The Koreans have come a LONG way

[Jesda]

I've been enamored the last few days with a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. When I first bid on it at the auction I just thought it was okay, smooth enough and quiet enough to sell to a soccer mom but nothing I'd personally own.

But lately I've found myself hooked on the 242hp V6, punchy sound system, firm brakes, firm suspension, and fairly quick steering.

There's bits of its brakes and suspension that remind me of my Saab and a punch of the throttle sends it rushing forward in a way that reminds me of my Northstar Cadillacs. And despite its muscle, the V6 is smooth as silk. Shifts are crisp and prompt.

People used to driving Camrys might say the ride is rough but I think it's damn near perfect.

The interior is nice too and while there aren't as many soft surfaces as the Lexus RX, I'd argue that it's equally well made.

I don't know why the hell anyone is buying Equinoxes, Muranos, or other mush when this is out there.





Additionally, a friend of mine has a 2011 Kia Optima Turbo that's a hoot to drive. It chirps the tires in second gear if you hammer it hard enough and the chassis and steering offer a reasonable amount of feedback. The interior is pretty damn good too.

Crazy to think Hyundai and Kia were farting out heaps of trash just over a decade ago.

[davidoliva]

Hyundai and Kia have grown up and are kicking Japanese and German a** and taking names.

[Bubba1]

I've been enamored the last few days with a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. When I first bid on it at the auction I just thought it was okay, smooth enough and quiet enough to sell to a soccer mom but nothing I'd personally own.

But lately I've found myself hooked on the 242hp V6, punchy sound system, firm brakes, firm suspension, and fairly quick steering.

There's bits of its brakes and suspension that remind me of my Saab and a punch of the throttle sends it rushing forward in a way that reminds me of my Northstar Cadillacs. And despite its muscle, the V6 is smooth as silk. Shifts are crisp and prompt.

People used to driving Camrys might say the ride is rough but I think it's damn near perfect.

The interior is nice too and while there aren't as many soft surfaces as the Lexus RX, I'd argue that it's equally well made.

I don't know why the hell anyone is buying Equinoxes, Muranos, or other mush when this is out there.





Additionally, a friend of mine has a 2011 Kia Optima Turbo that's a hoot to drive. It chirps the tires in second gear if you hammer it hard enough and the chassis and steering offer a reasonable amount of feedback. The interior is pretty damn good too.

Crazy to think Hyundai and Kia were farting out heaps of trash just over a decade ago.

It's no secret the Koreans have been steadily improving. I rented a Santa Fe a few years ago, probably close to the vintage you drove. Mine was a 4 banger. It was pleasant. A bit small but not cramped. a tad underpowered with the compressor going (rainy cold Chicago) but it was predictable and drama free and it returned decent mileage. I didn't mind it.

[MinisterofDOOM]

First-gen Santa Fes were remarkably hideous. So were 1st gen Tucsons.
The generation you're talking about is bland but not ugly. Certainly not attractive, either. For some reason, the asymmetrical liftgate handle on both generations bugs the $#!T out of me. On the first-gen it looks noticeably weird, like a hook in a fish mouth.

I sat in an Equus at the auto show a few weeks ago, and ended up having a discussion with the guy in the back seat about all the genuine-luxury-branded cars we wouldn't buy over the Hyundai. People ask the question: why does Hyundai even bother? Here's my question: why NOT? How can you NOT win? Loyal Lexus/MB/BMW buyers might not be swayed from their allegiances, but it's not those buyers you want. It's the ones upgrading from something lesser that you want. And if you've got the model heirarchy there to support it (I AM LOOKING AT YOU, NISSAN) that first step is your victory. It's the same thing that brought people to Lexus in the 1990s. But now Lexus is under the delusion that they're Real Players in The Big Game, and are charging accordingly for their products. It's Hyundai's chance for a slice of the pie.

Equus over (Lexus) LS, S-class or 7-series is a no-brainer. But an S8 or XJ still have more to offer.

My uncle has an Elantra sedan. It's an UGLY little car with styling that's going to age like eggs in the sun, but it's pleasant to drive, has a nicer interior than his Accord, and drama-free.

Forte is definitely up there on the list of small cars but, unfortunately for everyone who isn't Ford, the Focus is just too damn good to consider even the very best of its competition.

[alphapig]

WOW that interior is awful. I mean truly, objectively awful.

That steering wheel. That fake wood trim.

I'm honestly disappointed that you like it Jesda, but that might be a bit of Jeremy Clarkson contradiction to keep yourself fresh.

I'll keep my simple spartan black plastic please.

[nissangirl74]

I like it. I've never driven one but I've had the opportunity to drive a new Sonata, Elantra, Forte, and Accent. I didn't have any bad issues with any of them (they were all rentals). The Elantra was better equipped than all the others and Katrina liked it a lot. I said it a long time ago, the Koreans are coming and they are doing a great job. Who would have though that other car companies would be running behind them on the climb to the top?

[Jesda]

WOW that interior is awful. I mean truly, objectively awful.

That steering wheel. That fake wood trim.

I'm honestly disappointed that you like it Jesda, but that might be a bit of Jeremy Clarkson contradiction to keep yourself fresh.

I'll keep my simple spartan black plastic please.

A tasteful dollop of aluminum and fake wood warms it up, as does light beige.

Black plastic interiors make it feel like you're sitting inside the bottom of a trash can. I've never been fond of them except in BMWs, some Lexuses, and some of the nicer Audis where the black leather dyes and surface textures still come across as delicate and soft.


Cadillac and Infiniti's black interiors were particularly bad in some cars for being shiny and cheap looking. For whatever reason, the grey and beige/shale versions of the same interiors looked and actually felt a bit nicer.

[Jesda]

Equus over (Lexus) LS, S-class or 7-series is a no-brainer. But an S8 or XJ still have more to offer.

No one else believes me when I say the Equus is noticeably nicer inside and more precisely assembled than the Lexus LS460. The 460 is a bit nicer and cushier than the 430 it replaced but the quality just isn't there like it was in the 90s. I see an unusual number of 460s at the auction with worn or broken off pillar covers, ill-fitting glove box doors, and unusually worn leather for their age.

The Equus feels more solid and precise when you look at the interior in detail. I feel the same way about this Santa Fe -- it might not have a Lexus or BMW level of artfulness in the interior design but the assembly quality is all there, on par with vehicles costing thousands more.

Of course, auction cars tend to be less than ideal in terms of quality compared to trade-ins, but other similarly priced luxury cars from the last decade don't seem to age quite as poorly. Once in a while a 200k+ early 90s LS400 will roll across the line and other than scratches and dings, the paint will retain its shine and the interiors will still look reasonably new for their age.

The Equus isn't quite as decadently luxurious as the S-class but it is more fun to drive. The throttle and steering in the S-class feel artificial and the handling is a bit ponderous, almost Town Car-like.



I think the XJL is the best damn full size sport sedan out there for those who are willing to spend six figures. For everyone else, the Equus is the best way to spend about 40% less.