Topic: CD Article: 2007 Hyundai Entourage

[Autos_Editor]

Test Drive:

Hyundai's first minivan, the Entourage, is a large, well-equipped and well-finished minivan priced lower than comparably-equipped Japanese minivans, reports Editor, Greg Wilson.  "I was quite impressed at how solid and quiet the Entourage was during my day-long First-Drive," he says.  But compared to Odyssey and Sienna, "it's not quite as fuel-efficient," he says.    More...

[Howswedeitis]

It's interesting how far Hyundai has come in such a short period of time.
To be sure, their mini van looks as though it is a very competitive entry and
certainly equal or better than the offerings from Toyota and Honda.

[smainville]

Shameless copying what else is new, the rear of a Caravan, the side of an Odyssey.

[Mr Meow]

I still think Hyundai/Kia mini vans still screams can\'t afford a decent mini van. even though these are over priced here. compared to europe. Its just got fancy plastics. Proof is in the pudding I guess in a few years will know if these new batches of cars and vans are any good. I just would never every buy a Kia or Hyundai because these are a budget brand to me.
.

[Bullet Blue]

I think the exterior of the Sedona actually looks better than the entourage does, but that's strictly opinion.

Otherwise I'm pretty impressed with how Hyundai is going of late. They have definately improved over the years and are definately no longer considered to be a budget brand. People who buy minivans aren't exactly concerned about image I would think to begin with. If you're concerned about what others think of what you drive due to the badge, then I don't think you truely appreciate what it is to be an auto enthusiast, even if we are talking about a minivan.

It offers good value, improved quality, and competitive pricing. This is the type of thinking that we need from all manufacturers as consumers.

[Howswedeitis]

Shameless copying what else is new, the rear of a Caravan, the side of an Odyssey.

The Koreans learnt from the best....the JAPANESE!
Let's face it the Japanese manufacturers haven't been
let's just say at the forefront of styling at any time.
Toyota, Honda et al have all copied European styling cues
for their vehicles. Look at the top of the range Lexus
LS...can you say Mercedes rip off?!

[sirAQUAMAN64]

You know, this looks to be a very good van!

I was hoping the price would be $1,000 less with a few hundred more of a stretch for option packages, but it's still pretty good.

Nothing I can really fault it for. Looks really competitive - I even like the colour on the tester, and I've seen a white one that looks just as good as the Sienna. Put a chromed logo on the steering wheel and you're set.

[smainville]

The Koreans learnt from the best....the JAPANESE!
Let's face it the Japanese manufacturers haven't been
let's just say at the forefront of styling at any time.
Toyota, Honda et al have all copied European styling cues
for their vehicles. Look at the top of the range Lexus
LS...can you say Mercedes rip off?!

To a lesser extent yes, maybe.  I'd like to think that Nissan is much less guilty in this scenario and good on them.

[Benhaze]

There is one thing I can really fault for: the lack of standard stability control and traction control of what is supposed to be a people (family) mover. Of course Hyundai is not the only guilty one, but this is a minivan... and a good way to stand out.

I also wonder, just like others do about SUVs, when bigger is big enough? It seems Hyundai is trying to correlate size with good deal for the money, something the US auto companies are king for... With the high price of fuel, is the minivan needed to be bigger than a current Odyssey, Sienna or Grand Caravan?

[smainville]

Very good point, especially when fuel economy does not appear to be their forte.

[Howswedeitis]

To a lesser extent yes, maybe.  I'd like to think that Nissan is much less guilty in this scenario and good on them.

You're right and that is because Renault owns Nissan and the CEO is not affraid to
let that influence the Nissan products.

[johngenx]

I see tons of the new Sonata on the roads now, and I expect to start seeing these mini-vans soon.  $3K less than Honda is an excellent strategy to get them on the road.

[boytoys]

There is one thing I can really fault for: the lack of standard stability control and traction control of what is supposed to be a people (family) mover. Of course Hyundai is not the only guilty one, but this is a minivan... and a good way to stand out.

I also wonder, just like others do about SUVs, when bigger is big enough? It seems Hyundai is trying to correlate size with good deal for the money, something the US auto companies are king for... With the high price of fuel, is the minivan needed to be bigger than a current Odyssey, Sienna or Grand Caravan?

Mazda has the equation right.  They just can't get over the stumbling start. :sigh. I know I am still waiting for a 4 banger Mazda 5 instead ...