A Mechanical Symphony: The KIAs and Hyundai's of the world are hitting it OUT OF THE PARK (w/Autoblog)

..... with offers such as these recently released examples. I remember in the early nineties, I'm not sure that I had even heard of KIA. Hyundai was given the same trash status as early Hondas. And deservedly in some instances. Honda had a difficult start when it entered the North American market, but quickly gain notoriety for reliability. My first car was a 1976 Honda Civic three door hatchback. That car survived some pretty serious thrashing including numerous cross country tours fully loaded to the ceiling - Guelph, Ontario to Fort Smith, NWT - I'd usually arrive on the third or fourth day - some 4000kms (2500miles) later. Fabulous trips with some many memories and experiences.

I sold that car after 5 years and several re-constructions with 170,000 miles on the clock. Rode hard and put away wet.

The Hyundai experience is not nearly as personal or intimate. But let it suffice that is was not a favourable experience.

And now we have Hyundai with several recent offerings that are truly stellar and gaining rapid acceptance at levels previously not considered worthy. Genesis sedan and coupe. I have heard the 3.8L motor referred to as 'sweet'. I have also heard that the 2.0L Turbo is equally and possibly even more so. The new Equus is stunning by design and have been given hearty accolades from the motoring press - including a stretch version for the home market.

The story is similar for a variety of offerings from KIA as well. From the Forte to the Sportage. If not at least for their commercials. But car reviewers are also beginning to take notice.

As written elsewhere, it is not the Big Three anymore, it is the Three, as Toyota hangs onto the annual sales leader for 2010.