Posted on 01/11/2006 5:06:44 AM PST by CarrotAndStick
"best students from every graduating class of the Korean engineering schools"
You can't be proud of a ( heavily subsidized ) bunch of engineers who take 20+ years to get it right.
I consider the S2000 a roadster. It only seats two. I'd like my convertible to have back seats, even if an adult can barely fit in the seat.
Toyota has had its problems, (oil sludge springs to mind) but they are still the leader and the Prius has been a major PR coup for them. I predict continued success.
I had the new Sonata for a week (I review cars, among other things). I liked it a lot. It may not be quite up to the standards of a Camry, but it's a heck of a lot more fun to drive and its quality is close enough that the $$ savings and longer warranty makes it a good deal.
Probably closer to the Accord in "fun to drive" but nicer looking than either Accord or Camry, IMNHO.
Cheers
Jim
My dad bought a Hyundai Elantra after having three Corollas that he loved. But as you say the Corolla priced itself out of his market.
He loves the Elantra.
Cheers
Jim
They're not there yet, especially in the department of engine NHV specific output and MPG, but they are getting closer.
The other hurdle they have to surmount is resale values.
Check out the Kia minivan. Hyundai owns Kia. Same warranty and same (if not better) quality. My wife and I both drive Kia Sorento's (their mid-size SUV). Her's is 2 years old and has been great. So great in fact that when I needed a new car I bought one myself about 6 months ago.
Agreed, but their progress has been amazing.
They also need to get the proper pronunciation of their name more prominently in the public's mind....
Cheers
Jim
Who is that hottie?
Re: your 321. My '03 Tiburon v6 is a healthy, economical speedster. The motors aren't bad, but the Porsch suspension parts, struts and clutch aren't built to take the 47,000 miles I drive a year. Brakes went at 80,000 miles, clutch at 78,000 and struts at 76,000. All my Rx-7's went up to 200,000 before replacement was needed.
Goody, if we pull our troops from Korea bet Hyundai could make good Tanks too.. maybe even Helos and personel carriers.. and with a nuclear capability would give North Korea something to think about.. Go KOREA, pull the/our troops, make TANKS...
Hyundai definately has improved their product immensely since the little boxy hatchback excel days.
They are going to be a big player if they keep on doing what they are doing.
Well honestly I personally fail to see the appeal of the Camary... its styling is a yawn, and its price is just too high.
If I need a family sedan, I can get one just as reliable for cheaper... or I can get one with more personality for the same of less as well. The Camary in my opinion is out of its market segment... too close in cost to the luxury brands, but not really a luxury vehicle, and too far above the cost of the utility brands for the added extras it gives.
And did I mention.. the styling is forget me always?
I agree. When I reviewed it I called it Vanilla, from a butterscotch fan.
I think in that class (of vehicles I've actually driven) I'd look at the Mazda 6 (especially the wagon), Sonata, and Accord.
Cheers
Jim
Koreans are touch MF's. Believe me, I know. You don't want them running American businesses. Too many lawsuits, if you catch my drift. That being said, look at LG (who I worked for). They entered the wireless market in 1999 and now, I believe they're one of, if not the leader, in wireless handsets. But working for them was another story. Everywhere I go now I see LG (Formerly Lucky Goldstar for those of you who didn't know)electronics and appliances everywhere. I have an LG DVD/VCR player I'm looking at right now. THey make excellent, low cost goods. They're the force to be reckened with along with the other Korean force, Samsung.
I think they announced a minivan at the Detroit Auto Show.
Hyndai will succeed as people realize that cars are perhaps the worst investment one can make and given the percentage of total after tax income people commit to their vehicle purchases people will eventually wnat better value.
I think they need to decide what they want the Camary today to be...
If they want it to compete with the luxury brands, spruce up the styling and features and keep the same price point or close.
If they want it to be a segment leader with broad appeal... figure out a way to bring that price point down.
I think Camary is sort of trapped, they don't want to downgrade, but if they upgrade too much it directly competes with their luxury brand... so its slowly becoming an overpriced bastard child.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.