Is Hyundai an underrated automaker?

Question is: are Hyundai's underrated? I mean they man not be the best cars, but they are still good. Like look at Toyota their cars have had so many recalls recently! How many times do you hear about Hyundai having re-calls?

For example look at the new Sonata, it may look a bit like the 2003 Honda Accord, but price-wise a Hyundai Sonata is MUCH better. Even look at the new SantaFe, to me it doesn’t look a thing like the Toyota RAV-4. The power is great; it's a 5-Speed automatic transmission that pumps out 242 horses. The Toyota RAV-4 may have 269 horses, but it is more expensive. The power in a RAV-4 is higher than the power in the more upscale Highlander. Plus the price-tag on the Hyundai SantaFe is much cheaper than the one on the Honda CR-V or RAV-4. You can't even put the new Mazda-CX-7 in comparison with the Hyundai SantaFe. WHY? The Mazda CX-7 is full of CHEAP plastic. It's not even available with wood grain OR aluminum matte.

Even look at the new Hyundai Elantra, the power might be cut a bit low, but the price is most certainly much cheaper than that of a Corolla, or a Civic. The quality of the interior is much better than the quality in a Corolla. The power is much higher than the Corolla, but it falls short a few horses behind the over-exaggerated Honda Civic.

Look at the Honda Fit, it's supposed to be a super-mini car, but it's not, well price-wise of course. The Hyundai Accent is only about $10,000, compared to about $15,000 for the Fit and the Yaris.

As a car enthusiast I really do think Hyundai should drop the squared-off look and keep a more contemporary flow going. Like the new SantaFe, Accent, and Elantra. Maybe they will when they redesign the Tucson and the Entourage minivan.

For some of you that don’t know those images that were posted on Autopsies a while back are pictures of the new Hyundai large SUV which will be arriving in 2008, possibly dubbing the name Mesa or Taos. It will be featuring a 290hp 3.8L V6. Try comparing that against the Honda Pilot or the Mazda CX-9.
(http://autospies.com/news/EXCLUSIVE-SPY-PHOTOS-Poor-man-s-BMW-X3-5488/)

Now Hyundai is brining a more contemporary upscale car to slot above the Azera. It will be rear wheel drive with a V6 and a possible V8. This car will be the successor to a Korean model called the Equus. I hope Hyundai does not use that name because who wants their car to be named after a play about a horse-obsessed boy who pokes out their eyes. Price wise this car should be around the $35,000 range. Compare that price to something like a Lexus ES350!

I know the interior in the Azera is CRAP, but the actual car it's self isn't bad considering the power and all the features you get in it for the price.

Now I really think y’all need to take the blinders off of your eyes and realize how great Hyundai’s are, and give them some respect! Hyundai is gaining a lot of power in the automotive segment, and some day will be just as great as Honda or Toyota!

IamEvilHomer - 7/28/2006 7:17:02 PM

+2 Boost

Yes

kart1 - 7/28/2006 7:24:24 PM

+1 Boost

Well here is the deal. Back in the 90's they sucked and now they don't suck. They have vastly improved and their models are starting to look better as well and the engines are better too. However they had a very bad image, at least here in the US back when they came out and it takes time to shake off things like that no matter how good you have become in the present.

BMWRocks - 7/28/2006 7:51:20 PM

+1 Boost

yes, much improved

webguy - 7/28/2006 7:58:37 PM

+1 Boost

Are they underrated? No. As they begin to build better cars, people's attitudes are starting to change accordingly... as seen by posts like this one.

They have indeed come a long way, but don't kid yourself. They're still a ways off from being "great." They still sit in the category of "value..." which is a euphemism for cheap. When they're actually "great" they'll no longer be cheap.

They still have a legacy (read:well deserved reputation) of crapiness to overcome; and there are still too many other brands out there with reputation for delivering a quality ownership experience for me to consider risking my hard earned money with Hyundai, or for me to yet consider them a great company.

SixxFive - 7/28/2006 8:05:56 PM

+1 Boost

Hyundai has come a long way and is taking the business very seriously as made evident that the Sonata ranks higher in customer satisfaction/zero defects that the Toyota Camry.

PlanoA4 - 7/28/2006 11:00:58 PM

+2 Boost

Hyundai is the future Toyota, just as Toyota becomes another General Motors. The transition has already started on both fronts.

polkbkk - 7/29/2006 11:05:39 AM

+1 Boost

I was given a Hyundai sedan (forget which model) during a business trip. At first, I groaned. My perception of Hyundai was the company from years ago that made cheap crap and only some misinformed customer would dream to even think about purchasing one. But after my experience driving one, my opinion is completely changed. For the price, its probably one of the most luxurious rides in its class. Good experience overall. There's still no way I'd consider buying one, though. The exterior styling is much too bland for me. I'm still young and want something sporty looking.

courtstone - 7/29/2006 11:51:02 AM

+2 Boost

I would say just as PlanoA4 said, "Hyundai is the future Toyota". In the '90s, they produced the Excel which was so bad and crappy. I read that Hyundai actually considered changing its name, due to the backlash they were getting from the quality of their products.

They decided to hang in there, keep their name and they kept improving their products. Now they have reached a totally different status. They seem to understand how to penetrate the market. When you have the reputation/brand image that is lower or subpar, you must build a product that matches or is better than others and price it lower. Just like Toyota/Honda did when they came to the States.

Hyundai understand that and I hope they take off. Their isn't much negative you say about a company that has decided to drastically improve their product. All that being said - I don't know if I would buy one yet.

bambamsd - 11/3/2006 8:40:45 AM

+1 Boost

I owned one of those Excels and said that, "I would never buy another Hyundai again!" Then I drove a friend of mines, Hyundai Sonata, 2002 I think. I was really impressed. It really changed the way I perceive Hyundai. I just can't buy one yet.