Hyundai has comes a long way...

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Pocatello

Diamond Member
Oct 11, 1999
9,754
2
76
The fake wood center console just sucks bad. The headlights remind me of the previous gen camry, the tail is a replica of the current accord. I still don't see a reason for an Accord or Camry buyer to switch to a Sonata though.
 

NFS4

No Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
72,636
46
91
Hyundai Now a Contender

With Commitment to Quality, Automaker Sets Sights on Big Three, Toyota

By Greg Schneider
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, January 18, 2005; Page E01

DETROIT --
The car made a dramatic entrance, lowered by chains from the ceiling into a cloud of smoke and flashing lights. This was no curvaceous sports car debuting at the North American International Auto Show; it was an unadorned four-door sedan -- the 2006 Hyundai Sonata.

A few years ago, such hype for a Hyundai might have seemed funny, given the South Korean company's reputation for cheap, shabby products. But this week's bold unveiling of the Sonata was greeted soberly by rival U.S. automakers, who now compare South Korea to the up-and-coming Japan of the 1980s.

Hyundai Corp. is wooing and winning American consumers just when Detroit's Big Three thought they had enough of a fight on their hands trying to take back market share from the decades-long onslaught of Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co. The rollout of the redesigned Sonata is a sign of how much more cutthroat the U.S. auto market could become in the next few years, with most experts convinced that China will soon follow with inexpensive products of its own.

"I think Detroit has the potential to be in serious trouble. They're just being bombarded," said Art Spinella, an auto industry expert with the consulting company CNW Marketing Research in Oregon.

Hyundai has reached this point gradually, increasing its sales for each of the past six years after stumbling badly in the 1980s with poor-quality products. Last year, the company overtook Honda and Nissan to become the world's seventh-biggest automaker. Also last year, U.S. consumers rated Hyundai and Honda as tied for second-best in overall quality in an influential J.D. Power and Associates survey -- ahead of Mercedes-Benz and behind only Toyota.

Beginning this fall, Hyundai will start producing Sonatas at its first American plant, recently completed in Montgomery, Ala. The new version of the car is bigger than either of the industry's current top mid-size sedans, the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. It will have a suite of standard safety features unmatched by its competition, including six air bags and electronic stability control. And it is planned to have a base price below $20,000.

If Hyundai can pull off that combination, as well as keep its newly minted reputation for quality, it stands to cause serious problems not only for Detroit, but for Japanese companies as well. In fact, Hyundai Motor America chief Robert F. Cosmai repeatedly invoked Toyota and Honda while presenting the Sonata last week, never mentioning a domestic competitor.

"Hyundai is very clearly targeting Toyota -- I don't think there's any doubt in anybody's mind that Hyundai really does want to take a piece out of them," Spinella said. "And the attitude is, they'll walk over Nissan, Honda, GM and Ford in order to get there. Even if they never touch Toyota, in the meantime there'll be a whole lot of collateral damage."

Consumers will reap the rewards, because Hyundai will have to keep prices low to fuel its growth, and that will force the rest of industry to do the same, said Paul Eisenstein, publisher of TheCarConnection.com. But it's a tricky path for the Koreans to walk, he said, because car buyers won't accept any lapses in quality as Hyundai irons the inevitable bugs out of its brand-new Alabama factory.

"If they blow it with this [Sonata], if they stall in quality right now, it will hurt them in image immeasurably and will take them a long time to recover from. So they have to hit it right, right out of the gate," Eisenstein said.

Hyundai's advantage, at least at the outset, is a low cost structure. The new plant is heavily automated, and its 2,000 employees are not unionized. Detroit's manufacturers carry huge extra burdens of "legacy" costs -- health care and pensions for retirees that add more than $1,000, on average, to the cost of every vehicle -- that Asian competitors do not share.

U.S. automakers also happen to be embarking on the same mission as Hyundai, trying to make gains in the passenger car market after years of focusing on trucks and sport-utility vehicles. With loads of new products of their own, Detroit executives are wary of the redesigned Sonata.

"Sonata has always been a formidable competitor," General Motors Corp. Vice Chairman Robert Lutz said in an interview. "We take Hyundai seriously."

Lutz pointed out that GM has a Korean strategy of its own, teaming with partner Daewoo to produce the low-cost compact car Aveo. If Hyundai takes price competition to an extreme, he said, GM could always mine that relationship for more products.

At Ford Motor Co., design chief J Mays was more dismissive of Hyundai. "I suppose if price is the only consideration, they might have a good car on their hands," he said. "We think a lot more enters into [purchase decisions] than price."

But consultant Spinella, who routinely surveys current and prospective car buyers, said the public already views Hyundai and its sister brand, Kia, as more than just a low-cost option.

People are drawn to the brand as a high-value alternative to more mainstream products, he said. "We're seeing the same attitudes toward Hyundai, and to a lesser degree Kia, that we saw when doing surveys of Toyota buyers back in the '70s and early '80s. Back then it was, 'I don't want to drive my father's Oldsmobile.' Today it's 'my father's Camry.' "

Toyota spent decades figuring out the U.S. market before hitting its stride just over a decade ago; Hyundai is evolving much more quickly, adding a full lineup of SUVs and minivans by the end of next year. High fuel prices and an uncertain economy have helped spur them along and open the door for even more competition.

