Re: Hyundai or Kia..Who's at the top status-wise ?

Hi Rev,

I'm the same as you.... I own a 2003 Kia Sedona and a 2006 Sonata. I've never had a bit of trouble with either except when the dealership screwed up a simple spark plug replacement on the Sedona (didn't hook the plugs back up for the cooling fan system). I love them both although we mostly drive the Sonata now and just occasionally use the Sedona to pull a small enclosed trailer. I think your analysis is right on.

Tom

At present (2007) if in the market for a new car, I would look at Kia. Not so a few years ago....But then again, traded 02 SOnata for my 06. What a difference, my dad callis it my "Little Jag"..

Steve, AZ

I think Hyundai hears you. They made an announcement a couple of months back that some "under performing" dealers would be dropped. Perhaps they were talking about sales, but I got the impression they were talking about service. -

Bob

I hope you're right, but don't hold your breath.

If you are right, that is about the best commentary that could be made for that company, and proof that they are really trying to move in the right direction. And BTW, I have a couple of dealers that I would love to turn in to Hyundai to get added to that list.

But something gnaws at me that you're wrong. In that case, it is the United States of America, and Hyundai is just like the others.

I guess it is like football coaches - the only ones who lose their jobs (typically) are ones who are losing. Even those who have committed infractions or indiscretions are usually only fired when some losing is involved. For most companies, losing is defined ONLY by dollars and cents.

You'll note I said cents, not sense. We will see which one Hyundai cares about.

Well, only time will tell.

Before I bought my 06 Sonata, I read the signs. I have been personally involved in a company turnaround, and I recognize some of the signs.

When the top officials must go out on a limb, it's a good sign. They must make public pledges and declarations. They must do and say things that will get them canned if they do not follow through. Publicly comparing their cars to industry icons is another sign. If they fail, the corporate officials will be humiliated. Other good signs are disproportionately large cash allocations for producing a quality product. This will include modern automated plants and equipment. Offering such perks as longer warranties and roadside assistance is also a good sign.

Knowing the above, I feel confident that Hyundai will honor my warranty, and even help out on some gray areas. I think they would rather incur some losses than risk harming their not-so-great but improving reputation. -

Bob

They were talking sales. Hyundai corporate had expected a minimum number of vehicles sold by Hyundai America and that target was not met. Naturally, service does play a role in that but it was the sales arm that is being targeted. I don't know about Hyundai of Canada.

As far as who has the higher "status", I think it's still early in the game but Hyundai seems to be reserving the polish of prestige for itself. The Sonata, Azera and the new Santa Fe and Veracruz all ooze class. Add to that the upcoming "Genesis" model - which might very well be the genesis (pun intended) of a line of high prestige vehicles - and a picture emerges of a classier Hyundai.

Kia seems to retain a sportier, edgier image. The upcoming Kia Kue will set a new tone and direction for the company, IMHO.

My 2 cents.

FWIW ~ when I was younger and couldn't afford anything "classier" than a thoroughly used beater, I would look "up" at the flashier models. Now that I am several decades older and living comfortably, my ultimate definition of "car class" are the three little words "It's paid for"!

Rich

That describes a lot of us. I have a "good" car and an older car (former good car) and when I know I'll be in an area with tight parking, I take the older car. No worries about a parking lot ding.

If you drive a high priced luxury car or sports car and want to take up two parking spaces in the back of the lot at the supermarket, be my guest. Try to do that up close, you can be sure I'll park an inch from you with my old car.

Many years ago I saw a movie short on TV called "Road Hog" starring W. C. Fields. I've searched for it (to buy) but can't find it. Fields plays a motorist who has had it with rude drivers, goes to a used car lot buying the entire stock, hires enough day laborers to drive every car in a caravan and heads off looking for a rude driver. To cut this short - every time a rude driver cuts him off, Fields crashes his car into the offender and yells "Road Hog!". Then he gets into the next car and starts all over again. The movie went about 20 minutes. How prophetic!

I call the high dollar cars "back 40 cars".

I was at a big store early one day, and the parking lot was almost empty. Well, there was a sleek BMW 6 series at the far end, about 300 feet from the nearest car, 400 feet from the store. We laughed, but I know how he feels. I don't even like new dings on my old beater Toyota truck.

That store has very wide parking slots. That only made things worse, because there is now room for a double row of shopping carts between the cars. -

Bob

Not a UK thing.... It's alive and well here in the USA. I can park as possible with, as you say, 200 empty spaces between me and the next car and, upon my return, someone will have parked not only in the stall next to me, but so close I can barely get into the car. And it's usually someone who has a "Kid's First" or "Peace" or some such decal on their car.