Originally Posted by KCJeep
Hyundai/Kia have already surpassed some Japanese makes, however the public perception has not entirely caught up yet. It has to some degree, as the Korean makes are already priced closer to the big Japanese names than they were 5-7 years ago.
I rent cars every week. Sometimes as many as 3 cars per week. All of them get driven serious miles. My shortest day trip is 200 miles.
I can say, with absolute certainty that I've never rented a Hyundai or Kia that was in any way better than it's Japanese competition. In particular, driving dynamics of H/K cars and SUV's fall short. Quite simply, I'd take an Altima over any similar H/K on a long trip. Far more comfortable, and precise.
Just thinking aloud here, but sometimes the issues are not readily apparent. I rented a Kia Sportage and my initial impression was a good one. Until I experienced a bumpy highway on ramp corner. It upset the thing so badly, I actually wondered what specific design flaws caused the upset. After getting on the highway, it was louder than expected and less than great MPG. Furthermore the brakes on the Sportage were just fine until the 3rd downhill use. At which point, they became inadequate. Something I've not experienced on any other modern vehicle.
Hyundai/Kia have already surpassed some Japanese makes, however the public perception has not entirely caught up yet. It has to some degree, as the Korean makes are already priced closer to the big Japanese names than they were 5-7 years ago.
I rent cars every week. Sometimes as many as 3 cars per week. All of them get driven serious miles. My shortest day trip is 200 miles.
I can say, with absolute certainty that I've never rented a Hyundai or Kia that was in any way better than it's Japanese competition. In particular, driving dynamics of H/K cars and SUV's fall short. Quite simply, I'd take an Altima over any similar H/K on a long trip. Far more comfortable, and precise.
Just thinking aloud here, but sometimes the issues are not readily apparent. I rented a Kia Sportage and my initial impression was a good one. Until I experienced a bumpy highway on ramp corner. It upset the thing so badly, I actually wondered what specific design flaws caused the upset. After getting on the highway, it was louder than expected and less than great MPG. Furthermore the brakes on the Sportage were just fine until the 3rd downhill use. At which point, they became inadequate. Something I've not experienced on any other modern vehicle.
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