"I'm very proud, that only in 1980s we launched our product in the U.S.," Brandon Yea, senior vice president of product planning for Hyundai, said as the company's vice chairman, H.S. Lee, held the prestigious trophy for photos with throngs of international automotive journalists. "If American customers accept this car really as 'Car of the Year,' really, it's much more than we expect. Of course, we want it. But it takes a long time to get this kind of award."

Hyundai's luxury offering made history by being the first vehicle from a South Korean automaker to even be a finalist for the award, chosen by automotive media from around the world.

The rear-wheel drive, five passenger sedan boasts an upscale interior that many has been compared with the original 1990 Lexus LS, the car that made Toyota a success in the luxury market.

Price: starts at $37,250