Hyundai cars are built in Ulsan, one of the biggest metropolitan districts in Seoul, Korea. Hyundai has also opened locations in the United States and around the world. Its manufacturing plant in Montgomery, Alabama produces the Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe. Hyundai of Georgia is the first car dealership in the world to have a "deaf friendly" facility.
The First Wave
Hyundai cars were born out of one man's persistence to succeed in life and achieve his goals regardless of his circumstances. The Hyundai vision started with Chung Ju-yung who founded the Hyundai Motor Company in 1967. Chung Ju-yung wanted to be a worldwide sensation. In 1988 he introduced the Hyundai Excel in the United States. The car became an instant hit because of its affordability and size. However, excitement was short lived. Reliability problems and poor performance caused sales to hit rock bottom. Behind the scenes, Hyundai went into overdrive to improve its product and image in the American marketplace.
Hyundai's Resurgence
Today, Hyundai has redeemed itself in the United States automobile market. It is known for producing quality cars at affordable prices. Hyundai has since earned a five star safety rating for its Entourage minivan, and has placed third in quality ahead of its rival, Toyota.
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What Are the Top Hyundai Sedans?
With the economy in a spin and gas prices not letting up, buying a Hyundai sedan can help stretch your dollars.
Hyundai Accent
The Hyundai Accent is attractive and affordable. Its design is pleasing, while fuel economy in the city and on the highway continues to impress. The trouble is that at this low price, trims packages of this model are shorn of many features and so do not come with car audio or power windows/doors.
According to ratings offered by J.D. Power and Associates, it scored a mediocre six out of a possible ten for reliability. This model does however come across as the best in price. Customer satisfaction depends largely on what you are looking for; if its price that matters then this is a good option.
Hyundai Sonata
In the Hyundai Sonata you get a mid-size family sedan that is a price grabber. Its interiors are beautiful, while the ride is also very smooth. The cabin is spacious, and so is the trunk. This model also has enough features to keep you satisfied. The warranty is lengthy and a major positive point as well.
Known for reliability, impeccable construction and conservative style, the Toyota Camry is the main competitor to the Sonata. It matches the Camry in every way and even outdoes it in many departments. Its design outshines both the Camry and the Honda Accord, and it is at least as attractive as the Chevrolet Malibu and the Nissan Altima. This model also scores big on customer satisfaction and is a good value buy.
Hyundai Genesis
The Hyundai Genesis is an out and out luxury model that can give the Lexus a run for its money. It is a true high-end sedan. Before you invest in an Acura, Lincoln, Saab or even a Lexus, take a closer look at the Genesis.
In a recent rating of top luxury sedans, the Genesis topped four top contenders. Its "Excellent" rating shows that it is better than the Lincoln, Acura as well as the hugely impressive Lexus ES 350.
Other Models
Buying a Hyundai sedan makes good sense. The Azera, for example, provides more horsepower than a BMW 5-Series. The Azura outpoints the Toyota Camry, while the Elantra is among the ten most fuel efficient vehicles. The Sonata for its part is cheaper than both the Toyota Camry and the KIA Optima SX.
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Hyundai Genesis Sedan
As the flagship luxury model, it's worth taking a closer look at the Genesis and how to get a deal on one. The Hyundai Genesis sedan is the manufacturer's attempt at providing a mid size sedan with a little more luxurious setting. The new Genesis is powered by a V-6 or a V-8 engine and some of the more high value extras come standard with the vehicle.
The Base Model (V6)
At a starting cost of $30,000, the Genesis sedan is not going after BMW customers. Hyundai is focusing on the mid level family who wants a roomy luxury sedan at an affordable price. The engine is a 3.3L, 242 horsepower V-6 made by General Motors. This luxury sedan, although a starting base price, is still available with quite a full complement of standard features.
