Hi all,
it's been a few months I am on the market for a 2nd car to replace my deceased Audi Wagon. I still can't make up my mind on what car to get.

I love my 2002 Sonata LX and automatically think of the new 2006 Sonata LX for my 2nd car. Then comes the 2006.5 Kia Optima. I can get 2006.5 Kia Optima EX 2.4L (4 cyl) and have it equipped with options similar to 2006 Sonata LX, except the engine..... The result... the pricing of the 2006 Sonata LX (6 cyl) vs the 2006.5 Kia Optima EX (4cyl) are very similar, with the sonata having the $2500 rebate.

But now, considering my future need (I am married and in the next couple of years, planning a family), having a small SUV may be a wiser choice as small SUV allows plenty more cargo space. So, I now I am considering Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Saturn VUE.

The Hyundai Tucson & Kia Sportage, being built on the same platform, have a very similar features. They looks almost identical, except for the emblem. They are also priced very closely. I like to have it with leather and heated seats. I wish Tucson & sportage has power adjustable seats (I am taller than my wife). Can it be fitted with power adjustable seats?

Now on the Saturn VUE, it has the power adjustable seats. Without cashback on Tucson / Sportage, the VUE is cheaper by about $500. With the cashback, the VUE is more expensive by about $500.

So far, comparing the VUE to the Tucson/Sportage, the VUE is lacking TPMS, trip computer, ESC and side airbag. It has side curtain like Tucson&Sportage.

I still can't make up my mind on which small SUV to pick. I would appreciate any inputs. Reliability issue, confort, versatility, interior space and cargo space, likes / dislikes, etc.

I have a 2005 Hyundai Tucson V6 auto and have driven it since Feb 14 2005. I am 6ft tall and my wife is 5 ft tall. The seat is easy to adjust to meet both our needs and all we have to adjust is the seat height and tilt steering. A power seat is not needed. So far, the Tucson has been reliable with no major problems. I don't think much of the all-season tires provided and plan to replace them with winter tires for next winter. I think the traction control is questionable because there have been a few occasions when the car has lost traction when simply cornering at relatively low speeds; however, this may have been due to the tires. Another negative for Canadians, side air custains are not provided, I don't know why; the Kia Sportage does have the side air curtains! Fuel economy is not great but acceptable at around 20mpg.

Overall, we are very pleased with the Tucson and hope it remains as reliable for the next 4 years.

Ok, I had a 2002 Crystal Blue Santa Fe LX 2.7 V6 4WD for 3yrs, & 87k miles that had no problems, & gave me 20-24mpg town, & 24-30mpg hiway, that I loved! But, the new similarly equipped Tucson seduced me into trading the beloved Santa Fe, The Tucson is even better although gas milage now at 17K is not quite as good, 20-22 town, 21-24hiway I don't know why? they both have basically the same drive train, But anyway, in between I had to try out (test drive) the Saturn because it had that wonderful, powerful, efficient Honda 250hp V6!

To make a long story short, I WAS NOT IMPRESSED!,,, more like GREATLY DISAPPOINTED!

Let me explain, After driving 50miles for a test ride, First of all I was gonna check out the Vue "Redline" perf model, But, found out you can't tow anything with it? It was never explained to me why, but you would have to cut away the ground effects just to mount the hitch, so I opted to check out a pretty blue Vue. Yes, it had plenty of speed, & power, But! First off, was the seating, I couldn't get comfortable no matter what I did, and it was also kind of hard,,, I figured, if short rides are uncomfortable, forget long rides with this vehicle, Next, the vehicle seemed to have a firm jolting ride most of the time, & jerky torque steer take off, if you accidently pushed too hard on the gas, and brakes with a hard pedal, that did not want to stop very shortly, (Due to No 4wheel discs available!, including not even on the performance Redline version???) I was not accustomed to such a jarring riding, hard brake pedal, long braking distance vehicle, along with about a 7 foot larger turning circle, not to mention the ODD styling, I couldn't seem to warm up to, it was no comparison to the Santa Fe I had for 3yrs,,, So Bottom Line, I didn't walk, I RAN away from the Vue, they couldn't Pay Me to Buy One!
At least the sister cars, the Chevy "Equinox", & Pontiac "Torrent" are better looking, But don't have the Great Honda engine offered. With the Vue, I felt that the engine was the only good part of it, but not enough to buy it,,, Then I bought the New Tucson, and have been happy ever since!

