Second time doing this, go easy on me... Anyway, when I edited this video I noticed it's Lincoln, Lincoln, Lincoln all the time, but here a few honorable mentions. Especially the front also reminds me of a second gen Infiniti Q45 (but that model is entirely unheard of over here) The rear, as others already pointed out, looks a lot like a Rover 75, the tailights look like the ones on a Maserati Quattroporte and I also detect a hint of Volvo S60 with the trunk being higher than the rear fenders/tailights.
You didn't mention that the XG model is a rebuilt Mitsubishi Diamante with the same middle section, shared parts, engines and transmission as the Diamante.
As a former Diamante owner, I can say the platform is interesting with some pretty questionable engineering quality. I always liked these. The rear was kind of a Bentley Arnage affair.
How many miles does this car usually get? Mines almost 200,00 I'm having problems with it but I really like the ride its very smooth. I don't really want to get rid of it. Is it worth fixing. AC not working, needs a new driver window motor n timing belt put back together.
Hyundai and Kia got the big change in the last couple of years. And i really have to say it´s a rival for european and jdm car brands , they are cheap, have a good quality and in generell everything you need.
Must be a millenial thing my first 5 cars had V8's, didn't have anything with 6 cylinders till my mid 20's actually still haven't owned a 4 cylinder, just 2 3.5L V6 and a 5.7L Hemi in my current 300's.
The first car I ever bought factory new was a 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe with that same 3.5L engine. Loved it. Drove it for over a decade, but when the things that usually go wrong on cars with over 100k miles started going wrong with it, I traded it in on a 2011 Mercedes C300. I also loved the Merc (until it pretty much broke in half) and in terms of speed and handling it was the better car (again, until the broke in half thing), but when it came to luxury....the Hyundai actually gave me more, and better. Auto-dimming rearview mirror, windshield wipers with multiple variable speed settings, a glove box big enough to store more than just gloves in, back seats large enough for actual human beings to ride comfortably in, these were all things the Hyundai gave me which the C-class did not. The Mercedes gave me bits of wood inside and an infotainment/nav screen. As for everything else you'd expect from entry level luxury cars of that era, both cars had it and the Korean versions were _at least_ as good as the German varieties. So, yeah--at least until RUclips blows up for you and you're ready for a brand new S-Class or something, stick with the Hyundai. In hindsight I kinda wish I had.
Well that's the thing, even with current Hyundai's. They went with the value for money approach. Meaning, loaded with options, but it all comes in a cheap package, as shown in the video. But if you are the type of person that really doesn't care about brand exclusivity (or paying for the name only) then this is a great deal!
@@EdsAutoReviews That's why I went with the i10 n line. Compared to its competitors it's absolutely packed with features you'd expect from a bigger car.
I second this, don't forget to mention "port a walls" sort of a removable white wall ring, I may be throwing a set on my 1959 and 1960 Pontiac to save cost an actual whitewalls
Korean living in NL here. I absolutely enjoyed watching your review! I've seen only one XG in NL so far, and oh boy, I got so nostalgic and couldn't get my eye off of it. And I've always wanted to have one to restore. Grandeur(XG) was and still is the symbol of success in Korea, so I think pretty much all Koreans once dreamed of owning one. I think you'd also love the Kia Opirus, which is the sister vehicle of XG but with more resembling looks to Lincoln Town Car.
It is known as Grandeur here in Korea and it used to be a status of rich man. But starting from the the 3rd gen of Grandeur which is the XG, it became more of "I'm having pretty good life" symbol rather than a rich person. It is because Equus was introduced as a flagship model and Dynasty was positioned between Equus and Grandeur. Due to such reason, starting from this gen, the Grandeur started to share the platform with Sonata and changed to owner driven characteristic. Now, it still is a symbol of success but for 30~40 years old ppl which means that the customers got younger. And it isn't no longer considered as a chauffer driven vehicle unlike the past. There are tons of more luxurious and expensive vehicles now and ppl got much richer than 90's. So, current gen Grandeur has same position as Avalon in USA. Only different thing is that Grandeur is still favored by young ppl.
Very interesting getting your perspective, and learning how this car is perceived in its country of origin! I don't think I've ever seen a Grandeur/XG here in Denmark but I do sometimes see Kia Magentis and Opirus.
Why did I think Ed was a middle aged man? He sounds much older than he looks! He sounds “experienced” and speaks so eloquently. I’m glad I could finally see the man behind the “automotive history series” videos! Love your content, Ed!