Earlier this month, a U.S. distributor announced plans to begin importing low-cost cars from China in the next few years. Spinella conducted a survey of 640 people who said they were thinking of buying a car, and found that nearly a third were willing to buy Chinese as long as the product was of reasonable quality.

"There isn't a huge resistance," he said. "Somebody coming in with lower price and higher content just like the Koreans did is going to wind up grabbing at least a chunk of the market."
 

TheAudit

Diamond Member
May 2, 2003
4,194
0
0
I think the Sonata looks pretty nice, especially for a Hyundai.
Except for the wheels, ugly.
 

thomsbrain

Lifer
Dec 4, 2001
18,148
1
0
unbelieveably derivative styling. we've got TSX headlights, Taurus wheels, passat greenhouse, accord rear end.

that said, it's the best looking hyundai i've seen. also it looks like they're bringing reasonably competitive specs to the table and interior looks ok from the pic, though you can't see much. couple that with the killer warrenty and presumbably bottom-dollar pricing and they may sell a fair number of these things.
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,534
911
126
Originally posted by: thomsbrain
unbelieveably derivative styling. we've got TSX headlights, Taurus wheels, passat greenhouse, accord rear end.

that said, it's the best looking hyundai i've seen. also it looks like they're bringing reasonably competitive specs to the table and interior looks ok from the pic, though you can't see much. couple that with the killer warrenty and presumbably bottom-dollar pricing and they may sell a fair number of these things.

Has reliability improved on these cars at all in recent years? I know that from where it was it could only go up but I still don't think I'd consider one. In fact, I know I wouldn't. We rented a brand new Sonata about two years ago and it was underpowered, noisy, shifted abruptly and the fit and finish wasn't very good. :thumbsdown:
 

DanTMWTMP

Lifer
Oct 7, 2001
15,906
13
81
this model car has been already out in korea. There's also someone living in my block that drives that hyundai. He/She probably imported it from korea? In RL, it looks nicer.

Hyundai being a major player in the car market benefits everyone. more competitions will only bring more innovations and more standard equipment, etc...
 

NFS4

No Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
72,636
46
91
Originally posted by: thomsbrain
unbelieveably derivative styling. we've got TSX headlights, Taurus wheels, passat greenhouse, accord rear end.

that said, it's the best looking hyundai i've seen. also it looks like they're bringing reasonably competitive specs to the table and interior looks ok from the pic, though you can't see much. couple that with the killer warrenty and presumbably bottom-dollar pricing and they may sell a fair number of these things.

Well, everyone is copying everyone these days. Very rarely do you see an original design.
 

RossMAN

Grand Nagus
Feb 24, 2000
78,816
323
136
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Originally posted by: thomsbrain
unbelieveably derivative styling. we've got TSX headlights, Taurus wheels, passat greenhouse, accord rear end.

that said, it's the best looking hyundai i've seen. also it looks like they're bringing reasonably competitive specs to the table and interior looks ok from the pic, though you can't see much. couple that with the killer warrenty and presumbably bottom-dollar pricing and they may sell a fair number of these things.

Has reliability improved on these cars at all in recent years? I know that from where it was it could only go up but I still don't think I'd consider one. In fact, I know I wouldn't. We rented a brand new Sonata about two years ago and it was underpowered, noisy, shifted abruptly and the fit and finish wasn't very good. :thumbsdown:

Those are my two biggest concerns:

1) Longterm reliability.
2) Fit and finish, older Honda Accords (e.g. 1988 - 1992) still look beautiful today. Even some 94-96 Camry's on the road look almost brand new and run beautifully. Around 2010 I wonder how well the Hyundai's will hold up.

Also wondering:
3) Crash test ratings for the new 06 Hyundai Sonata, they should be impressive but I'd like to see how they stack against the competition.
4) Resale value, will it ever improve?
 

CChaos

Golden Member
Mar 4, 2003
1,586
0
0
Anyone looking at a Hyundai Sonata in order to critique the styling had better work for a car mag. Hyundai is not interested in making the most original, beautiful cars possible. If derivative styling is the worse comment you have to make about a car, then chances are it's a car you should take seriously. These are Korean appliances and at the price points they are hitting, if they just make capable, reliable cars they will grab market share. Currently US automakers are struggling to do even that, so I'd recommend you think twice about maligning a car that you subsequently compare to the likes of a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. These are the best selling cars in the country folks. Hyundai has made great strides in a past few years, and while their cars may not be pretty, or inspiring, they are here to stay.
 
Aug 16, 2001
22,505
4
81
Originally posted by: NFS4
Originally posted by: thomsbrain
unbelieveably derivative styling. we've got TSX headlights, Taurus wheels, passat greenhouse, accord rear end.

that said, it's the best looking hyundai i've seen. also it looks like they're bringing reasonably competitive specs to the table and interior looks ok from the pic, though you can't see much. couple that with the killer warrenty and presumbably bottom-dollar pricing and they may sell a fair number of these things.

