2001 Hyundai XG300 - Page 1 Review

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Shopping for a 2001 Hyundai XG300? MSRP: $23,499 - $24,999

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Hyundai building a luxury car? That little company that made its reputation on small vehicles for the budget-conscious?

Well, let's get real. Hyundai sells a lot of cars — to 190 countries, in fact. And it operates the world's largest integrated auto manufacturing facility. And in addition to eight research centers and four international centers, Hyundai also runs a tech center in Michigan and a design center in California. How about them apples? So there's no reason why a company of this size shouldn't get into the luxury market, even if it’s entry-level.

This toe-in-the-door is called the XG300. It's the largest and most expensive car Hyundai has ever offered to buyers in the U.S. and retails for around $23,000. Is the American public ready for a $23,000 Hyundai? If it packs the kind of value this sedan has, and has similar features to $35,000 sedans in the same category, then the answer is yes.

Like Hyundai's other conveyances, the XG300 comes loaded with equipment you'd pay extra for on some other brand vehicles. It includes just about everything on your wish list: anti-lock brakes, five-speed automatic transmission with a clutchless Shiftronic system, power mirrors, air conditioning, rear and side window defrosters, fog lamps, cruise control, traction control, adjustable steering wheel, six-way seats, and a host of other features. The lone option is a stereo system with six speakers.

On a Maxima plane

The four-door, five-seater has no engine choices but the 3.0-liter DOHC V-6 can take you most places. Veering towards a classic, traditionally-styled semi-muscular German design, the XG300 may not turn too many heads on the road but for the driver and passengers the car promises to emerge as an image-builder for Hyundai. Comparing it to the Acura TL and Nissan Maxima and noting the XG300 is quite a bit larger than the Toyota Camry and a whole lot larger than a Lexus ES300, the Korean car company is not concerned about breakthrough forms or design innovations but rather the next step in the evolution of Hyundai's products. The Koreans want to broaden their lineup so when you visit one of their dealerships there will be a greater variety of vehicles from which to choose.