The Minivan Wars Heat up

It was only a matter of time before entering the fray truck and after several false starts over and over again Hyundai minivan appears to be once again. Hyundai is targeting a market that has eluded them and it seems that a version of the long wheelbase of the Kia Sedona will soon be sold in the U.S. as a Hyundai Entourage. The minivan wars are heating up again even as you leave the competition in the market and another also gives serious consideration to abandoning the minivan segment. Is there an Entourage in your future? Read on to learn all the details and then decide.

Two decades ago, Hyundai entered the U.S. market with its $ 3600 Excel Pony. This well-priced fare, the cheaper model built to set the tone for the new importer and was not good at it. The low quality was the arm and arm with the lower price, but consumers continue to buy Hyundai anyway as a new Excel compares favorably with the prices of the latest models of cars of the era. Many owners shrugged off the cheap plastic and quality issues, citing that the Pony gave them something they never had before: a new car.


HyundaiEventually, Hyundai expanded its line and improve their quality levels. An industry best warranty plan was created and implemented which helped to emphasize that Hyundai was serious about building quality vehicles that are behind many of their products. Mysteriously, a truck was not part of the line although its subsidiary Kia Sedona successfully introduced and the demand for light trucks remained strong.

Rumors of a Hyundai SUV have been circulating for several years. company's previous press even suggested the possibility, but no official announcement had been offered. Finally, in late 2005, Hyundai said it would go ahead and produce a minivan based on the stretched wheelbase version of the Kia Sedona. No short-wheelbase van is provided, so that Entourage will focus clearly on one end slightly larger and more lucrative minivan market.

With a 3.8L V6 engine, power sliding doors, ABS, traction control, six airbags and air conditioning tri-zone, the delegation will be equipped to compete directly against four popular models: the Dodge Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country, Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. Based on the Sedona, Hyundai has a job for himself as the Sedona has been below average in quality and reliability.

Hyundai will be to the advantage of competitive pricing and off-market Ford and General Motors considering doing the same, Hyundai's approach fits squarely in competition with the two products of Chrysler, and Honda models and costly Siena. While Chrysler is currently the sales leader in this segment, an elegant Entourage optioned sales likely to attract equipped versions of each model. This will not happen if quality levels are not improving.