Hyundai XG350 2004: The Weekly Driver Review

Introduced in September 2000, the Hyundai XG350 is the first vehicle
offered by the Korean manufacturer that approaches the $25,000 price
range.

In each of its four editions, new features have been added as the vehicle
attempts to find a niche among its the high-selling competitors -- the
Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.

My test vehicle for the week showcased the four-door XG350 at its best.
While its primary competition is more popular for good reason, the top-
of-the-line Hyundai has a good list of attractive features. Unfortunately, it
also has a list of needed improvements.

With a new exterior design, including restyled bumpers, headlights,
taillights, and grille, the four-door sedan has a finished, if basic, style.
Car manufacturers seemingly like fancy sounding color names, with my
test vehicle's exterior color no exception, Its color is called Celadon
Green.

Granted, Pale, Yellowish, Blue Green doesn't sound quite right, But by
whatever name, the color works, and it gives the vehicle a more
expensive look than its price.

I drove more than 500 miles in the vehicle, including a round-trip
journey to the Monterey Peninsula from Sacramento. The route included
long, open stretches of freeway, two-lance state routes and around-town
driving in the cities of Monterey and Carmel. The XG350 fared well.

With its 3.5-liter, 24-valve, V6 engine, the automatic transmission vehicle
has ample power and acceleration. It maneuvered through traffic nicely
and didn't hesitate or feel sluggish on steep climbs, even with the air
conditioning on. The car drives smoothly, provides a generally hushed
ride and brakes evenly.

Cruise control, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, digital clock, universal
garage-door opener, full-sized spare (new for '04), trip computer,
automatic headlights and 60-40 rear split seat are the substantial
standard features.

New also for the model is a newly patterned and attractive wood-
grained interior trim. Combined with automatic climate control, straight-
forward instrumentation design, individually heated leather front seats,
power windows, locks and doors and large, and separate digital read
out of the estimated remaining fuel miles, the flagship sedan has plenty
to offer. And with a standard price of 23,999, it's hard to dismiss the car.

Still, there are a few letdowns.

Despite some reviewers' description of "fine front leg room," the general
interior of the vehicle isn't as spacious as its exterior appearance might
suggest. The driver's side foot space was not extensive and the back
seat while appreciably comfortable was snug.

Two adults can ride without issue, but if they're six-feet or taller, the head
and foot room is modest. If comfort is a consideration, a child as a third
back-seat passenger would ride comfortably, but not an adult.

Fuel mileage is not spectacular. The XG350 has 17 mpg (city) and 26
(mpg) ratings, five miles less per gallon in city traffic than the Accord,
three miles less per gallon in the city than the Camry.

Hyundai's generous warranty -- 5 years/60,000 miles bumper to
bumper, 10 years/100,000 miles for the powertrain -- is appealing. As
such, the XG350 should be considered as a nicely appointed, well-
priced sedan alternative to its well-established Japanese competitors.

2004 Hyundai XG350

Safety features -- Driver and front passenger airbags and driver
and front passenger side impact airbags.

Fuel Mileage (estimates) -- 17 mpg (city), 26 mpg (highway).

Warranty -- Bumper to bumper, 5 years/60,000 miles;
Powertrain, 10 years/100,000 miles; Corrosion, 5 years, 60,000 miles;
Roadside assistance, 5 years, unlimited miles.

Base price -- $23,999.

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James Raia is a syndicated journalist in Sacramento, California, who
writes about sports, fitness, travel and lifestyle topics as well as the car
review colum, The Weekly Driver.

To read more car reviews, visit: The Weekly Driver

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