A Step Up (V8)
Moving up to a more powerful 375 horsepower, 4.6L V-8 engine will cost you another $5,000 to $10,000 dollars. However, the size difference, handling, luxury and power items are well worth the cost. Besides the upgrade in motor, the V-8 model also sports 20 inch wheels, advanced cruise control, heated and cooled seats, navigation system, proximity sensors and a full multimedia system with Bluetooth, USB, iPod connections and other features.
Handling Compared to the Competition
Being styled after a Lexus design, the Genesis is a very powerful car. The handling is very good for a car of this size, weight and power. Not being a sport sedan, it doesn't have the liveliness of a BMW, but the steering is very responsive to your touch, with a smooth almost cloud-like ride.
The Best Deal
Being in competition with other rear wheel drive luxury sedans puts the Genesis at a disadvantage as it tries to establish itself as a premier sedan. Because of this, you as a consumer have an opportunity to purchase one for a great deal. Arm yourself with as much information about the Genesis as you can before going to the dealer. This way, you know how to talk to the salesman, know what you want in the car and can negotiate accordingly.
Hyundai Incentives
Spending up to $40,000 might not be something your budget can handle. Hyundai, especially in a problematic economy, is working with consumers to get them into their vehicles instead of the Lexus and Acura models. Ask your dealer about any incentives available in the form of no interest financing, instant cash back and lifetime warranties.
Dealer Competition
Many dealers will work with you if you're interested in buying the Hyundai Genesis sedan. Before you agree to buy any vehicle, tell them what other dealers are doing for other vehicles that are similar. This will give you some negotiating room for securing the best deal available.
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What Are the Main Hyundai Warranty Options?
The Hyundai warranty is offered in different packages. When shopping for a new Hyundai, research all your auto warranty options to make sure that the cost of expensive vehicle repairs and damage is borne by your policy. Every auto warranty policy has certain inclusions and exclusion you should be aware of before you sign the contract. A manufacturer's warranty is considered the best coverage since your vehicle will be repaired by certified technicians and damaged parts will be replaced with OEM parts. However, since the packages and coverage tiers vary, you need to carefully review the coverage options and related conditions to determine which one matches your driving needs.
Powertrain Protection
Hyundai offers a 10 year or 100,000 miles (whichever comes first) powertrain warranty. This covers the cost of replacing powertrain parts such as certain engine, and transmission components. This coverage is available exclusively to the owner, for models manufactured from 2004 onwards. If the vehicle was manufactured between 1999 and 2003 the owner and immediate family members are covered. The extended powertrain warranty is non-transferable. Subsequent owners can benefit from the powertrain coverage offered in the 5 year limited warranty plan.
New Vehicle Limited Warranty
This limited time warranty is offered for five years or 60,000 miles. It covers the cost of repairs and replacement of damaged parts that were originally installed by Hyundai. Some of the items covered in this policy include radio/audio systems and paint protection for three years or 36,000 miles. The battery has a three year warranty. If the battery has to be replaced after two years and within three years, the policy will cover 25 percent of the cost of the battery and 100 percent of labor charges. The Hyundai five year limited warranty also covers certain wear items for one year or 12,000 miles. These items include brake-pads, filters, wiper blades and belts.
Anti-Perforation Warranty
This is a seven year warranty available for 2005 and newer models. It covers rust or corrosion of the body metal. However, it doesn't include corrosion that occurs on the surface.
Roadside Assistance
Hyundai also offers a five year roadside assistance warranty. This covers certain roadside amenities such as towing, battery failure, running out of gas and more. Since Hyundai roadside assistance doesn't cover the cost of vehicle repairs, you need to make sure you read the contract to find out your exact entitlements.
Replacement Parts and Accessory Limited Warranty
This warranty is offered on replacement parts that are supplied by Hyundai. These parts are covered for 12 months or 12,000 miles. Hyundai car owners can also purchase the eight year Federal Emission warranty. Within this warranty period, if your vehicle fails to pass an EPA inspection test, your policy covers the cost of repair or replacement of the engine control module, OBD-2 and catalytic converter. If you purchase the five year new vehicle limited warranty, you will be covered for other emission parts included in that plan.