I thought these were cool when they first came out. As a kid, I remember seeing it on a revolving stage at the Chicago Auto Show. Also, great to see you as not just a voice! Kinda cute too...lol
True! That's the only car I like to confuse it with the Hyundai. Whenever I spot one on the highway I always hope it's another XG, but usually turns out to be a 75 instead. :(
My parents had a 2004 XG350, White Pearl with the fabulous beige. LoL. I have a 2002 Sonata LX same colors also with leather interior. Funny thing is the two cars share those same exact seats. If it wasn't for the fact that we had them parked side by side, I never would have believed it. The leather in the XG was softer though.
@@EdsAutoReviews I had one in Switzerland. i agree with Ed on most points he made, great car! and the automatic transmission was indeed developed together with Porsche. on a sharp descend, you could brake down to the speed you wanted, and it hold that speed by itself then. Very classy.
I also have this car (2005 XG350L). Noticed your radio, I replaced the original radio to one just like yours. Updated my all the speakers, added a sub woofer as well. I love this car, call her Buelah. True, it may not be fast but she's comfortable.
Have had an 1999 XG30 (XG300 in US). Also love the perfectly cushy ride. The frameless windows are able to open from outside to enable very easy entry in narrow parking lots. Also still love its styling. Neighbours consider it being a "strange Mercedes" or even a Bentley! (Compare its rear end with the 2004 Bentley Continental Sedan!). But I also have had a lot of trouble with it. Being 8-11 years (135.000-170.000km) old, it needs a new gearbox and a manifold intake. Both costed together more than the entire car, which I bought, when it was only 8 years old. In spite of this trouble, my garage was very concerned about it, so I'm riding a Hyundai again. (i30 instead of XG30)
Still see many XG 350 here in Chicago, Illinois area. I really loved my 2008 Hyundai Azera Limited. Was averaging 22 miles per gallon combined city/highway with that 263 HP 3.8 Litre V6. No Turbo. Was pushing 152,000 trouble free miles before I got hit and it was totaled. It had all the bells and whistles and a great sound system with Satelite radio. Miss that car.
As one dutch person to another dutch person: Put an LS in it. And then they both laughed because a V8 is a lorry motor and engine swaps in the netherlands are barely a thing. Ps: Also, it's kind of pronounced "h'yùn dèh". The "y" isn't pronounced like "eye". Source: Some of my former classmates are korean.
I was planning to take a moment to discuss the ways of pronouncing Hyundai. But I decided to skip it, and stick to the British English pronounciation. Rolls of the tongue nicely.
@@EdsAutoReviews lol As a Korean everytime I see someone say "hi-undie" i get mixed feelings.. Since the english pronunciation itself is to blame not individuals, but also that nobody really cares how the Korean company is pronounced in its mother language. BTW some youtubers call it "hunday" and I often see many comments trying to correct them, but that's actually the closest pronunciation to original that I've seen of English-speaking youtubers.
An excellent review of an underrated car. I like the XG350. I think they are handsome. I love the frame less windows. Not an exciting car to drive but 'adequate 'as Rolls-Royce used to say about their power output. Yours appears to be in excellent condition. I too am a cruiser, not a speedster. I would happily own a Hyundai XG350. Greetings from New Zealand
I see this car everyday for the last 10 years. The man who drives it is in his 80’s he keeps it in good shape. Here in the USA in the North East and parked outside year round. I admire you Ed because I would be doing excatly what you do if the technology was around in 1987. In 1987 I bought a Over the shoulder Camcorder they took large VHS Tapes for the VCR. It weight about 20lbs. I did my 1963 Lincoln commercials and driving scenes. I am sad those tapes are gone. I should of been a car journalist instead of a Restauranteur. But I was born to early. Keep it up
I sold Hyundai in the NY Metro area from 2003-2006, and always offered to pick up a new XG350 when we did a dealer swap. Great cars, and our sales manager always drove one. Most of the used ones that came in, even with low mileage, did not steer as well as when new. A recall was issued in 2009 for XGs and Sonatas up through the '04 model year involving the front subframe. It seems that cars used in the rust belt, including NY, NJ, New England and the mid-west, have issues with the subframe where corrosion can weaken it and prevent proper alignment of the front end. Ed, hopefully your '05 can simply be realigned if not steering correctly. As for myself, before leaving this dealer I purchased a new 06 Sonata, one of the best cars I have ever owned and, as per Hyundai's admission, a 1/3-price copy of the Audi A6.
Any car that makes you enjoy driving it is a good car. I thought the centre part of the XG was familiar. It's platform comes from Mitsubishi, from the Diamante/Verada of 1995-2005. Makes sense as Hyundai's earlier models were built off modified Mitsubishi structures and mechanicals. Ford of Europe was also a donor. Hyundai started out assembling Ford Cortinas for the South Korean market.
