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Actually, the turnaround started in 1999 with Hyundai's change in focus from low price to quality and reliability. That's also when the long-term warranty debuted. The first models to benefit directly from that refocusing were the 2000 Accent and the all-new 2001 Santa Fe and Gen 3 Elantra, followed by the 2002 Sonata and then the "7x24" cars (actually more like 8x24) that started rolling out in 2004. So the turnaround started long before 2006.
The Gen 1 Santa Fe and Gen 3 Elantra have held up very well, as have the other cars you noted. I have to think that Hyundai has a laser focus on quality on the Genesis, given all that is riding on it.
I'll call you on that, and further to show where there are mass defections to prove your point.
I know Mercedes bought back a lot of the early 2003 E-Classes because of electrical problems..
But that has nothing to do with the original point. "light years" ahead is relative depending on how narrowly one might define the term.
Yes, it started there, but they made an even stronger commitment in the 2006 MY. I think people will start to recognize low mileage used 2006+ Hyundai's as safe buys, and tremendous bargains. I expect resale values to begin inching up.
Hyundai should perfect its marketplace and brand image now before undertaking such an arduous and expensive task. I love my 07 Santa Fe and my next vehicle will be a Genesis Coupe. I just think two more years in direct competition against Tohondan will hone its skill.
Hmm. Since you replied to me, I submit you have no idea how old I am. Badge snobbery? Sounds more like badge jealously! While I'm glad you are happy with your car, you miss the point of why people might buy luxury cars. If people really remembered all the issues of car manufacturers, Hyundai wouldn't sell one vehicle. Since cars from Lexus fly off the dealers floors, people don't share the same view you put forth in your post.
I'm with you, drdonrs. I consider myself a bit of a "car snob" in that I've owned plenty of high-end European cars and I genuinely appreciate what they offer over most of their domestic counterparts. Having said that, I can say without hesitation that I'm extremely pleased with my 2007 Santa Fe Limited AWD.
Face it, there are people who will never acknowledge that there are any decent cars out there besides BMW and Lexus; some of those people visit this forum quite frequently.
As i understand it, luxury is supposed to be "something beyond the reasonable standard". Examples i may think of are:
1. For fuel; if your car needs 87 octane as reasonable/standard, putting in 89 octane is considered luxury.
2. For tires; if your car needs "H"rated/regular profile for reasonable/standard traction, putting in "Z" rated/low profile is considered luxury.
3. For wheels; if your car needs "steel" to keep it rolling in a reasonable/standard manner, having alloy wheels is considered luxury.
4. For midsize engines; if cars need an average of 200-250hp to perform in a reasonable/standard manner, having more than 300hp is considered luxury.
The list may go on, and it really depends on what a particular person considers standard or reasonable need. For an ordinary commuter, something that have what it takes to bring us from point A to B in a reasonably safe, efficient, name-it, is considered standard, so putting something in the car that is beyond what it takes to do what is needed as a standard is supposedly considered luxury to this person. Of course, to a car enthusiast, the standards maybe different and in the same manner, for a race car fanatic, it's also different.
The thing here, if i may say, is how manufacturers peg what they consider as their target luxury market. And should they succeed in addressing the luxury needs of their target market, they should expect reasonable success. As for Hyundai, i sure hope they have done their research before attempting to enter into the "luxury" arena, as these will definitely tell a lot as to how they will address the needs of their targeted market (i.e. you may or may not be one of them) and if they do succeed, i guess they will have the right to do so as others (e.g. japanese counterparts) have attempted and done so in the past.
In this respect, i submit that everyone's entitle to what they consider as luxury, simply because each and everyone in this board have their very own set standards in life. And speaking of standards, i believe that there is a very wide spectrum out there, such that there may or may not be agreements between them. That's perfectly normal, as long as we all respect the views of other person and not trying to impose our own mind sets, as the gospel truth" to anyone else. :shades:
just my 2 cents.
That said, I have absolutely nothing against buying expensive cars. I do have issues with the reason that some people buy expensive cars. If a person compares and test drives, then buys for looks, comfort, handling, etc, I'm fine with that. If a person buys simply because he likes to grin and flash the badge, it's another matter. That's usually a big waste of money.
I'm sure the car companies breathed a sigh of relief that that post of course, is in your humble opinion. I frankly don't give a hoot about how people spend their money. When I give them their allowance I will have a say in their spending.
3.3L V6 268hp
3.8L V6 290hp
Aisin 6 speed transmission
4.6L V6 368hp (375 on premium)
ZF 6 speed transmission
All run on regular unleaded gas.
Some of the features:
Electronic active front head restraints
Electronic Stability Control
Eight airbags
Heated / cooled seats
High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with adaptive leveling
Adaptive Front Lighting System
Push-button start
Navigation with backup camera
Electric parking brake
Standard Bluetooth technology
iPod/USB auxiliary inputs
HD Radio™ receiver
XM Satellite Radio® with NavTraffic
Lexicon® Discrete Surround Audio Systems
Automatic windshield defogger with humidity sensor
Rain-sensing wipers
Smart cruise control
Five-link front and rear suspension
Tau V8 engine
6-speed transmissions
More: http://www.carspyshots.net/showthread.php?t=14287&page=21
All kidding aside, I'm impressed with the standard features. I can't wait to drive one!