Just a couple more items, All of these GM clones have no rear disc brakes, nor are they an option, plus turning circle is about 42' as opposed to a tighter approx. 35' on the Tucson, & Santa Fe. Also, the rear window, & hatch do not open seperately on the Vue, as it does on the Santa Fe, & Tucson, I assume it's the same on the other clones.

This post has been edited by MikDee: Jun 1 2006, 09:20 PM

... 3 Months owner myself. I did alot of research before purchasing and found the Tucson to be of much better design, quality and included features.

To mention a few... Well, how about 10 to start with :)

#1 The rear seats fold down FLAT! > And can be done with just a simple look to make sure the headrests are down all the way.

Other MFG's back seats only fold down to 3/4's at best, leaving an angle to deal with. Also, most require you to either remove the head rest, or, fold the back seat up before folding down the upper portion of the back seat.

#2 A simple feature, but nice none the less > The Sun Visor's have an additional sun blocker, that you mearly slide out of the side of the Visor itself.

#3 Interior Lighting > I use my Tucson for my business. Sometimes I find myself working at night as well. It's a real treat having all the additonal lighting. After lifting the rear hatch, the center and rear and lower left lamps come on, making accessing my tools and working on small assemblies or whatnot much easier than having to hold a flashlight. (I'm also working on installing a lower right light, and additional lighting on the inside panel of the rear hatch)

#4 Front Dash/Instrumentation > I personally like the design of the dash were the sterio, accessory buttons, A/C etc. are located. It's very similar to the Acura MDX, smooth and simple and your can easily control functions without having to look for them, once you become familiar.

#5 Another simple feature > Cup Holders Everywere. One in each door, two in the front center console, and two in the rear seat... center fold-down divider. (I recently went on alittle excursion with some friends, and they appreciated having water bottles ready and wating during the drive)

#6 Sunroof > Mine has it, and Loving It.

#7 ESP (Electronic Stability Control) > This is a good feature to have. For those who have the earlier 2005 models, they should have returned them for an OBDII programming update, which modifies the shifting and ESP control as well as a few other things. Mine is a late 2005 (that I managed to find hidden on the lot, by complete Luck :) Anyways, you definately feel the difference with it on vs. off.

If you can imagine driving down the hwy, and with the ESP off, wiggle the steering wheel back and forth, making the rear of the vehicle sway from side to side. Turn the ESP back on and then peform the same steps. You immediatley can tell that the rear has stiffened up.

This also makes a big difference when driving during heavy winds, as I sometimes do going/coming to Las Vegas.

#8 Trip Computer > It is noted in the Owners Manual, but make certain it is included in your model if the salesman is using it as a feature to sell you on. As most do, when you go on a test drive, before you leave the lot and with the engine running, a simple despress of the trip button (located on the lower-right portion of the instrument bezel, should rotate the display as such... Trip Meter > Distance to Empty > Average Fuel Consumption. The display will also contain a small image of a vehicle.

I was abit disapointed not to have one included in mine, but I'm going to purchase a third party device that will make up the difference: Scan Gauge

#9 Warranty. The Tucson comes with a 5yr/60,000 Mile Warranty. However, when your signing the final paperwork, the sales office may have already included the 10yr/100,000 Mile warranty, at an additional charge. I paid the additional $1118.00 which is a fair price for the additional coverage.

Another Item to be aware at the time of signing is the Alarm System. Hyundai provides a factory alarm on the vehicle, that has all the features most basic alarms do, less the shock sensor. Don't be fooled into getting there so called Premium Securty System, it's nothing more than a third party company who's tied into the alarm harness and has added a simple shock sensor... All for the going price of $999!

