Do you agree with this quote regarding how people buy cars?

[one...two...tree 2,762]

It's happened to Hyundai. Their cars use to be unreliable pieces of junk, but slowly, over the last decade they have built a reputation of good quality cars for less than their competitors. Part of their selling point was their warranty...that at the time, far exceeded the rest of the auto industry.

I own an Elantra and think it's a great value for the money!

I may buy a Santa Fe next!

The new Sonatas and Elantras are just superb. They have continuously improved the quality of their cars.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Hyundai has been smart and followed the same formula with their Elantra and Sonata.

I have no empirical evidence to back this up, but I've noticed that almost all the Hyundais on the streets (and there are many) are either Elantras or Santa Fes, I hardly see any Sonatas or Azeras.

[Otto 83]

Here's the screenshot from CR for the Malibu.

http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2008...afest-cars.html

No where mentioned on this list... (also on/from CR).

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Here's the screenshot from CR for the Malibu.

http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2008...afest-cars.html

No where mentioned on this list... (also on/from CR).

Correct. My screenshot shows the Malibu is good, yours shows it is still not best in class. No disagreement here.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

I believe that most American cars are worthless ####### and hence, I wouldn't buy one.

What if third parties like Edmunds, JD and Consumer Reports said otherwise?

It would take some time for this perception to change. Reputation is one of those things that's rather hard to repair.

It's happened to Hyundai. Their cars use to be unreliable pieces of junk, but slowly, over the last decade they have built a reputation of good quality cars for less than their competitors. Part of their selling point was their warranty...that at the time, far exceeded the rest of the auto industry.

No disagreement there. I said it would take some time and you acknowledged that it took Hyundai about a decade to build up their reputation. Funny you mention Hyundai - we bought a Santa Fe last year.

Edited July 10, 2009 by Mr. Big Dog

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Hyundai has been smart and followed the same formula with their Elantra and Sonata.

I have no empirical evidence to back this up, but I've noticed that almost all the Hyundais on the streets (and there are many) are either Elantras or Santa Fes, I hardly see any Sonatas or Azeras.

Interesting. I see mostly Sonatas and Sante Fe's on the road out here. We're looking to getting a minivan because my in-laws will be staying with us soon, but for some reason Hyundai's minivan isn't sold here in Cali. We're eyeing a used Toyota Sienna.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

I've noticed that almost all the Hyundais on the streets (and there are many) are either Elantras or Santa Fes ...

I see mostly Sonatas and Sante Fe's on the road out here.

I guess Elantra's don't make as much sense in spread-out Cali as it does here /speculating

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I believe that most American cars are worthless ####### and hence, I wouldn't buy one.

What if third parties like Edmunds, JD and Consumer Reports said otherwise?

It would take some time for this perception to change. Reputation is one of those things that's rather hard to repair.

It's happened to Hyundai. Their cars use to be unreliable pieces of junk, but slowly, over the last decade they have built a reputation of good quality cars for less than their competitors. Part of their selling point was their warranty...that at the time, far exceeded the rest of the auto industry.

No disagreement there. I said it would take some time and you acknowledged that it took Hyundai about a decade to build up their reputation. Funny you mention Hyundai - we bought a Santa Fee last year.

How do you like it?

Yeah, GM just has way too many lines for anyone to really stand out. Even among their SUV's, they've got a bazillion different ones...it's crazy and IMO, stupid marketing.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

we bought a Santa Fe last year.

Likes/dislikes?

[NickD 202]

Chevy Malibu earned the highest possible rating in recent government frontal and side-impact crash tests — five stars

And it's not on any safety list I've seen..

Here's the screenshot from CR for the Malibu.

I think GM needs to trim down their line of cars. Then take a car like the Malibu and make it one of their flagship models, like the way Honda has with Civics and Accords. I'll bet if you just asked random people what they thought of the Chevy Malibu, they probably would give you a puzzled look. But a Civic or Accord are very well known. Same with Toyota Corolla and Camry. Hyundai has been smart and followed the same formula with their Elantra and Sonata. GM has way too many goddam models to build a reputation of brand recognition and reputation, IMO.

I agree, three models will be sufficient.

For the poor, the Deluxe

For the middleclass, the Special Deluxe

For the rich, the Super Deluxe

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

I believe that most American cars are worthless ####### and hence, I wouldn't buy one.

What if third parties like Edmunds, JD and Consumer Reports said otherwise?

It would take some time for this perception to change. Reputation is one of those things that's rather hard to repair.

It's happened to Hyundai. Their cars use to be unreliable pieces of junk, but slowly, over the last decade they have built a reputation of good quality cars for less than their competitors. Part of their selling point was their warranty...that at the time, far exceeded the rest of the auto industry.

No disagreement there. I said it would take some time and you acknowledged that it took Hyundai about a decade to build up their reputation. Funny you mention Hyundai - we bought a Santa Fee last year.

How do you like it?

It's a good car - comfortable, roomy and it gets a good 20mi to the gallon in the city. I'd like to replace my 00 Altima with a Sonata.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I believe that most American cars are worthless ####### and hence, I wouldn't buy one.

What if third parties like Edmunds, JD and Consumer Reports said otherwise?

It would take some time for this perception to change. Reputation is one of those things that's rather hard to repair.

It's happened to Hyundai. Their cars use to be unreliable pieces of junk, but slowly, over the last decade they have built a reputation of good quality cars for less than their competitors. Part of their selling point was their warranty...that at the time, far exceeded the rest of the auto industry.

No disagreement there. I said it would take some time and you acknowledged that it took Hyundai about a decade to build up their reputation. Funny you mention Hyundai - we bought a Santa Fee last year.

How do you like it?

It's a good car - comfortable, roomy and it gets a good 20mi to the gallon in the city. I'd like to replace my 00 Altima with a Sonata.

I drove a Sonata as rental and it's really roomy. I think it was the 6 cyl. version. I'd opt for the 4 cyl. if I were to buy one though.

[Amby 490]

AJ my uncle bought a Santa Fe for my teenage cousin and she loves it. I've never drove it, but I've rode in it and it's quite comfortable. I just can't get used to hanging out in a car that feels so open and high from the ground. I feel like I'm in a spaceship or something.

Ok now that makes no sense because you changed your post. Thanks

I posted it too soon because VJ appended it to the previous post which I didn't like, made the attachment inappropriately placed on the screen.

ok all is well once again

[one...two...tree 2,762]

AJ, are looking to get AWD?

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Why???? The V6 is so much more fun to drive.