Why You Should Buy the Hyundai Entourage

The little advertised, but well rated 2007 Hyundai Entourage may just be the next big thing in the mini-van market. Unlike Honda, Hyundai spends very little time and money marketing their new addition to the line. Their logic? People don't buy a van because they saw a sexy ad -- they buy a van because they need a van. And priced thousands less than the closest competition, this is a min-van you want to take a closer look at.

The Entourage is Hyundai's first attempt at a mini-van. Their Sante Fe SUV was the closest thing to it prior to the 2007 model year. But, given their increasing popularity, it's no big surprise that Hyundai finally jumped into the family van business. For those who are unfamiliar with the Hyundai brand, they have one of the best warrenties on the market -- 10 years, 100,000 miles power train, 5 years, 60,000 miles bumper to bumper. They have faith in the reliablity of their vehicles, and have a warrenty that proves it. And for the money, you just can't beat a Hyundai.

Hyundai is able to price their cars much lower than the competition for several reasons. They have fewer body styles and options, which means lower production costs. They have a few different option packages for each model, which again saves them on the production lines. If you're looking to pick and choose your options, Hyundai may not be the brand for you, but, if you appreciate a package that contains all the necessary options and little more, then this is the car for you.

From the outside, the Entourage looks a bit like an overgrown station wagon. It doesn't quite look a minivan or an SUV -- think somewhere in the middle. Inside, you'll find very comfortable seats (2 front, 2 middle that can easily be folded down or removed, and three in the back, in bench style, that can fold into the floor), a well designed center console with 4 cup holders, two glove boxes, in dash storage space in several other places, and a convenient layout of the dashboard. The van has excellent pick-up, and drives like a car. Turns are no problem, although it does take some getting used to when you're backing up if you aren't a regular mini-van driver.

Whoever designed this vehicle was clearly thinking about the needs of kids as well as those of parents. While the back passengers can control the temperature, the driver can override that feature. And, the driver has the option to turn off and on all interior lights with the simple flip of a switch. There are power windows and doors on even the base model, and side airbags are standard. The aisle down the center of the van is plenty wide, although it can be tough to reach the back row of seats if there are carseats in both the center chairs. (A way around this it to have older kids enter and exit through the rear hatch.)

Prices start in the mid 20's, several thousand less than the Honda and Toyata vans. Much more comfortable than a similarly priced Dodge van, and with a much better warranty, the Hyundai Entourage has truly distinguished itself among mini-vans on the market.