[HotRodSaint]

In spite of the South Korean automaker's rapid sales growth, four in five U.S. car buyers don't know, don't like or don't trust the brand, according to Hyundai's own research.

Hyundai cited a study polling consumers on which brands they trusted and which made the safest vehicles that ranked Toyota and Honda in the lead, followed by Volkswagen, Nissan, Saturn, Ford -- and then Hyundai, followed by sister brand Kia.

Mindful that there are still many skeptics out there, Hyundai offers a 10-year or 100,000-mile warranty on the Sonata. Hyundai quality has improved dramatically, but its image suffers from shoddy quality in past years. "Until we close that gap, we'll continue to offer America's best warranty," says Krafcik. And for a lot more equipment.

 

[Sandy]

I like the job they did on the Kia Amenti and the Hyundai XG3500. They are both opulent luxury for their pricing. Would I buy one? No! ~ I am a Cadillac, Lincoln, Chrysler guy, in no particular order, having owned 3 Caddies, 3 Lincolns & 5 Imperials. But, Kia & Hyundai have done a noteworthy job in their luxury car line. Of the more mainstream models my 2 favorites are the Nissan Maxima & the Infiniti Q

 

[Playdrv4me]

And the Hyundai Azera will blow away the XG350. The XG350 still looks like a korean car to me, not sure how but it has that look. The Azera much like the new Sonata is a complete departure. I would say its probably a Buick/Honda Accord EX V6/Toyota Camry XLE V6 fighter.

In about a year they will introduce a large FWD luxury car to test the waters for a full fledged luxury brand as well. It will run about $33000.00 and in their mind is designed to go up against the likes of the GS350 and 5 series, but will probably more likely compete with the CTS and IS350.

If VW can produce a 110,000.00 car, Hyundai should be able to produce a 33000.00 one. The only problem is I think they are putting a little too much stock in this Luxury line they want to build, as apparently they have put plans for a full size truck (something that always sells) on the back burner to proceed with the luxury idea.