Hyundai dealers offer two of MSN's "Best Value Picks"
It's what we're all looking for: the best value. It doesn't matter if it's a cup of coffee, a television, or a car. We want the best bang for our buck, and we usually want to tell everyone else that we got it. Well thanks to MSN, we have an easy starting list for cars that offer the most per dollar spent.
When I've thought of value over the past eight years or so, the top manufacturer on my list was Hyundai. Recently, millions of more car buyers have started noticing Hyundai's remarkable return on investment as well. So it's no surprise that MSN's top 10 list contains two of the most economical models: the Hyundai Sonata and the Hyundai Santa Fe.
The Hyundai Sonata is considered the best value among midsize cars. The interesting thing about the Sonata is that it's been the best value among midsize cars for a number of years. It offers the same features and performance that the Camry and Accord offer, but always comes in with a lighter price tag. The problem for the Sonata has been perception of value, not actual value. With its redesigned exterior and interior features worth of any top-of-the-line sedan, this model is finally poised to take its place in a ton of driveways in addition to the tops of value lists.
Other factors working in the Sonata's favor as far as public perception goes are the introduction of the Hyundai Genesis luxury sedan and the marketing campaign surrounding the Sonata. Hyundai went all out with the 2011 Sonata and with other models as well, buying up premium Super Bowl ad space. And with all of the criticism surrounding the ROI of Super Bowl ads, I think Hyundai's investment worked out. Maybe it was all timing. We are a car-buying public actively seeking the best value now, and Toyota's quality concerns are driving a fair portion of shoppers Hyundai's way. Regardless of how it happened, the Hyundai Sonata now shows up at the top lists like MSN's and at the top of car buyers' minds.
Another top-rated Hyundai vehicle in MSN's list is the Hyundai Santa Fe. Once again, this is a Hyundai model I've considered a top buy for several years. It conquers the "Compact Crossover/SUV" category on the MSN list, though I think it's a vehicle that has bigger attitude and bigger capabilities than the word "compact" would imply.
The Santa Fe fits you like a glove once inside. The amount of luxury just wraps the driver in a cocoon of roadway luxury. Okay, maybe I'm getting a bit over the top, but the Santa Fe compares extremely favorably against other small SUV interiors. There is nothing that appears cheap inside. Like the Sonata, the Sante Fe has benefited from updated family-wide design language and the current purchasing climate.
Another car I would have personally added to a list of top values would have been the Hyundai Elantra. I don't think you can get a better compact sedan. MSN chose to go with the Mazda 3 as their top value in a compact car. I can't argue too much with their pick, but I think the Elantra edges it out based on basic included options.
Pictures/SnapShot :