Don't feel that Hyundai is doing you wrong by what I'm telling you. ALL Car Dealerships do this. It's refered to as Back End Sales. It's were all the monies the Front End Salesman has given away in order to get you to buy, the Back End Sales/Financing simply tries to get it all back. Take your time and read everything before you sign.

#10 Safety. Side Air Bags Everywhere! The Tucson does sit higher than a convential car, but still having the extra added safety provides more comfort should something happen.


Finally, there's plenty of accessories available for the Tucson, as is there are Forums full of lots of good information as well as helpful people.

In addition to this Forum, there is another Forum I belong to: Tucson Drivers

This post has been edited by lbocean: Jun 1 2006, 08:50 PM

Hi writedoc, MikDee and Ibocean,
thank for your great review. I don't thik I ever get a more in-depth review. Not even from Consumer Report or Consumer Guide, etc...

Ibocean, Top 10 things you like is an awesome way to start.
Your #5. I did not know that the Tucson has cup holder on every door. Wow.. That's a super plus. Very practical feature. So, they have 8 cup holders total (4 doors, plus 2 in front and 2 in the rear seat)?

Your #9. I totally agree with you. At one time a long time ago when I bought a new car (not my Sonata LX), I was so upset with the sales man... I can't wait to get out of that place once I know I can finalize the purchase... but this guy spent 3 additional hours offering & showing booklets of adds-on. Back-end sales as you call it. I did not buy a single thing... Anyway, I bought my Sonata LX used. I added another security alarm plus shock sensor plus remote starter that auto off after 10 minutes plus remote trunk opener... all for $350 ($100 for the parts off ebay and $250 for installation).

Now back to the Saturn Vue vs the Tucson/Sportage,
MikDee, thank for the lengthy review. This is exactly what I needed. A review beyond the name of the spec or the features. For the Vue, I was actually planning on getting the 4 cyl (better mpg). This is not the Honda-made engine. All online/paper reviews I've read was saying that this 4 cyl engine has no power. 11 seconds to get 0-60mph, I still wanted to give it a shot (test drive). I am not a engine performance kind-of guy. So, I may not mind as long as it's not super bad.....The only thing going for me on the Vue was their features & functionality, I thought. Thank for your review MikDee...uncomfortable seats, bumpy/jolting rides, no rear disc brakes (I did not realize this before, thank!), larger turning circle, rear window & hatch don't open separate (normal feature on most small SUV I know).... In addition, the reliability review from onine/paper review on these VUE are average/below average. All these will definitely steer me away from the VUE...... I was planning on test-driving one of these VUE in the next week... I may even not bother wasting my time.....I already remove Mazda3 5-door hatcback from my list after realizing what a bumpy and stiff ride it has during test drive. It's a great car with great engine, but very bumpy. not my style....

So, in short, the tucson / sportage are in the running. I noticed this months rebate on the Tucson is actually $500 more than last month. it didn't make me feel bad for not jumping on one last month.... Now, once my wife settle down on her job situation, we are most likely on our way to a Hyundai dealer... Hopefully that will be within the next month.

This post has been edited by cjdw_PU: Jun 29 2006, 08:37 AM

cjdw_PU,
I had to test drive the Vue, even if it meant a 50mile ride to the Saturn dealership, by the way his lot was overfull with Vue's, and it looked like they weren't a big seller, I see why now, I really think they're odd looking, couldn't get to like the styling either.

I'm glad I did test ride it, because it was one of the vehicles I was considering even before I bought the Santa Fe, so in between having that and trading for a Tucson, I managed to ease my mind. I went home, & hugged my Santa Fe at the time,,, lol,,, not really, but you know what I mean.

I urge you to test drive both vehicles to ease your mind, I think you'll see what I mean.

I almost bought a Sportage first, before my Tucson, the Kia dealership was closer to my home, But after I added the LX package, & heated leather seats, with a sunroof, they told me I could only get it in 2 colors, silver, or black??? I wanted, olive green, blue, or burgundy, but I'd have to give up some options! So, off I went to the Hyundai dealer, and bought a Nautical blue loaded Tucson.

