Got to test drive a Hyundai Tucson this afternoon....

[aphex]

Was intrigued by the new Hyundai Tuscon small suv that i've been seeing, so my dad and i took a swing over to a local dealer to check them out....

Honestly, i was very impressed. The 4 banger was fairly sluggish, so we quickly switched for the V6. Very nice, smooth power. The 4 felt entirely too weak for the Tuscon. Interior is very nicely laid out and easy to read/use. The brushed aluminum trim around the center console is a very nice touch and not overly obtrusive. Seats were firm and comfortable, and I was impressed by the interior size. At no time did it feel like i was inside a "small" SUV, quite roomy actually.

The V6 we tested was right at 20k and seemed like a very good value for the money, considering it also came with a 5 year B2B (10 year PT), and the B2B could be extended to 10 years for only another $1,200.

If I were in the market for a small SUV, i believe the Tucson would be at the top of my list.

 

[daveman]

I test drove the Tucson yesterday. I too was very impressed. I'm gonna buy a new car in the next 6 months so I'm doing my research now. Before the Hyundai was out of the question for me, I thought they were known for making cheap pieces of crap. But after reading several reviews from professionals and consumers they look like they may have their act together.

I drove the V6 model and it had plenty of power, handled nicely and was smooth. The model I looked at was about 21K, it had sunroof and alot of other extras. I've been looking at the CR-V and this is about 3-4K less equally equiped, except the V6 of course.

So for now I'm leaning toward the Tucson. I guess I'll just keep doing my homework for a while though.

If anyone owns a Tucson please speak up, I would like to hear your opinion.

Thanks

 

[Aimster]

Kia Sorento

 

[Red]

Originally posted by: aphex
Was intrigued by the new Hyundai Tuscon small suv that i've been seeing, so my dad and i took a swing over to a local dealer to check them out....

Honestly, i was very impressed. The 4 banger was fairly sluggish, so we quickly switched for the V6. Very nice, smooth power. The 4 felt entirely too weak for the Tuscon. Interior is very nicely laid out and easy to read/use. The brushed aluminum trim around the center console is a very nice touch and not overly obtrusive. Seats were firm and comfortable, and I was impressed by the interior size. At no time did it feel like i was inside a "small" SUV, quite roomy actually.

The V6 we tested was right at 20k and seemed like a very good value for the money, considering it also came with a 5 year B2B (10 year PT), and the B2B could be extended to 10 years for only another $1,200.

If I were in the market for a small SUV, i believe the Tucson would be at the top of my list.

That's crazy! I know cars are poor investments regardless, but if you were to do a "buy" instead of a lease, and opted for 10 years of a car covered B2B, thats a pretty wise investment. Can you even buy 10 year B2B warranties from other car companies?

 

[Nitemare]

Originally posted by: Red

Originally posted by: aphex
Was intrigued by the new Hyundai Tuscon small suv that i've been seeing, so my dad and i took a swing over to a local dealer to check them out....

Honestly, i was very impressed. The 4 banger was fairly sluggish, so we quickly switched for the V6. Very nice, smooth power. The 4 felt entirely too weak for the Tuscon. Interior is very nicely laid out and easy to read/use. The brushed aluminum trim around the center console is a very nice touch and not overly obtrusive. Seats were firm and comfortable, and I was impressed by the interior size. At no time did it feel like i was inside a "small" SUV, quite roomy actually.

The V6 we tested was right at 20k and seemed like a very good value for the money, considering it also came with a 5 year B2B (10 year PT), and the B2B could be extended to 10 years for only another $1,200.

If I were in the market for a small SUV, i believe the Tucson would be at the top of my list.

That's crazy! I know cars are poor investments regardless, but if you were to do a "buy" instead of a lease, and opted for 10 years of a car covered B2B, thats a pretty wise investment. Can you even buy 10 year B2B warranties from other car companies?

Probably for about 5k or so, car dealers will sell you anything for the right price.

 

[daveman]

Originally posted by: Aimster
Kia Sorento

I've looked at those too. The gas milage isnt very good on those. And I'm not seeing great reviews either.
They are a very nice looking suv though.

 

[blackdogdeek]

just for my reference, tucson is full time 4wd? how many adult seating?

 

[daveman]

Originally posted by: blackdogdeek
just for my reference, tucson is full time 4wd? how many adult seating?

They come in 2wd & 4wd. The model I drove was 2wd, I think the 4wd's were about 1500 more.
I would say you can fit 4 adult comfortably, It says its a 5 passenger suv but we all know what its like to sit in the middle of the back seat.

 

[blackdogdeek]

Originally posted by: daveman

Originally posted by: blackdogdeek
just for my reference, tucson is full time 4wd? how many adult seating?

They come in 2wd & 4wd. The model I drove was 2wd, I think the 4wd's were about 1500 more.
I would say you can fit 4 adult comfortably, It says its a 5 passenger suv but we all know what its like to sit in the middle of the back seat.

ok so this model competes more directly with the toyota rav4 and the honda crv, and not the highlander or the pilot, right?

