasts an upscale design at an affordable price point. Don’t be surprised if your passengers rave about the extreme comfort of the second-row seats. Is your main desire to have a reliable commuter during the week but adventure-ready capabilities for those weekend road trips? Opt for all-wheel drive and get in and go whenever wanderlust strikes. When shopping for your ideal driving companion, keep in mind the Tucson can be had with both gas and hybrid powertrains, allowing you to go farther on less. Maybe you’re safety-oriented and are looking for an SUV that can give you the extra security you desire when tackling traffic. The Tucson’s SmartSense technology puts your needs first, protecting you from bumper to bumper. The Tucson provides consistently high safety ratings. The 2022 Tucson was given a Top Safety Pick+ rating by the IIHS. 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The overall design of the Tucson seems to mimic motion even when parked, encouraging drivers to get in and seek the horizon. You might be more about function over form, and that’s fine! The Tucson’s interior design just keeps getting better all the time. The cabin offers a design that feels like it's punching above its price point. The clean lines of the cockpit are applauded by drivers who want a view with zero obstructions. That means no screen or controls sitting above the dash. It's easy to view essential information like fuel levels, speed, or GPS directions without having to look far. The Tucson is a bit of an overachiever in the best possible way. It's not enough just to keep you comfortable and safe; it goes out of the way to prove itself to you. Its good-looking but versatile design has earned it the title of 2022 Best Compact SUV for the Money from US News & World Report, 2023 Editors' Choice from Car and Driver, and we could go on. What the Tucson is trying to say is that no matter the year, it's designed to impress you and elevate your drive on all levels. Whether you’re a solo adventurer or have a small family, the interior is as durable and affordable as it is stylish, making everyone, from the fashionista to the busy parent, happy. Your Next SUV Is Here Now that you’ve taken a look at your preferences and priorities, we feel it's pretty clear why a pre-owned Tucson might just be your perfect match on four wheels. From a country cruiser to tackling the urban jungle, the Tucson was created to be versatile enough to fit into your life. Maybe you never pictured a pre-owned Tucson as your dream ride, but that’s probably because you’ve never driven one. If you find yourself drawn to the allure of the open road but still need a reliable ride to get you to the office on Monday, the Tucson hits all the right marks for a diverse number of today’s drivers who are looking for a refreshing take on the modern SUV. With its dynamic styling, driver-centered cabin, and adventure-ready capabilities, there’s nowhere the Tucson can’t take you.