[ElTianti]

Anybody that's driven or been a passenger in a recent vintage Hyundai will tell you they are building much, much better cars.

[chilepepper]

absolutely. hyundai's turnaround has been remarkable...

[kiki04]

I have a 1997 Elantra, now it's my husbands car since I drive the minivan. Wish they made a minivan! I love my Hyundai, and would buy another one in a minute. The car has 150,000 miles and keeps chugging along, quite nicely actually.

[Alberta's Child]

It's worth noting that Toyota's success isn't just built on the quality of their vehicles, but also on a number of things that the public doesn't see.

For example . . . Toyota generally operates the most efficient auto terminals at various ports around the world. Toyota vehicles spend less time on their terminal lots than any other vehicle, which means their shipping costs for import/export vehicles are lower because they can run more vehicles through a terminal on a per-acre basis than any other company.

As of a couple of years ago, Hyundai auto terminals were actually among the least efficient of any manufacturer. In order for Hyundai to truly compete with Toyota they are going to have to improve in ALL areas of their business, and not just the quality of their cars.

I'd also add this . . . I'm seeing some very small "subliminal" signs that Toyota is facing a looming decline in its reputation for quality. If I were a betting man, I'd say that five years from now, Toyota's reputation for quality and reliability is going to be noticeably less than it is now.

[gymbeau]

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

[HamiltonJay]

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.

[bmwcyle]

Hyundai made a good but utilitarian car in Korea for years before they came to America. They tried to build a cheap car first but now they have Japan in their sites. The fight is on. I hope Ford and GM decide to play.

[rhetorica]

I drive a 2004 Santa Fe. It's a quality vehicle with good gas mileage for a SUV.

[arizonarachel]

I have an 02 Accent, and it is my 2nd Huyndai - the first (an 00 Accent) was decimated (by me) in an accident. I was so impressed with how the car handled it, (I truly thought they were still pieces of junk but I couldn't afford much when I was 18), so I bought another one.

[cmsgop]

I just had a Hyundai Sonata (rental) for 4 days. I was sooooo impressed,hell of a car.