Hyundai and Kia

[JamesDouglas]

What are your thoughts on Hyundai and Kia? Would you get one? Would you never be seen driving one?

I think they've come along way, they have the best warranty in the business at 5 years, and their cars are reliable, they've come a long way since the Pony. I'm car shopping right now and I'm impressed with these 2 companies. I'd never buy a Suzuki though.

 

[Sargeant StiffCock]

I am in the automotive business. I would definitely buy a Hyundai.

 

[danmand]

Would you never be seen driving one?

If your worth depends on what car you are driving, you need new friends/partners.

 

[Bobzilla]

My last car was a Hyundai Elanta. I was so impressed with it that I bought a Tucson. It's also been great, very reliable, so I would definitely recommend Hyundai.

 

[Curious36]

I heard that a handful of the key engineers from Toyota were brought in by Hyundai a few years back. This might explain why their product has improved significantly in the last few years. Not sure of the validity to this claim.

 

[TeasePlease]

Hyundai has come a long way since the Pony. It's cars are very well designed and assembled. The Sonata has been selling like hotcakes; the Equus is simply stunning (reminiscent of the original LS by Lexus in terms of value proposition).

Kia has also come of age. It's manufacturing capabilities are still not quite up to snuff. The materials and fit and finish still quietly remind you that you opted for economy rather than luxury. But, damn, the new Optima looks sharp!

Unfortunately, the diminutive size of my penis does not permit me to drive an economy car.

 

[asterwald]

 

[whobee]

How does the Elantra drive on snow covered / icy roads? I'm considering a Hyundai too.

 

[HG Hunter]

I see a ton of Santa Fes on the roads.
Anyone here have any comments on them?

 

[K Douglas]

I think the Kia Optima looks sharp and I believe it won Automobile of the Year in its class.

Hyundai has improved eons over their 80's and 90's models.

I would consider both car companies seriously when purchasing my next vehicle. My heart is still set on Nissan Maxima though.

 

[Ceiling Cat]

I believe that Honda and Toyota has been sleeping at the switch, and they know it. They will catch up in the next few years. One example that yopu can see today is the Toyota Venza 2013, the price has been lowered and they have added loads of stuff. Would you rather have a car that has a 5 year warranty where they fix stuff that breaks down or have a car that does not break down?

 

[frankcastle]

Hyundai has come a long way. Shooting the shit with my mechanic and he said that Hyundais have a pretty good track record from his observations. Mind you he sees all types of cars so how big of a sample are we talking? I don't know.

 

[Mod100]

I believe that Honda and Toyota has been sleeping at the switch, and they know it. They will catch up in the next few years. One example that yopu can see today is the Toyota Venza 2013, the price has been lowered and they have added loads of stuff. Would you rather have a car that has a 5 year warranty where they fix stuff that breaks down or have a car that does not break down?

Toyota started this midway through the 2011 model year for just about all its cars. You should see the toys on their scion line.

 

[Petzel]

Shit! I just traded my Hyundai Accent in for a Chev Malibu last year. I didn't like Hyundai......no ABS!

 

[JamesDouglas]

When I went car shopping last weekend and stepped into Hyundai, it was just so hard to walk away from, I still haven't made a decision on my purchase but I'm seriously considering getting a Hyundai. Yes I know it's not "cool" or "sexy" to drive a Hyundai, but I'm not trying to impress anyone. I can afford a Mercedes if I wanted to, but just because I can doesn't mean I will, I'm not a fan of showing off.

The cars at Hyundai looked sharp, the interiors had nice finishes, and when I did a test drive the ride was smooth and pretty good. Add in the factory rebates, already low price and 5 year warranty it's really hard to turn down. I don't know if I'll get one, but I can see why a lot of people buy Hyundais nowadays.

 

[buttercup]

I believe that Honda and Toyota has been sleeping at the switch, and they know it. They will catch up in the next few years. One example that yopu can see today is the Toyota Venza 2013, the price has been lowered and they have added loads of stuff. Would you rather have a car that has a 5 year warranty where they fix stuff that breaks down or have a car that does not break down?

The pitch is that Kia designed /redesigned their cars around the fact of the 5-year warranty. They didn't just add a year of warranty onto the existing designs, and hope for the best - like Ford are/were doing.

 

[shack]

I have an '09 Genesis sedan. Almost 100,000km and it has been reliable, rides like a dream, has lots of toys and is priced way below comparable BMW's, Lexus etc.

 

[Perry Mason]

I declared myself here to be a Hyundai fan some time ago, and over the years I have been a fanatic car nut and have owned and driven most of the top luxury marques from around the world.

The 2008 Hyundai Tucson in my garage has close to 90,000km and is still a great car to drive.

And, BTW, Hyundai and Kia are sister companies owned by the same group.

Highly recommend them both!

Perry

 

[Perry Mason]

... a car that does not break down...

No such car exists on this planet... only in your imagination!

Perry

 

[Kilgore Trout]

My dad bought a Sonata a couple of years ago after buying nothing but big 3 domestic cars his entire life.

His prior car was a Buick Regal and in 8 years or so he had it he had to do expensive engine repairs worth 3500 or so at the 6 year mark and then a year or so later he had to get the automatic transmission rebuilt. Then about 6 months later a Chinese guy who was daydreaming or something smashed into the back of his car on the 401 and the car had to be written off.

The one good thing I'll say about GM is they seem to use decent quality steel in their cars. The Regal had no rust at all on it.

Personally I'm thinking of getting a Mazda next; but, I'm worried about the quality of steel they use in their cars. I've seen a lot of nice looking Mazda's with rusted out rear wheel wells in past 10 years even if the car is only 5 years old or so.

My dad likes his Sonata. Never been a problem with it. It's hard to believe he turned his back on the big 3 after being so loyal to them his whole life but that's the way it goes if you sell a guy a car where the motor and transmission both crap out on you while you own the car.
My dad is a very cheap guy who hates spending 10 cents on anything; so, he was probably fuming at GM for selling him a car with a sub par engine and transmission.