2001 Hyundai XG 300 - Hedonism for the Budget Conscious
Surprise! Hyundai antes up in a serious way to duke it out in the entry-level luxury segment. Not what you were expecting? Well, you're not alone. When most people think of Hyundai, a picture comes to mind of economy cars at bargain basement prices. Well the bargain basement price hasn't changed, but they have stepped up to an entirely new level of sophistication and refinement.
The XG 300 comes fully loaded for the paltry sum of $31,995. When you compare this to other entry-level luxury sedans in its class, such as the Cadillac Catera, Lincoln LS, Lexus ES 300, Infiniti 130 and Acura TL, it seems a small price to pay. Actually, even when compared to the Toyota Camry XLE, Honda Accord EX and Nissan Maxima, most of which would more appropriately be compared to the midsize Sonata, the XG is priced hundreds and even thousands of dollars lower.
That said, value is what Hyundai has always been about. Whether the new XG stands up to its competitors in quality over the long haul is yet to be determined. One thing that's for sure, the new Korean comes with most of the bells and whistles expected in this category. Site back in the comfortable power heated front seats and adjust the power heated outside mirrors, while taking in the aroma of the XG's leather interior - hedonism is now available to the have-nots. There is not shortage of luxury appointments, such as a large power moonroof, user-friendly automatic climate control, cruise control, trip computer, power windows and locks with keyless entry, as well as a security alarm with an immobilizer system. Hyundai even got the sound system right, a premium six-speaker unit with a single in-dash CD that gives you no desire to upgrade to an aftermarket stereo. Actually, the XG is only lacking a few expected features such as dual zone climate control and memory position seats.
Surprise! Hyundai antes up in a serious way to duke it out in the entry-level luxury segment. Not what you were expecting? Well, you're not alone. When most people think of Hyundai, a picture comes to mind of economy cars at bargain basement prices. Well the bargain basement price hasn't changed, but they have stepped up to an entirely new level of sophistication and refinement.
The XG 300 comes fully loaded for the paltry sum of $31,995. When you compare this to other entry-level luxury sedans in its class, such as the Cadillac Catera, Lincoln LS, Lexus ES 300, Infiniti 130 and Acura TL, it seems a small price to pay. Actually, even when compared to the Toyota Camry XLE, Honda Accord EX and Nissan Maxima, most of which would more appropriately be compared to the midsize Sonata, the XG is priced hundreds and even thousands of dollars lower.
That said, value is what Hyundai has always been about. Whether the new XG stands up to its competitors in quality over the long haul is yet to be determined. One thing that's for sure, the new Korean comes with most of the bells and whistles expected in this category. Site back in the comfortable power heated front seats and adjust the power heated outside mirrors, while taking in the aroma of the XG's leather interior - hedonism is now available to the have-nots. There is not shortage of luxury appointments, such as a large power moonroof, user-friendly automatic climate control, cruise control, trip computer, power windows and locks with keyless entry, as well as a security alarm with an immobilizer system. Hyundai even got the sound system right, a premium six-speaker unit with a single in-dash CD that gives you no desire to upgrade to an aftermarket stereo. Actually, the XG is only lacking a few expected features such as dual zone climate control and memory position seats.