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I remember when most new cars had a paltry 12 months or 12,000 mile warranty. This was a time when gas stations were full service stations, when my father preached changing oil every 2,000 miles and tune-ups included points, coil and condenser. I still love the cars of the sixties and seventies but in reality they were not very reliable. How I wish our old car had air bags or even seat belts when the drunk driver crashed head-on into us throwing my mother through the windshield. Anti-lock brakes could have even prevented an earlier rollover accident. Today even the least expensive vehicle is safer than those of years past and the reliability of newer cars have made full-service gas stations rare. Instead of yearlong warranties most all automakers have at least a 3 year/36,000 mile limited warranty. Hyundai, with America's longest warranty, will even take care of engines and powertrains up to 10 years or 100,000 miles. Their basic bumper-to-bumper warranty is an astonishing 5 years or 60,000 miles. Which begs the question why would anyone finance a car for longer than the warranty? Wouldn't it be a pain to have a large repair bill on top of a car payment? This week's drive was in the Hyundia XG350L. While classed and priced as a mid sized sedan it really has the room and feel of a large family sedan. In addition to the classic exterior lines and opulent luxury appointments, the car has a truly solid driving feel. A substantial and weighty impression greets you as you slip into the extravagant leather seats contrasting with the lightweight insecurity of economy sedans. Side front Air bags, ABS and traction control are often options on many luxury cars but Hyundai makes this level of safety standard on the XG350. Luxury is not an option as there are only two trim levels, the base starting at $24,589 delivered and the preferred XG 350L with the optional 8-disc CD Changer topping out at $26,689 delivered. The L version heats the front leather memory seats and gives you the power moonroof along with other premium touches such as a very nice woodgrain and leather steering wheel. The frameless windows on both the front and rear doors are unique for modern four door sedans. While they make for clean rooflines and easier entry when the windows are rolled down, this distinctive design most likely will not survive a model revision. The 3.5 L 24 valve DOHC V6 produces a very generous 195 horsepower at 5,500 RPM and impressive 216 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 RPM. Mated to the 5-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic manual override the Hyundai XG350 achieves excellent power and acceleration. The 3,651 pounds feels much heavier but the 17-MPG EPA fuel economy in the city and 26 MPG on the highway reminds you this is no economy car. Speed sensing power steering and independent suspension gives this Hyundai a true luxury ride. Hyundai has been selling vehicles in America since 1986. While developing a reputation for inexpensive subcompact cars like the original Excel, Hyundai has constantly been upgrading and expanding its product line. In addition to the flagship XG350L, Hyundai markets the Accent, Elantra, Tiburon, Sonata and Santa Fe in the United States. I was on hand at the Chicago Auto Show last month where they announced their new 2005 Tucson Compact Sport Utility Vehicle. Joining Honda and Mercedes Benz in Alabama, Hyundai recently broke ground for their $1 Billion assembly plant outside of Montgomery estimated to employ over 2,000 autoworkers. With the prolonged warranty, elegant level of luxury, spacious interior and robust power this vehicle cannot be ignored by those seeking a new family size vehicle.
2004 Hyundai XG 350 L
www.hyundaiusa.com Local Dealers
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©2003 - Stan Risener