Foreign Cars
High Performance, American & Foreign Cars » Foreign Cars » 2011 Hyundai Tucson

2011 Hyundai Tucson

Oh, and 1 extra question, is the Kia Optima just Kia’s sonata

oh, and another question, will the Kia Optima get a 2011 restyle?

A: Hyundai quality is WAY up just in the past 4 years. It was part of a corporate plan, and they have achieved it. You can drive a Hyundai which will be well built and reliable, and the cars can compete in their respective classes. Where as before a Hyundai was a “compromise car,” now its a car people buy because they actually want one. Good price, good car.

Reliability has steadily improved over the years, but build quality and refinement lagged further behind. With improvements in its manufacturing process and quality control, and continued improvements in reliability, many Hyundai models are viable alternatives to its Japanese competition. The newest Elantra for example typically outscores the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla in quality surveys and has been Consumer Reports top rated small car.

Kia on the other hand is still lagging. They are ahead of where Hyundai was several years ago, but it varies from model to model with most still a couple of steps behind. Hyundai owns 40% of Kia now, so some Hyundai engineering and parts are being shared, making a Kia a better car. But if considering Kia i would stick to the newer designs such as the Forte, new Sorento, and Soul. The Forte and Sorento especially have a lot of the “New Hyundai” built into them. The Optima is a mirror of the outgoing Sonata. Its nothing special and is average in its class, but still worth a look as a bargain.Suspension noise over rough pavement has been a noted sore spot with this car, however.

Hyundai has some things going against it still. Brand image, resale value, and perception by more then a few that its a cheaply made car. But the new line up is solid, just take a look and drive some for yourself. And more new and redesigned models are coming. But if you get one some will still snicker, so you have to take comfort in being ahead of the curve a bit. Some wonder why I bought a ‘08 Elantra instead of a comparable Civic or Corolla? Its simple: I liked the Elantra and what it offered, and its just as well built as any car in its class. And i have not been disappointed by it after 30,000+ miles of solid, trouble free driving.

IMO Hyundai is a smart choice if buying a car new or used. Especially slightly used. Just get the best deal possible to make up some for lower resale value. If that matters to you. But you always want to get the best deal possible, anyway. Kia, you still have to tread lightly with imo.

Related Posts

Write a comment