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Hyundai Azera vs Toyota Avalon vs Ford Taurus vs Chevrolet Impala
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I'm pretty sure the numbers would be close to 27-28 range if that were travelling at about 70 mph and no A/C.
I will agree that the city numbers aren't all that great, but buying a car with more horsepower usually do take a hit in the city gas mileage department.
But the top of the line Azera, and the SS are very different. In teh Azera you get quiet and smothness, in the Impala, you get Power and DoD.
The Impala will Dust the Azera 0-60, and meyeb beat it on price too, but the Azera is more of an Avalon Wanna-be.
would be interested to know, how close to sticker the Azera currently is? Got to be a real high demand car right now...
Me...I'm the smooth quiet type. Sorta fell in love with that when I had my 86 Supra. I was never one for the Mustangs/Camaros/Firebirds with the flowmasters and headers. I don't like em to know I'm coming! LOL
I paid $26, 400 for mine and I got he Limited with the premium package. Most new cars that come out don't get breaks on the price until after the market is flooded with them. I was tempted to get the 06 Sonata, after test driving one, the worked the numbers and for the LX fully loaded, I would have paid $17,800. That was only $1000 more than I paid for my 02 Sonata GLS 4 years prior!!!
the Azera is $24,335-$26,835
impala $20,330-$26,330
The top of the line V-6 Impala can't hold a candle to the Azera in looks, features, options and yes, even power. Thus, it should cost about $4K less. Not only that, the Impala has an interior that is so bland and uninspiring.
Even if you take an Azera SE, you still get the 263 hp, you just don't get the leather interior and all the other creature comforts that come with the Limited.
So, technically speaking...you can go get a base model Azera SE and it'll still beat the pants off a top of the line Impala LTZ (top of the line V-6 model), and you'll still be able to get the beautiful lines, well thought out interior and not to mention that 10y/100K mile warranty to boot.
Next!!!
They sold the XG350 for $24-25K with no problems. When folks actually take the Azera for a test drive, they'll see that it's definitely worth more than the XG was. The Azera is starting out in sales like the 02 Sonata did. When I first bought that Sonata, I was hard pressed to find another one on the road. About 6 months later...you saw them as frequently as any Camry or Accord.
Give em time...you'll see em out there.
The car is highly anticipated and righfully so, as I stated before...there is no other name plate offering a vehicle that can match the Azera overall in the value department...they just aren't able to do that at this point in the game.
Just accpet the fact that Hyundai is doing what Honda, Toyota and Nissan did after their many years in the game...getting it right.
The Azera - Power, economy, and fit/finish not quite there yet but pretty close considering the initial savings, and certainly better than what you generally see in those Detroit specials. Also wish there was a 'sports' model that wasn't nearly so soft (soft as in 'Buick' soft) - reason why I ended up in the Touring Avalon which is a lot different drive than the other trims - which I wouldn't buy.
Don't know what you expect out of a family oriented sedan as far as sport. I mean...the suspension on the Azera is pretty tight. I think an upgrade in wheel and tire package to a more sport oriented package would make a world of difference as it did on my Sonata when I put 17" wheels and 215/45-17 tires on them. The handling was markedly improved. I'm thinking the Azera would do the same thing. One thing I truly enjoy that Toyota doesn't offer...shiftable automatic transmission. Where's the sport in a fully automatic tranny???
As quoted from Toyota's website:
Transmission 5-speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) and sequential shift
I will give you this, in a world of buy and trade, the Avalon is the better choice because of value rentention. In my case, that's not an issue because I plan on keeping this car till the wheels fall off.
The Avalon received some retooling, but it is far from a new car. So, Toyota had a blueprint to work with. The Azera on the other hand, completely new in every way.
While the Azera may be a new car, it has been under real world testing for the past year. I think overall, that while it may have minor issues here and there, I think that the car will be a success. Hyundai has finally gotten the equation right and now they are making use of it.
Personally, if I were to jump out there, I would have picked a G35. The TL is nice, but I ran one of those down the other day. *grin*
This makes it more important, in my opinion, to have the rears seats capable of folding down.
Probably Toyota looked at the demographics of the aging buyer base for Avalon and decided that large trunk space and foldable rear seats were not necessary, and most younger family buyers would head toward Camry anyways as they are more affordable.