 

[vi edit]

I haven't had a chance to see a Tucson in person. How do they compare in size between a CR-V and an Escape?

Bigger than the CRV but smaller than the Escape? Same size as escape?

The wife and I have been sort-of in the market for a small/midsize SUV and really like the Chevy Equinoxes. My only beef is that I'm not a fan of the 3.4 they put in them. It's just a dud of an engine. The Vue's with the 3.5L from Honda are really nice, but they are smaller inside and not as functional as the Equinoxes.

 

[blackdogdeek]

Originally posted by: vi_edit
I haven't had a chance to see a Tucson in person. How do they compare in size between a CR-V and an Escape?

Bigger than the CRV but smaller than the Escape? Same size as escape?

The wife and I have been sort-of in the market for a small/midsize SUV and really like the Chevy Equinoxes. My only beef is that I'm not a fan of the 3.4 they put in them. It's just a dud of an engine. The Vue's with the 3.5L from Honda are really nice, but they are smaller inside and not as functional as the Equinoxes.

we are looking at the toyota highlanders but will probably wait till the hybrid version comes out.

 

[daveman]

ok so this model competes more directly with the toyota rav4 and the honda crv, and not the highlander or the pilot, right?

Yea, i would say thats right.

I haven't had a chance to see a Tucson in person. How do they compare in size between a CR-V and an Escape?

They are similar in size to the CR-V the main thing they have a leg up on this CR-V that I can see so far is the V6 vs 4 cylinder & price. I havent seen the Escape so I dont know about those.

 

[vi edit]

Highlanders are nice, but pricey compared to the others. The bonus point of the Equinox for us is that every now and then GM sends us offers to get $3500 off (plus any current incentives) because we are GM card holders.

We could get a $26,000 vehicle for around $20,000 out the door. Tough to turn that down.

 

[blackdogdeek]

Originally posted by: vi_edit
Highlanders are nice, but pricey compared to the others. The bonus point of the Equinox for us is that every now and then GM sends us offers to get $3500 off (plus any current incentives) because we are GM card holders.

We could get a $26,000 vehicle for around $20,000 out the door. Tough to turn that down.

damn! indeed, i wouldn't turn that down either.

 

[daveman]

Originally posted by: vi_edit
Highlanders are nice, but pricey compared to the others. The bonus point of the Equinox for us is that every now and then GM sends us offers to get $3500 off (plus any current incentives) because we are GM card holders.

We could get a $26,000 vehicle for around $20,000 out the door. Tough to turn that down.

Sounds like a deal to me.

 

[TravisT]

Do Bumper 2 Bumper warranties apply to everything? Tires? Spark plugs?

 

[Viper GTS]

Was the 10 year B2B a dealer option, or is a Hyundai option?

That's actually half tempting.

Viper GTS

 

[daveman]

Originally posted by: TravisT
Do Bumper 2 Bumper warranties apply to everything? Tires? Spark plugs?

No its limited

BUMPER-TO-BUMPER COVERAGE
Covers nearly every new vehicle component.


Covers repair or replacement of any component manufactured or originally installed by Hyundai that is defective in material or factory workmanship, under normal use and maintenance.

Following components covered for time and
mileage limits indicated:
Radio And Sound Systems (i.e. radio, cassette tape drive mechanism, and compact disc player):
3 years / 36,000 miles

Paint: 3 years/ 36,000 miles

Battery: 3 years / unlimited miles (100% covered 2 years / unlimited miles; after 2 years and within 3 years, 25% cost of battery and 100% labor cost covered)

Air Conditioner Refrigerant Charge:
1 year / unlimited miles

Adjustments: 1 year / 12,000 miles

Wear Items; 1 year / 12,000 miles ( e.g. belts, brake pads & linings, clutch linings, filters, wiper blades, bulbs, fuses)

 

[RedRooster]

10 year warranty, eh?
Hmm, that sounds almost too good to be true. I can't imagine how nice it'd be to be able to drive around for 10 years and not worry about putting money into the vehicle on things that break.
I just priced one out, you actually get a lot for your money! I'm impressed with Hyundai.

 

[DaveJ]

Originally posted by: Viper GTS
Was the 10 year B2B a dealer option, or is a Hyundai option?

That's actually half tempting.

Viper GTS

My parents bought a 2005 Elantra a few weeks ago, and they got the 10yr B2B warranty as well, for $700. It is provided through Hyundai, not the dealer...

Dave

 

[RossMAN]

What are the major differences between the Santa Fe and Tucson?

 

[aphex]

The santa fe is a tad bit larger (i believe mainly in the trunk, possibly in width as well) and no longer has the 4 banger in its lineup...

IMO the Tucson looks nicer...

 

[DealMonkey]

Interesting part of the 2004 JD Power Initial Quality Survey. Blew my mind how quickly and how far Hyundai jumped up the list.

