2012 Hyundai Azera

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The big FWD Hyundai has been a flop in the US so far.
Mostly, I’m sure, because it is .. well.. a Hyundai.

But now, with the Genesis selling pretty well, and the $58 000 Equus coming out, maybe more buyers will be willing to take another look at the redesigned Azera next year.
It will compete mostly with the Lexus ES, but also the Buick LaCrosse. S well as the Taurus, Maxima etc…

Life will still be tough…

Conversation 21 comments

  1. That skinny red strip over the license looks cheap. Like an asian firm trying to copy American Luxury Styling but not quite understanding the fine line between opulent & chinsy.

    Hyundai is still suffering from the marketing fallout of their unsafe and poor quality products of 20 years ago. But now with Hyundai quality rivaling Honda, GM, Ford, etc; Hyundai seems to be the new "thinking man's" car. And with a safety & quality record that absolutely blows Toyota out of the water (but then, doesn't everybody's–these days?)… I think Hyndai's climb to the top is 3/4 of the way there–and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

    Would I buy one? Depends on price–and only on price. It's definitely a better value than yesterday's value leaders (Toyota & Honda). But not yet up to today's (Ford & Chevy). So it really comes down to the price of comparably-equipped Cruize/Camry/Fusion/Accord/New Avenger at the dealers I trust. And I suspect that Hyundai may still have the edge on price.

  2. Well, I will not buy one either, but I test drove a Genesis recently and walked away very impressed. I think this one will be a hit too.

  3. The redesigned Azera can't come too soon as I always thought the first gen Azera was a half finished project but this next gen model looks ready to play.

    Some of the comments regarding Hyundai are obvious in their lack of knowledge (and ignorance) not only of the brand but its on going sales success here in the U.S. and in China.

    For those still living in 1986, Hyundai has gone way past that marker. 2011 Sonata sales now top 22k per month and that's without any rebates or incentives.

    Sales are up more than a record 60 percent for the redesigned 2010 Tucson as well as other Hyundai models like Genesis. U.S. sales are expected to set a record at over 550k cars at the end of 2010.

    Through 2009 and into this year only three car brands saw profitable growth throughout this recessionary economy-Kia and Subaru, being the other two.

    Anti-fan boys can't stand the news but consumers know a good car when they drive one and word of mouth is growing sales quicker than you can say Toyota Recall.

  4. At this point, it almost seems like Hyundai can not go wrong. I'm sure they will maintain their value pricing. From what we can see, I think the design looks great and fits well between the cheaper Sonata and the more expensive Genesis.

  5. TO: Mobis21:
    "Through 2009 and into this year only three car brands saw profitable growth throughout this recessionary economy-Kia and Subaru, being the other two.
    ACTUALLY Chrysler US sales are up 61% ytd 9/2010 OVER 9/2009.

    Aside from that, I agree with you Completely. What Honda & Toyota were in the '90,s (and GM & Chrysler were in the '50's & '60's) Hyundai/Kia are in the new milenium.

    The Japanese have been coasting on their sucesses of 20 years ago for far too long. The Smart consumer is now buying Hyundai.

  6. "Hyundai seems to be the new "thinking man's" car. And with a safety & quality record that absolutely blows Toyota out of the water (but then, doesn't everybody's–these days?)."

    ——————-

    Hahaha thanks for the laugh. So how much is Hyundai paying you to be online PR? Or do you work for a 3rd-party firm that Hyundai pays for? I'm sick of all the Hyundai undercover PR people and ghost bloggers polluting car blogs and forums everywhere.

    I hope someone from Hyundai gets the message, this sort of silly undercover marketing WILL. NOT. WORK.

    Oh and this new Azera, goofy looking just like all the other new Hyundai and Kia models. No class or elegance, just gaudiness and gimmicky styling that won't stand the test of time.

  7. So how much is Hyundai paying you to be online PR? Or do you work for a 3rd-party firm that Hyundai pays for?

    Sorry to disappoint you. I'm not now, nor have I ever been in the Auto industry. And I've never worked for any company that supplied anything (including advertising) to any auto company.

    I've had the final say for a couple of my employers as to what vehicles they buy for employees. And I've always had an interest in cars.

    So I just call 'em as I see 'em.
    There was a time when I recommended Toyotas. Another time when I bought K-cars. And another when I bought mostly Fords.

    I just study the facts and my loyalty changes every time a new or freshened model comes out with something better.

    Today I'm pretty impressed with Hyundai/Kia when it comes to "best value" cars; and Buick for "NVH Quality cars; and Ford for Reliable "best value" Hybrids; Dodge/Chrysler for minivans; and Ford for gas trucks (Dodge for Diesel Trucks).

    I reserve the right to completely change my mind again when I evaluate the 2012's

  8. I don't care what the shills are saying about Hyundai, their cars are still second rate copies of German or Japanese cars. It was the very same criticism that Lexus faced initially, and was able to get past as they proved their vehicles were better than the competition in many ways. However, Hyundai is not brining anything new to the table with their cars. Their small cars are still garbage, and their midsized cars are simply an "attractive alternative." From personal experience as recently as two years ago, I will not likely consider a Hyundai or Kia. It will take more than a couple homeruns to change the minds of a lot of people. I'm not saying it won't happen, but right now I have a strong distaste for the brand.

  9. Huyndai is simply not ready to play in the big leagues, despite what the PR fanboys say in this blog.

    Here is what Huyndai is missing: The wannabes out there buy expensive cars, because they want a badge status and not a great value. Look at the Land Rover, which is a true clunker. The softies are drooling to show up at the country club for valet parking. You simply cannot do that with a Kia or Huyndai, no matter how hard they try. Not anytime soon anyway.

  10. I though Lexus's were 2nd rate copies of German or American cars. (That's why the current Lexus 4xx is a 7-series copy & the previous Lexus 4xx were shameless S-class copies.)

    So apparently the Genesis Sedan is giving Lexus a run for their money.

    GOOD!

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