Just another reason why I truly love the Azera. You pretty much get everything you need except for a kitchen sink.
What? No kitchen sink? Well that leaves out the Azera for me, I need to be able to wash my dishes and prepare a salad on the way home from work.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
You know...another reason I like the Azera is that while you can look at it from various angles and have it evoke thoughts of other cars on the road right now, there's nothing on the road that looks like the Azera. :shades:
Can't imagine the Azera ever being able to compete really well in a 'near' luxury market without the availability of a NAV system - there are a lot of crazies out there that wouldn't have a car without one - but I guess that doesn't qualify as a kitchen sink?
Well, considering the Sonata never had a nav system until they rolled out the 06 model...I'm sure a nav unit will become available in the Azera in the near future. Especially if Hyundai's plan is to keep up now that they've rolled out products that are worthy.
I have test drove all four cars, all of which were top trims. Quickly going through Camry/Sonata since this isn't exactly the correct thread. Fairly even, I would say, although I'm not too sure about paying $28k for a Camry, as great as it is. Misses: headroom is considerably tighter than the outgoing model; the front grill and HVAC controls are subject item that looks questionable to me. As for the Sonata, I will refer you to the Sonata thread for more details, but it does have an edge on price and features. Overall, I'm not yet ready to make a decision as to which is better. I will try to test both cars again, but this time, will have to be back-to-back.
As for Avalon and Azera comparison – both are worthy competitors in the large sedan category and compete very well against each other. During my test drive, the 265hp Azera was just as fast as the 268hp Avalon. While I gave an edge to the Avalon in most areas, the values on the Azera just can’t be beat (costs much less while still offers neat features all-around). With those said and cost savings included, I'll take an Azera over the Avalon by a hair.
As for NAV systems, KDM model already have them equipped, and I believe they are available as a dealer-installed option here, if I'm not mistaken. Hyundai didn't bring NAV over (yet) to the states because they recognize it takes time for consumers to get adjusted to a $30K Hyundai - smart move, in my opinion. Plus, not really a big fan of NAV myself - have it on my car (got it for free), but used it only 2 of 3 times, at the most (more two years now the car being in my possession). Give me a copy of the latest McNally and a highlighter, I will take the savings and put into my investment account.
Who needs nav systems when you have mapquest at your fingertips, and even on most cell phones you can get driving directions? LOL
"The Azera earned points on value, superiority, and significance, thereby wounding the (Lucerne and Avalon)and earning itself what would have been a podium finish....."
Avalon Azera Impala
As Tested $37,429 $29,995 $29,980
Braking 60-0 132ft 122 ft* 134 ft
0-60 6.1 6.5 5.7*
600ft slalom 59.4 mph 63.6 mph* 60.5mp
Horsepower 268 263 303*
Torque 248 257 323*
The most surprising numbers here are the Azera's superior stopping distances and significant handling superiority. Now I realize that the target market is never going to really drive these cars hard enough to see a difference in the 0-60 or the handling, but I'll tell you that someone would see a difference in the 10ft braking distance advantage of the Azera. How many times have your stopped just short of someones bumper.
Hyundai did a great job on this cars enginneering. Whoda thunk it even 5 years ago!
As for things like NAV systems, I happen to agree and think they are a great way to waste a couple of grand for something that is rarely really needed or used and further creates high frustration levels just getting the silly things to operate. A large percentage of folks out there, won't agree with this and regardless of any 'value' consideration do consider it a must have on a 30k+ automobile. I'd personally rather have allmet's kitchen sink! And you maybe right, the consumer may not be ready for a $31 or $32k (sticker) Hyundai.
~alpha
Those who routinely do this need remedial driving lessons, not a faster car.
As far as the navigation thing goes...some are actually a headache to own if you have to buy software for it every year. Either that, or pay more for the satilite based models that don't need updating. However, a nav system won't push the price paid over $30K for an Azera. I mean...a Limited with the ultimate package is stickered at $31K, and a nav would add maybe $1500 ($2K if they make it a nav/DVD entertainment system and offer monitors in the headrests), but the price paid will be below the $30K mark, so it's still a good deal.
