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2008 Elantra sedanHyundai Elantra - enlargeThe Hyundai Motor Company, a division of the Hyundai Kia Automotive Group, is South Korea's largest and the world's sixth largest Automaker.1 Its present lineup starts with the 2008 Hyundai Elantra compact sedan (MSRP $14,245.00 - $17,945.00 / Invoice $13,882.00 - $17,242.00). This model competes with the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Chevy Cobalt. The Hyundai Elantra is listed as EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) Picks Ten Most Fuel Efficient Vehicles.2 Hyundai Elantra buyers can choose from a 132-horsepower, 2.0-liter I4 engine, and a four-speed automatic transmission or a 138-horsepower, 2.0-liter I4 engine, and a five-speed manual transmission.
Then, there is the 2009 Hyundai Sonata sedan (MSRP $18,795.00 - $26,345.00 / Invoice $18,048.00 - $24,670.00). Hyundai Sonata buyers can choose from a 175-horsepower, 2.4-liter I4 and a 249-horsepower, 3.3-liter V6 engine. This vehicle can be had with either a five-speed manual transmission (for GLS and SE trim levels) or a five-speed shiftable automatic transmission (with the Limited trim level). This model competes with the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.
Next is the 2008 Hyundai Azera sedan (MSRP $25,295.00 - $29,245.00 / Invoice $24,069.00 - $27,212.00), which competes with the Toyota Avalon, Chrysler 300 and Buick Lucerne. Hyundai Azera buyers can choose from a 234-horsepower, 3.3-liter V6 engine and a 263-horsepower, 3.8-liter V6 engine. This vehicle has a standard five-speed shiftable automatic transmission and a front-wheel drive system. The Azera was named the "Winner Strategic Vision's 2007 Total Quality Index (TQI) for the large car segment".3
Up next is the 2008 Hyundai Accent, which is available in coupe (MSRP $11,395.00 - $15,995.00 / Invoice $11,160.00 - $15,553.00) and sedan (MSRP $13,545.00 - $14,545.00 / Invoice $13,213.00 - $14,168.00) versions. The Hyundai Accent is equipped with a 110-horsepower, 1.6-liter I4 engine, a standard five-speed manual transmission and a front-wheel drive system. Buyers may also opt for a four-speed automatic transmission.
Next is the 2008 Hyundai Tiburon compact coupe (MSRP $17,645.00 - $23,145.00 / Invoice $16,958.00 - $21,705.00). This vehicle is available in GS, GT, SE, and GT Limited trim levels and competes with the Scion tC and V-6 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Those shopping around for a Tiburon can choose from a 138-horsepower, 2.0-liter I4 engine (for the GS trim levels) and a 172-horsepower, 2.7-liter V6 engine (for the higher trim levels). Five-speed manual, four-speed automatic, and six-speed manual transmission are available, as well as the standard front-wheel drive system.
Then there is Hyundai's entry to the minivan/van segment - the 2008 Hyundai Entourage minivan/van (MSRP $24,695.00 - $30,595.00 / Invoice $23,746.00 - $28,753.00). The Entourage competes with the Honda Odyssey. It comes with a 250-horsepower, 3.8-liter V6 engine and a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control.
The Hyundai sport utility vehicles (SUV) are next, starting with the 2008 Hyundai Tucson compact crossover sports utility vehicle (MSRP $17,895.00 - $25,245.00 / Invoice $17,369.00 - $23,897.00). Hyundai Tucson buyers can choose from a 140-horsepower, 2.0-liter I4 engine or a 173-horsepower, 2.7-liter V6 engine; and a five-speed manual or a four-speed shiftable automatic transmission. This vehicle can be had with either a front-wheel drive or a four-wheel drive system competes with the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V.
Then, there is the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe sport utility vehicle (MSRP $21,845.00 - $30,495.00 / Invoice $21,038.00 - $28,659.00), which competes with the Toyota Highlander and the Subaru Tribeca. Hyundai Santa Fe buyers can choose from a 185-horsepower, 2.7-liter V6 engine, a standard five-speed manual transmission and an optional four-speed automatic transmission for the base trim levels, or, a 242-horsepower, 3.3-liter V6 engine, and a standard five-speed automatic transmission for the higher trim levels. This vehicle can be had either with a front-wheel drive or an all-wheel drive system.
Last on the SUV list is the 2008 Hyundai Veracruz crossover sport utility vehicle (MSRP $27,595.00 - $36,445.00 / Invoice $26,231.00 - $33,836.00). The Hyundai Veracruz has a standard 260-horsepower, 3.8-liter V6 engine and a six-speed shiftable automatic transmission. This model competes with the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. This vehicle can be had with either a front-wheel drive or an all-wheel drive system. It is the automaker's largest crossover SUV to date, at least until the launch of the Hyundai Portico in 2009.
Chung Ju-Yung founded the Hyundai Engineering and Construction Company in 1947.4 The Hyundai Motor Company followed in 1967. The company's first model, the Cortina, was released in cooperation with Ford Motor Company in 1968.5 The company began to sell cars in the United States in 1986.
A look at Hyundai's reliability ratings (ConsumerReports.org) showed that the Hyundai Elantra received, for 2007, Excellent ratings for engine, transmission, drive, fuel, climate and audio system, suspension, brakes, exhaust, and paint and trim; Very Good ratings for squeaks and rattles, body hardware, and power equipment; and a Good rating for its electrical system. Meanwhile, the Hyundai Santa Fe received, for 2007, Excellent ratings for engine, transmission, drive, fuel and electrical system, suspension, brakes, and exhaust; Very Good ratings for climate and audio system, and paint and trim; and Good ratings for squeaks and rattles, body hardware and power equipment.
Hyundais are equipped with security features and have been tested and proven safe. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reflect that the 2008 Hyundai Entourage with Side Airbags received five stars out of five in frontal and side crash tests and four stars out of five in rollover tests. Meanwhile, the 2008 Hyundai Tiburon 4-Door with Side Airbags received four stars out of five front side crash tests and four stars out of five in rollover tests.
A 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV's base trim level MSRP of $21,845 falls lower than that of the 2008 Toyota Highlander (MSRP: $27,300). Depreciation-wise, however, the Highlander appears to be more competitive. Case in point, a 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe (MSRP: $21,695 - $25,895) currently has a used selling price falling within the $16,400-range. On the other hand, a 2006 Highlander (MSRP: $24,530 - $31,860) now falls within just the $21,750-range.
Upcoming Hyundai models to watch for include the 2009 Hyundai Genesis sedan, the 2010 Hyundai Genesis coupe, the 2010 Hyundai Portico crossover vehicle, the 2010 Hyundai Tiburon, and the 2010 Hyundai Veracruz - which will offer a diesel option.
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