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!