The Most Overlooked Cars of 2008
Hyundai, Kia and Mazda Models Top List of Overlooked Vehicles
Hyundia, its partners Kia and Mazda can rest easy knowing consumer reports feels their vehicles are under-appreciated by the general public.
The Consumer Reports lists are in for automobiles. In the last year the auto industry has seen a great deal of redesign and an emphasis on fuel economy. There is a definite turn towards what consumers are looking for but yet there appear to be cars that are undervalued by consumers, that simply do not get a second glance by most consumers, as told in this recap of Consumer Reports most overlooked cars.
Mazda 5
The Mazda 5 is a compact minivan. The vehicle totes all the practicality of a minivan or small SUV that suburbanites appear to love but in a smaller package. The tiny minivan has dual sliding doors, three rows of seating and is fuel efficient. It also is rather economical on the wallet ranging from about 18k for a base model and 22k for a fully loaded mini minivan.
MSN auto's expert review rates the vehicle with a 7.8 out of a possible ten with user reviews about the same; 8.2 out of ten. In any event it is a nice option for a family that is not yet ready to succumb to the soccer mom lifestyle but still needs room.
Kia Rondo
The Kia Rondo made its way into the most overlooked vehicles of this year as well. The small car is maneuverable, quiet and comfortable according to consumer reports and the size is apparently deceptive from the outside. For a small car it is boasted as roomy and fits three rows of seats. The vehicle comes standard with todays most talked about safety features; stability control and side-curtain airbags. For around 20k consumers can get a nice nimble vehicle with a smooth V6 for that extra vroom.
Kia Optima
Kia makes another appearance on the shortlist with the Kia Optima. The Optima is a mid-size sedan that has received a much needed face lift half way through 2006. The car has an impressive array of amenities The Optima offers a rather lengthy array of safety features much like it's counterpart the Rondo with several airbags, including side-curtain. Anti-whiplash head restraints and a tire pressure monitor are also standard to keep drivers safe. The Optima offers an impressive 10 year/100,000 mile warranty as well as 5 years/60,000 mile roadside assistance.
The car is economical on the pocket coming in 5k or more lower then similarly equipped sedans. Base models can be had for just a smidgen over 16k while a fully equipped vehicle can be driven off the lot for just a bit over 20k.
Hyundai Azera
Hyundai has made serious moves in the last decade to reprise a role in the serious American automotive market but they don't appear to be there just yet with consumers. Their flagship sedan the Hyundai Azera is the last vehicle on the Overlooked list. The Azera boasts a smooth 3.8 liter V6 engine with serious pep in its step. Along with the healthy pick-up the car offers a roomy interior that is both stylish and quiet. The Azera offers almost all the options that one would find in a luxury vehicle at half the price.
The Azera is priced competitively with the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry but when the standard equipment is considered the Hyundai comes in cheaper with a powerful look and an equally powerful engine. The top of the line Hyundai is priced at 24,600 for a base model and 28,550 for the mother of all trim packages.