The Genesis team wants to beat the competition, not copy them. There are 1000's of car designs, and all cars remind us of some other car. Think about it.
The other day at the Mall I saw a very nice Mercedes. This Genesis looks a lot like that! Let's see:
4 Mag Wheels CHECK!!
4 Black Tires CHECK!!
4 Doors CHECK!!
2 Mirrors CHECK!!
Chrome Grill CHECK!!
Fog Lamps CHECK!!
Painted Black CHECK!!
OH NO!! YOU ARE RIGHT! IT IS A TOTAL MERCEDES RIPOFF!!!! How could they do that! I hope Mercedes sues their butt off! Shocking! Seven major items just like a Mercedes! Shocking!!!
.
No flying H on the grille!
The side view is more Infiniti M.
Doesn't matter, the Koreans have done well despite derivative styling (not because of it).
The list of features is very impressive. I wish a couple of them could have found their way into the Veracruz (like the HID headlights).
Veracruz hasn't done much volume but the few that bought them seem very satisfied.
I think a V8 and RWD will get the attention Hyundai needs.
Figure 30k for the 3.3l, 32k for the 3.8l, and maybe 35k or so for the V8.
Still, let's see, an M45 costs $49,750 base with no options.
They may end up cross-shopped with the G8 as well, though my guess is that will be sportier but not as luxurious.
Doubters should sit in a Veracruz. Next time you go to a car show, sit inside one. The Azera was a good effort, but the Veracruz is even better. Also, those 2 vehicles got customers used to the idea of a Hyundai price over 30k. An Azera Limited with option group 25 breaks $30 grand, and a Veracruz Limited with AWD is priced over $36 grand.
Now that I look at those prices, the Genesis could cost a bit more. I bet a Limited V8 model will run $39,750 or something like that.
Looks like a Lincoln alternative boulevard cruiser for people 60+. Interior looks like an Infiniti.
Even the new Cadillac CTS is much sportier than this.
i hardly find car makers which maintain unique originality of their own.
these days, every car maker seems to consider other maker's design cues in styling its new car.
Wait until you see the Coupe.
Believe me, that's not intentional. I don't think any car maker want to have copycat styling. They all try to create unique styling without being impractical or departing too radically from current styling norms. That leaves designers very little leeway to create a new design. Parts of every car's styling inevitably resembles parts of others.
Pictures are nice, but don't convey the "attitude". I want to see how the Genesis looks on the street.
Where's the logo? Weird.
A tiny bit of Bangle Butt in the trunk, but that's not fair - the Elantra had that feature before BMW used it. So that's Hyundai's own look.
Note the chrome strip on the lower passenger side door is misaligned. You'll see that in several photos, too. On the black car only. The silver one is fine.
In the close-up of the tail light there appear to be flaws in one of the seams below it, as well.
The taillights look like the Veracruz, though.
Interior looks good. Check out the stitching and the leather. Not bad. Big nav screen, too.
Dash reminds me of the Entourage Limited. Steering wheel could be nicer, looks too plasticky around the horn and buttons. Gotta see it in person.
Roomy back seat, but definitely just for 3. That hump looks decidedly uncomfortable for the middle passenger.
I take it back - it doesn't really look like the RL when you see all those photos. I bet in person, and in 3D, it won't resemble the RL nearly as much.
I dunno, folks, everyone here is saying copycat, but many of the cues I see up close in these new photos are pure, 100% Hyundai. Just bigger and nicer.
I think that the Koreans have succeeded entirely because of their derivative styling. It seems like you're getting the same for less
Yeah, but it's too bad it won't come with a V8.
Not the back. It's the "bustle butt" and large tail lights that make the Azera stand out! The Genesis needs that crooked H to distinguish its tail from dozens of similar rearends! The Genesis should be a great car to own, but it may be hard to find in the parking lot!!
I think it is elegant to not have a big emblem on the hood or grill.
I guess 'luxury' cars aren't suppose to be flashy. If that's true, Genesis is indeed a 'luxury' car!
Why do they always show new designs in black, so its hard to see the new design!??! Silver is too popular, but at least you can tell what the sheetmetal looks like!!
Entirely because of their derivative styling? That might be a stretch to pull off. How about value, warranty, and quality, to name a few. And, as for the styling, eye of the beholder but I think many can agree there are a good amount of unique styling in Hyundai's fleet.
The flip side of the argument, how many cars these days don't have derivative styling? Few.
Hyundai does seem to use a Mercedes-like grille, minus the 3 pointed star of course.
I don't think the headlights are similar, though. Benz is very triangular, and Hyundai's isn't at all. The Genesis' headlight is pulled back far more, sharper, and doesn't look triangular. Also, the front of the Benz has that severe fender flare, almost Mazda RX8-like, while the Genesis has a fairly genric looking flat flare over the front wheels.
Beyond the grille they really don't have much in common.