Well, everyone is copying everyone these days. Very rarely do you see an original design.

Chrysler, Cadillac, BMW, Volvo, Audi, Mercedes comes to mind. Unfortunately the rest pretty much takes design ideas from them.
 
Dec 27, 2001
11,272
1
0
I spent all of today car shopping for a family sedan. I just can't bring myself to buy a Camry or Accord. There's just too damn many of them. I was surprised by the Saturn L300. It's being discontinued and has a nice V6 and the same feeling ride as the Camcord.

When will the Hyundai 2006 models become available? I might stall for a while and get a Sonata new rather than a 2 year old Camcord300.
 

NFS4

No Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
72,636
46
91
Originally posted by: FrustratedUser
Originally posted by: NFS4
Originally posted by: thomsbrain
unbelieveably derivative styling. we've got TSX headlights, Taurus wheels, passat greenhouse, accord rear end.

that said, it's the best looking hyundai i've seen. also it looks like they're bringing reasonably competitive specs to the table and interior looks ok from the pic, though you can't see much. couple that with the killer warrenty and presumbably bottom-dollar pricing and they may sell a fair number of these things.

Well, everyone is copying everyone these days. Very rarely do you see an original design.

Chrysler, Cadillac, BMW, Volvo, Audi, Mercedes comes to mind. Unfortunately the rest pretty much takes design ideas from them.

Chrysler 300C looks like a baby Bentley.
Mercedes' new CLS looks like a Jag.
The latest BMW's are looking more Japanese/Korean than German.
 
Aug 16, 2001
22,505
4
81
Originally posted by: NFS4
Originally posted by: FrustratedUser
Originally posted by: NFS4
Originally posted by: thomsbrain
unbelieveably derivative styling. we've got TSX headlights, Taurus wheels, passat greenhouse, accord rear end.

that said, it's the best looking hyundai i've seen. also it looks like they're bringing reasonably competitive specs to the table and interior looks ok from the pic, though you can't see much. couple that with the killer warrenty and presumbably bottom-dollar pricing and they may sell a fair number of these things.

Well, everyone is copying everyone these days. Very rarely do you see an original design.

Chrysler, Cadillac, BMW, Volvo, Audi, Mercedes comes to mind. Unfortunately the rest pretty much takes design ideas from them.

Chrysler 300C looks like a baby Bentley.
Mercedes' new CLS looks like a Jag.
The latest BMW's are looking more Japanese/Korean than German.

Well, opinions are like ass-carcks, divided. You get my point.
IMHO Japanese/Koreans are borrowing more from Europe than the other way.
 

ub4me

Senior member
Sep 18, 2000
460
0
0
Originally posted by: b0mbrman
Originally posted by: mAdD INDIAN
I can definately see Hyundai surpassing Toyota & Honda in the next 15 years if they continue at the current pace.
Impossible. Then whose cars would they reverse engineer? :)

Are you really really sure? ;)
 

SuperSix

Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
9,872
2
0
Looks like they kidnapped a Jaguar/Ford designer.

The fronts of some of the Hyundai's look like Crown Vics, and the rears look like Jaguars.

Anyone else note the similarities?
 

Scarpozzi

Lifer
Jun 13, 2000
26,389
1,778
126
An Exgf of mine bought a 2002 Sonata. It had leather seats, sunroof, nice audio...plenty of power and a shiftronic transmission. I was impressed by the car because I expected it to be a piece. With this being a 2006 model, I still don't expect them to have full market response until another 3-5 years. They have to be around long enough for us americans to see how they last. You can pick up a 2002 Sonata for pretty cheap on the used lots these days and they're not a bad buy....I just wouldn't buy one. :p
 

Czar

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
28,510
0
0
Originally posted by: NFS4
Originally posted by: FrustratedUser
Originally posted by: NFS4
Originally posted by: thomsbrain
unbelieveably derivative styling. we've got TSX headlights, Taurus wheels, passat greenhouse, accord rear end.

that said, it's the best looking hyundai i've seen. also it looks like they're bringing reasonably competitive specs to the table and interior looks ok from the pic, though you can't see much. couple that with the killer warrenty and presumbably bottom-dollar pricing and they may sell a fair number of these things.

Well, everyone is copying everyone these days. Very rarely do you see an original design.

Chrysler, Cadillac, BMW, Volvo, Audi, Mercedes comes to mind. Unfortunately the rest pretty much takes design ideas from them.

Chrysler 300C looks like a baby Bentley.
Mercedes' new CLS looks like a Jag.
The latest BMW's are looking more Japanese/Korean than German.
100% agree, the new bmw line just doesnt look german which is why I dont like them that much

but I must say since the 1979 american cars are finaly starting to get the styling right, the 300c and mustang actually look destinctive and pretty good ( though the wheels on the 300c are too biiiiig)