Hyundai Offers Cash Back, Financial Advice

It’s a tough economy. Things are scary out there, and it makes us not want to go outside too often. Don’t want to get caught in a “run” on the “bank,” whatever those things are.

Fortunately, Hyundai’s here to help, and not just by telling us where to spend our money. Of course it wants you to buy a 2008 Sonata, and is offering $3,000 cash back as encouragement to do so, but it’s also offering snippets of financial advice in its ads — the best ways to save that leftover incentive cash. Now that’s marketing. Beware, though: The ’08 Sonata differs from the updated 2009 version, which debuted at the Chicago Auto Show this year and features some significant upgrades. Make sure to check out a comparison of the two models here, and read our coverage of the 2009 here. The 2009 is currently being offered with $1,000 cash back.

If the Sonata doesn’t tickle Hyundai buyers’ interest, the manufacturer is also giving $2,000 back on the Santa Fe and Azera, and between $1,000 and $1,500 on the rest of its inventory including $1,000 off the 2008 Veracruz crossover. All deals expire April 30.

All Manufacturer Incentives (Cars.com)
More Hyundai Sonata News (KickingTires)

Honda Still on Top in U.S., Says Consumer Reports

For the second year in a row, Consumer Reports has named Honda the automaker selling the best vehicles in the U.S., based on factors ranging from reliability to vehicle comfort.

Toyota and Subaru ranked second and third, followed by BMW, Mazda, Nissan and Volkswagen. No domestic nameplate appeared on the list.

When an Auto Writer Buys a Car: Part III

After my wife delivered the crushing reality that a black Mazda CX-7 would not be our next car, it was back to full car-shopping mode. Like most people, we’re a busy couple and don’t have time to talk to dealers on the phone or go to a dealership on a weekday. We had to plan our shopping trips for the weekend, and in Illinois that means Saturday, since there are laws that don’t allow dealers to operate on Sunday.

Using online quotes and test-drive appointments was extremely helpful. I’m not just saying that because Cars.com offers the service — as do most automakers — it really does change the way you schedule your shopping and is extremely efficient.

With the Mazda CX-7 now out of the running, I knew we had to test drive the Honda CR-V. My wife owned a CR-V about seven years ago, and I reviewed the new 2007 model myself for Cars.com. It actually garnered a pretty glowing review, plus it’s safe and will have excellent resale value.

Hyundai Santa Fe Earns Top Safety Award

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe its Top Safety Pick designation after the SUV scored top scores in frontal, side and rear crash tests. Only 21 new vehicles are on the Top Safety Pick list. The Santa Fe’s competition on the list includes the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Subaru Tribeca, Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX and Honda Pilot.

Related
More Safety News (KickingTires)

Cars.com Reviews 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe

We’re not sure why it took so long, but we finally got our thoughts to virtual paper on the redesigned 2007 Santa Fe. Another latecomer is the 2007 Dodge Magnum, which gets a thorough examination now before a mild refresh for the 2008 model year.

We’ve also reformatted the Expert Reviews page so you can sort reviews by your favorite Cars.com reviewer.

Related
2007 Hyundai Santa Fe Expert Review (Cars.com)
2007 Dodge Magnum Expert Review (Cars.com)
Suburban Dad: 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe (KickingTires)
The Urban DINK: Car Shopping List Update 2 (KickingTires)

Suburban Dad: 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe

I have something of a history with the Hyundai Santa Fe. You might even call it a crush.

When I was looking for a new car back in 2002, among the cars I looked at was the Santa Fe. It was a brand-new model then, full of promise and good looks. It was appealing for its size, the cargo it could hold and its truck-like look and feel. In the end, my fears about buying a Hyundai, given their previous quality track record, held me back. My sister-in-law bought one (you can see it above), so I've been able to ride in it from time to time. It was like a long-distance romance.

Fast-forward to last fall, when I drove the Santa Fe for a few minutes and had mixed feelings about it. It looked great, had grown from its original size and was really comfortable. Unfortunately, it was also dragging. Although it had a V-6, I felt like we weren't getting anywhere.

Now, though, I've driven the Limited version of the Santa Fe, and my fears and concerns have melted away thanks to the Limited’s bigger V-6. It still has the same great looks, the creature comforts and a huge cargo area.

It may be love.

Suburban Dad: Rally Impressions

Earlier this month, the Cars.com reviewers brought me along to an otherwise journalist-only rally where they got an early look at dozens of new car models. They wanted to get some thoughts on new cars from a typical suburban dad, and they wanted to see what I’d consider buying for me, my wife or my teenage kids. These writers aren’t having kids yet and they’re pretty jaded about getting to drive the latest and greatest cars. I’m not. Here’s my take.