2004 IQS Rankings

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. continues to be the highest-ranking corporation in IQS, with seven models receiving awards?the most of any corporation. Toyota is followed in the corporate ranking by American Honda Motor Co. and Hyundai Motor America in a tie, and by BMW of North America, respectively. While General Motors Corporation, DaimlerChrysler and Ford Motor Company continue to demonstrate product improvement, all three continue to rank below the industry average.

Lexus set a new IQS record with its Lexus SC 430, which is the best-performing model in the IQS history, scoring just 44 PP100. Lexus remains the top-ranked nameplate, despite a 14 percent decline in initial quality, with four models receiving awards. Lexus is followed in the nameplate rankings by Cadillac, Jaguar, Honda, and Buick and Mercury in tie, respectively.

Thirty out of 37 nameplates have improved IQS scores from 2003. Hyundai, which jumps an impressive 16 rank positions from 2003, makes the most significant advancement, improving 29 percent year-over-year to rank seventh. Between 1998 and 2004, Hyundai has improved by 62 percent?more than any other nameplate and nearly twice the industry average of 32 percent.

"The fact that Hyundai is now outperforming even perennial quality leaders like Toyota?and in a relatively short amount of time?is nothing short of remarkable considering the vast quality gap it faced just a few years ago," said Ivers. "This kind of improvement simply cannot be achieved without a serious commitment to quality over the long haul. The question now is whether Hyundai can demonstrate this same level of improvement in terms of new-vehicle launch and long-term vehicle quality."

The J.D. Power and Associates 2004 Vehicle Dependability Study, which measures quality after three years of ownership, will be released in late June.

Other nameplates reporting significant initial quality improvement in 2004 include: Honda (23%), HUMMER (23%), Land Rover (22%), Jaguar (20%) and Mercedes-Benz (20%).

 

[RedRooster]

Originally posted by: DealMonkey
Interesting part of the 2004 JD Power Initial Quality Survey. Blew my mind how quickly and how far Hyundai jumped up the list.

2004 IQS Rankings

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. continues to be the highest-ranking corporation in IQS, with seven models receiving awards?the most of any corporation. Toyota is followed in the corporate ranking by American Honda Motor Co. and Hyundai Motor America in a tie, and by BMW of North America, respectively. While General Motors Corporation, DaimlerChrysler and Ford Motor Company continue to demonstrate product improvement, all three continue to rank below the industry average.

Lexus set a new IQS record with its Lexus SC 430, which is the best-performing model in the IQS history, scoring just 44 PP100. Lexus remains the top-ranked nameplate, despite a 14 percent decline in initial quality, with four models receiving awards. Lexus is followed in the nameplate rankings by Cadillac, Jaguar, Honda, and Buick and Mercury in tie, respectively.

Thirty out of 37 nameplates have improved IQS scores from 2003. Hyundai, which jumps an impressive 16 rank positions from 2003, makes the most significant advancement, improving 29 percent year-over-year to rank seventh. Between 1998 and 2004, Hyundai has improved by 62 percent?more than any other nameplate and nearly twice the industry average of 32 percent.

"The fact that Hyundai is now outperforming even perennial quality leaders like Toyota?and in a relatively short amount of time?is nothing short of remarkable considering the vast quality gap it faced just a few years ago," said Ivers. "This kind of improvement simply cannot be achieved without a serious commitment to quality over the long haul. The question now is whether Hyundai can demonstrate this same level of improvement in terms of new-vehicle launch and long-term vehicle quality."

The J.D. Power and Associates 2004 Vehicle Dependability Study, which measures quality after three years of ownership, will be released in late June.

Other nameplates reporting significant initial quality improvement in 2004 include: Honda (23%), HUMMER (23%), Land Rover (22%), Jaguar (20%) and Mercedes-Benz (20%).

Wow, they've really come from nowhere in the past couple years!
The quote: "The question now is whether Hyundai can demonstrate this same level of improvement in terms of new-vehicle launch and long-term vehicle quality" really isn't terribly relevant either, with a bloody 10 year warranty to boot!
I may have to seriously consider a Hyundai if I buy new in the near future.

 

[DealMonkey]

Originally posted by: RedRooster
Wow, they've really come from nowhere in the past couple years!
The quote: "The question now is whether Hyundai can demonstrate this same level of improvement in terms of new-vehicle launch and long-term vehicle quality" really isn't terribly relevant either, with a bloody 10 year warranty to boot!
I may have to seriously consider a Hyundai if I buy new in the near future.

Well, it's an important consideration to me because who wants to deal with a vehicle that has terrible long-term vehicle quality regardless of whether it's under warranty or not? If stuff is always breaking, it's still a pain in the ass to drag the vehicle to the dealer constantly. Plus, the warranty is limited so if there are considerable problems, it's quite likely that some of them may not fall under the warranty.

I'm not saying anything pro or con about Hyundai in this respect, just pointing out that initial quality does not necessarily equal a reliable vehicle in the long-term.