Yep, Correct.

I'm a practical guy. Those things that MiKD mentioned, are also impotant to me as well.

The back end sales are actually kinda fun. You see, I had a second go around with them because I changed finanacing within the same week I got the Tucson, so I had them remove some things the second time around.

They weren't all that happy, but who cares. I'm under the impressing my happyness is what counts ^_^


Anyways, glad we could give you some insite. Were obvisously alittle bias, but in all honesty, if the Tucson didn't deserve the good feedback, it wouldn't get it.

Every car has it's problems. Even a Lexas. Even a $450,000 Motor Coach I recently saw with Lemons pasted all over the side of it. (Turns out the owner has been going through #%^* with the company and the quality control in how the bus was assembled. Turns out the company has been having lots of bad feedback as well.)


A few more things to add to the list....

#11 Spare Tire > is stored on the inside of the vehicle. Not stapled to the back with a dealer advertised cover.

#12 Utlity Tray > Located beneath the rear cargo floor, It's got lots of little divisions for you to divide up tools and whatnot.

#13 The glove compartment has a light, a small removable divider, and it locks as well.

#14 The outside review mirrors defrost when the rear defroster is turned on.

#15 The front windshield has its own De-Icer

That should just about keep you for the weekend :thumbsup:

Hi,
I test-drove the 2006 Saturn VUE last weekend. I was actually quite impressed with interior. But, the engine noise was super loud when you accelerate and it has no acceleration power in merging onto the highway. Coming from driving 02 Sonata LX, this loud noise is cracking my ears..... In addition, I am iffy about Saturn reliability. It sounds like a hit or miss in getting a reliable car.....People I've talked to seems to have a very good luck with it and very bad luck... So... Saturn in last in my list now....

MikD, you mention that your Santa Fe average a better fuel milage than the tucson.... Has anything changed from your year model with the 2006 model (not the new 2007)? In Hyundai website, the mpg rating is worse than the tucson. If the Santa Fe is actually getting better mpg, I may consider Santa Fe actually.

Thank again guys..

This just in...

Here's your reason to buy a Tucson....



Link Corrected as of late: 6/8/2006

Wow. JD Power sure got rid of that page fast.

Here's a few more links:

J.D. Power & Associates gives Hyundai / Tucson High Rating!


This one show the Tucson wining in the MUV category!

J.D. Power & Associates gives Hyundai / Tucson High Rating!

This post has been edited by lbocean: Jun 8 2006, 02:31 PM

Hey Lbocean, that link is in a foreign language?!

cjdw, I can only vouch for the Santa Fe with the 2.7 motor, for gas milage,,,, that is, if the drive system is the same as used on the 2002 model. I believe it was a Steurer-Puch design back then. I know the Tucson uses a Borg Warner system, and I believe that might be the problem.

My Goof. I corrected it now. Try again.

This post has been edited by lbocean: Jun 7 2006, 07:04 PM

Saturns are pretty decent depending on the model . :banana:

Yeah but don't try and make any tight U-turns, or K-turns, with them or any of it's GM clones, Nor any hard short emergency stops due to unavailable 4Wheel Disc brakes, as the turning circle, & stopping, distance is way more then the Santa Fe or Tucson. Plus the ride is harsher overall, & the styling is odd at best. These vehicles are built on the Malibu Maxx platform, which I believe has optional 4wheel disc brakes, but the same large 42 feet turning circle.

thank for all your inputs. I am ready to buy a new Tucson Limited. I am negotiating prices with a number of dealers in my area. Wish me luck... and soon my family of hyundai cars is extended. I already own a Sonata.

:clap:

Our work is done here. :)

Just FYI, I already got my new Tucson. :460:
It's a black with beige inside, Limited Trim. Wow. I am blown by how nice it is. Rides is nice and comfy, comparable to my Sonata. Even tough, it looks a bit small (small SUV), I am amazed at how spacious