Warranty Costs
Different dealers may offer different prices on your warranty. Some may include it in your monthly payments. As a general guideline, the cost of obtaining a 10 year warranty can range between $1000 and $1500. The warranty also varies according to the type of car you wish to purchase. You also have the option of purchasing warranty from third party sellers such as Warranty Direct.
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How Should I Buy a Hyundai Import?
If you want a Hyundai import vehicle instead of the cars available locally, you need to bear certain facts in mind. Although you will be able to import a Hyundai vehicle that matches your budget and preference, you need to find out all the important details pertaining to the import process. You have to maintain certain documents and most importantly, deal with a reliable car export company or auto broker. Car enthusiasts have been looking at overseas automotive markets to buy quality vehicles at an affordable price. Although this is becoming an increasingly popular trend, you should keep a few tips in mind.
Car Dealers
If you wish to purchase and import a new vehicle, contact several car dealers located overseas, to find out what they can offer you. Although there are many import dealers located within the U.S., you don't necessarily need to use them to import a car. Using car export dealers located overseas is a good idea if you know you're purchasing the vehicle from a reputed company.
Auto Brokers
If you prefer buying and importing a used car, you could hire an auto broker or an agent to import the vehicle for you. Since there are many used car auctions held internationally, an agent can attend these auctions on your behalf and bid a good price. Moreover, an agent will also take care of all the documentation and shipping arrangements.
Import Charges
Make sure you calculate the total cost of importing the vehicle, before closing the deal. The cost of hiring an agent, shipping the vehicle, paying duties and administrative fees all add up. This can help you determine if you really want to import the car or not. If money is not a constraint, you can simply work with a car dealer to arrange everything for you.
Internet Scams
If you're looking for information on the Internet, verify the reputation of the company you're dealing with. There are several online scams that could cheat you out of large sums of money. To avoid this, document all your correspondence with the exporter/seller. Remember to maintain records of receipts, emails and quotes.
Safety and Emission Standards
Although you may find several cars that fall within your budget, you should purchase the vehicle you won't have to significantly modify. All vehicles imported into the US have to pass strict safety and emission standards. If the vehicle fails to pass these inspections, the car has to be modified and this cost has to be borne by you.
Shipping
Work with a shipping company that will bring your vehicle to a nearest port of entry. This way you will be able to pick up the vehicle after its cleared customs. Keep all documents such as the carrier's bill of landing, and the EPA 3520-1 form and the HS-7 DOT form, to avoid any issues at the port of entry.
Whether it's a Hyundai Santa Fe import or a Hyundai Genesis import, find out everything you need to know about the car before deciding to go through the trouble of importing it into the U.S.
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Related Questions and Answers
How Does the Hyundai Genesis Sedan Compare to the Coupe Performance Wise?
The major difference between the Hyundai Genesis sedan and the coupe is the engine size. The Coupe can be equipped with a 4-cylinder engine that generates 210 hp. You can also opt for the 306 hp V-6 engine. The sedan comes standard with the V-6 or it can be upgraded to the 385 hp V-8 engine. There are various trim levels offered on each model. The pricing for the Coupe starts at $22,000 and tops out at $29,000. The sedan is a bit more expensive. An entry level model goes for $33,000, and the top of the line with the V-8 sells for $43,000.
How Does the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Compare Mileage-wise with other Hyundai Models?
The Hyundai Sonata hybrid is not technically on the market yet. Hyundai has released fuel mileage numbers of 36 city and 40 on the highway. This compares well with other hybrids, but it is not top of the class. The Toyota Prius gets 51 on the highway and 48 in the city. The Sonata is a bigger vehicle, so the comparison is not totally fair. A Ford Fusion comes in at 41 highway and 36 in the city. The Fusion is a direct competitor with the Sonata and roughly the same size. The Honda Insight gets 43 mpg on the highway and 40 in the city.