2007 Hyundai Entourage [ 2008 ]
Hyundai Entourage
Overall Score - 8.4 (Very Good)
The Entourage delivers one of the best combinations of spacious seven-passenger seating, safety and affordability in its class.
Reviewers generally agree the all-new 2007 Hyundai Entourage is a smooth-riding, safe and well-equipped choice within the minivan market. Motor Trend says, "Hyundai's first-ever minivan (essentially a twin to the Kia Sedona) was designed with the hope of overtaking the Honda Odyssey as the industry standard. With 250 horsepower, a bevy of standard safety equipment, and a roomy interior, it comes close."
The Entourage shares a platform with the Kia Sedona, which went on sale in mid-2006. Automobile.com feels the fledgling Entourage surpasses its platform mate, commenting, "Hyundai's van receives a collection of Entourage-exclusive components and build techniques making it the more affluent cousin to the highly praised Sedona." The Detroit News calls the Entourage "a pretty impressive effort right out of the box" and deems "nearly as good as the class leaders from Chrysler, Toyota and Honda."
Not only is the Entourage viewed as a viable minivan offering, but it has top honors to back it up. In addition to being a Consumer Guide "Recommended Pick," the Entourage received Motor Week's 2007 Driver's Choice Award for Best Minivan. On top on that, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the Entourage a "Top Safety Pick" for its generous smorgasbord of standard features and outstanding performance in crash tests.
The icing on the cake is an affordable sticker price and good value relative to the competition. Edmunds notes, "If you're hoping to maximize your buying dollar with a minivan that's capable yet affordably priced, the 2007 Hyundai Entourage (or its twin, the Kia Sedona) is your best choice." Kelley Blue Book continues the thought, commenting, "If you like to keep expenses down but don't want to sacrifice any helpful necessities, the Entourage may be a good common-sense choice." And About.com positively gushes, "I discovered that you can spend more money on another minivan, but you won't buy a better one than the Hyundai Entourage." In addition to affordable pricing and lots of standard features, the Entourage boasts a best-in-class powertrain warranty that far exceeds the competition.
Resale value, however, is a different story. Kelley Blue Book predicts the Entourage will perform poorly over time, noting it is "expected to retain 27 percent of its original value over a 60-month period, which is on par with the Kia Sedona but below its Honda and Toyota competitors." IntelliChoice gives the GLS base model a value rating of "worse than average" for its predicted five-year total cost of ownership, compared to others in its class. However, IntelliChoice also names the Entourage a Best in Class winner for Lowest Repair Costs.
The Entourage comes in three trims -- the GLS base model, the SE and the ultra-luxury Limited -- which add various external and internal features. One powertrain is standard across all trims.
Entourage Performance - 7.8 (Good)
Most test drivers like how the 2007 Hyundai Entourage performs, especially considering its large size and hefty curb weight. Automobile.com touts it as "a big box that rides as quietly as a dignified sedan -- and quite possibly as smooth." continue
Entourage Exterior - NA
Auto writers generally see the 2007 Hyundai Entourage's exterior as pleasant enough, even if it doesn't break any new stylistic ground. U.S. News reviewer Rick Newman deems it "not" hot, but still notes, "I proudly steer the Entourage, Hyundai's brand-new minivan, right into the midst of suburban self-satisfaction. It fits there. It's not a looker, but the Entourage has curves and proportions that give it presence." continue
Entourage Interior - 8.2 (Very Good)
Edmunds feels the 2007 Hyundai Entourage's seven-seat interior "offers ample versatility for a minivan," and most reviewers agree. They also generally feel that the cabin is refined and comfortable. New Car Test Drive says, "There is just enough room for six in pleasant yet functional surroundings." continue
Entourage Safety - 9.8 (Excellent)
The 2007 Hyundai Entourage is generally regarded as very safe by auto reviewers. Not only does it feature more standard safety equipment than most cars, it also receives excellent scores in government crash tests. In fact, the Entourage's safety scores are so impressive that the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety named it a "Top Safety Pick." continue
Entourage Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2007 Hyundai Entourage reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Hyundai offers impressive warranty coverage on all of its cars, including a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty. continue