I just got back from lunch and I was looking for a place to have them install the sink...dammit, I can't think of a place. Maybe I'll have them yank the smallish glove box and have em do it there. Wouldn't West Coast Customs do something like that? LMAO
The 2002 model year saw the emergence of a company dedicated to getting better. While vast majority of consumers still have the old Hyundai stuck in their minds, the company is slowly, but surely wiping away any doubts from yesteryear. What I can't fathom is that if folks go back, the Japanese Big 3 suffered quality issues in the early going like Hyundai has. I'm just glad to see that Hyundai didn't give up and roll out. They hit the books and got smarter, then hit the gym and got stronger and it's been showing every since 2002!
In the end...it's going to boil down to a buyer's preference and taste. While some feel better being safe with something they've known for years, some are willing to jump out and take a chance. Personally, I got tired of the cookie cutter image that Toyota, Honda and Nissan had going on...thus, another reason I jumped into an Azera.
Toyota NAV system BTW 2500.00, don't think I ever seen one below 2 grand (that didn't fit in your hand). Of course, these cars don't sell at sticker - but I would bet that Hyundai already discounting more than what can be had on Avs even though it is a year younger in the market. Maybe part of that unfortunate 'Korean Car' perception or maybe Hyundai playing a little follow the losers, trying to compete with well below invoice discounts on things like 500s, LaCrosses, and Impalas.
Avalon XL starting at 26,775
Avalon Touring starting at 29,025 MSRP
Avalon XLS starting at 31,225 MSRP
Avalon Limited starting at 33,965 MSRP
Azera SE starting at 24,335 MSRP
Azera Limited starting at 26,835 MSRP
Avalon 6.2 sec-14.8 sec @ 96.2 MPH.
Passat 6.2 sec-14.6 sec @ 97.6 MPH.
Azera 6.8 sec-15.2 sec @ 93.6 MPH.
FYI: One of dealership in OH just sold Top Limited Azera for $26,000 on Ebay. Not long, when Hyundai starts rebates on Azera, $26,000-$27,000 will be actual price of top Azera Limited. Base model will be about $21,000-$22,000. I paid $4,000 less MSRP on my LX Sonata.
The power sunshade can only be had with the limited trim for the Avalon, same on the Azera limited trim but at about $7K cheaper than the Avalon limited trim.
This perception that you don't want to buy a Hyundai, a Ford, a GM, or a Chrysler product until some massive rebate/finance rate buydown/employee discount program etc. starts is a primary reason for the financial difficulties that many of these manufacturers have and also the reason why resale values on these cars suffer. It would be better for Azera owners if the customer perceived the car to be worth something close to what the window sticker says (which it probably is). The Japanese manufacturers have been successful for years in maintaining their margins and as a result, are the most viable (from a financial standpoint) in the industry. And this is actually good for the consumer in that it allows the mfgr. more money for R&D and quality control.
I think that the Ford 500 is a well designed car that is otherwise ruined by a subpar powertrain. I would bet that had Ford not been losing all this money for the last several years they would have been able to introduce that car with this promised 250hp engine that still has yet to appear almost 2 years later - and wouldn't be having to give the car away now. Ford will either be history or part of our tax bill if things like this continue to happen.
The point I'm making is that is better for Hyundai (obviously) and ultimately better for the consumer if Hyundai is NOT forced to try to compete pricewise with 'Detroit' - as I said in an earlier post - the Azera appears to be the best Buick that GM never built, and simply runs circles (from value and possibly quality perspectives)around things like the 500/Impala (as currently available) and, if the consumers believe that the Azera can become an even better car that doesn't soak you in the pocketbook 3 or 4 years down the road.
The only thing subpar about Five Hundred's drive train is in the eyes of those who think published horsepower is the be all and end all of performance.
www.truthout.org/issues_06/012006LB.shtml
Ford, because of primarily Ford Europe, is about breaking even and literally losing its tail on US operations (4 out of the last 5 quarters)- which is why, they are cutting 25000 jobs, lost beaucoups of market share, and the stock price has dropped 50%.
This is not good for this country, and may soon be everybody's probelm if they can't their act together. If if makes you fell any better, GM about the same.
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