Hard to believe your car seemed so slow. I drove an 04 XG350, and that car ran like a bat out of hell despite the curb weight. It def was much quicker than the example you bought. But thoroughly love the video, and the ride and performance out of that Hyundai, and I'm a guy who's owned 1977 Grand Prix, 76 Cadillac Sedan Deville, 77 Pontiac Catalina, 80 El Camino SS, as well as smaller cars, and a 3.9l V6, 98 Dodge hi-top conversion van. So, like yourself, I have much love for automobiles and nice motorcycles (NOT Harleys). Keep up the good work! Love your humor! Who knows? When the day comes when my investments pop, perhaps we can fly you here to do a series of the older cars we plan on buying. All out best from Naples Florida. 🤙
Hi Ed. Enjoyed your video. Great to see a non cycling video from the Netherlands! (although I am a keen cyclist). My wife’s mother just sold her one owner XG Grandeur in Brisbane. Nice car but she cannot drive any more. I have a 2009 Hyundai Sonata from new in excellent condition which is an unappreciated comfortable and reliable car here in Aus. Plus an Atomic Green 2007 HSV Maloo with 10,000km. Rob, Perth, Western Australia.
I have an '02 with the "L" , presumably "luxury" trim. In the US, there was a base model which lacked the digital thermostat and presumably some other details. I picked it up for $3000 a couple years ago with only 47,000 miles on it. Since it was nearly 20 years old at the time, I had the timing belt and water pump redone. After about a year I started getting a loud "THUNK" in the right rear. I figured out it was a shock mounting component. I changed the back shocks myself and found that an original bushing was made of a foam rubber that deteriorated with age, otherwise the shocks would have had some life left. The replacement bushings are the typical sturdy vulcanized rubber. It's been an enjoyable and practical car all-in-all. It's comfortable enough for a 300 mile trip to visit family and the mileage is decent. One thing I really like is that it is perfectly happy with regular grade gasoline, which saves quite a bit, especially with the current prices. Fun fact, even before the Grandeur, the earliest ancestor of the XG, and thus Genesis, was the Mitsubishi Debonair, an early "luxury" Japanese effort dating all the way back to 1964. It was rebadged and manufactured by Hyundai in 1986 as the first Grandeur. On our XG350s, the Sigma V6 engine is based on a Mitsubishi design.
I live in America and I got my hyundai xg350 (2002) in 2019. I've only seen 3 others on the road. I love my car to bits. She's my first and I'm so happy to have such a rare beast.
I owned one of these in the UK it was known as the XG30 I loved it it was extremely quick smooth and quiet. I bought it when it more or less first came out traded in a Hyundai Sonata. You’re right about the front end I used to get lots of looks as people were trying to work out what it was. I liked the 10cd autochanger in the boot. The only reason I sold it was cos I got a dog so purchased a Hyundai Santa Fe
You my friend are hilarious. Please dont stop making your videos. I believe you are comin up in this game. Funny and informative, hard to balance but you nailed it.
I have the Kia Opirus 2005, it is the exact same car, and what you said about luxury comfort feel is absolutely true. I bought it brand new at the time and still owns it today, love the car, love the review 👍🏻
Great review Ed, this of course extra resonates with me because I own a Hyundai Sonata 2005 with the 2.7 V6. You mention everything I like about these cars. Your documentaries are also very enjoyable, true car historian stuff and very well made. Compares well to Big Car and Lazy Car reviews channel.
Years ago I got a 1984 Oldsmobile Delta 88 as a beater car to drive 50 km to work in the Alberta Prairie. This car had the original Olds 5 L V8 4bbl carb, it was the typical Blues Brothers car! But that car was was rock-solid reliable, super comfy like driving your sofa down the highway, remember, I said Prairie, no turning required. The air conditioning was so good, one could hang a side of frozen beef in the back seat, drive 300 km and it would still be frozen. It was one great car, seated 6 adults with ease, and if needed, a couple of bodies along with luggage in the trunk. The only negative, it really sucked driving in the winter, but if you ran into a moose or buffalo, you stood a chance of surviving.
I own a 2005 Kia Amanti which is the same vein of luxury budgetmobile. It also has the same -fire-breathing- 3.5l sigma engine. I also got it for a low price, a grand total of *free* . Yea, even a junkyard offered $75 for this beauty. Worked on it myself and $2000 later, I have a $2000 car. But at least it has a new, different color interior. Now has 188,000 miles (~300,000km) and still a daily driver.
I have one currently. 2002 model. It was a great car, until I had lost a tire and the tow truck dropped my car from a couple feet 😃 but I worked on the car mostly, an honestly the easiest fwd to work on so far and not expensive to fix as you go.
Being Mexican, I'm used to seeing American cars with big ass V8 engines, and it's kinda mesmerising to see someone so obsessed on something I see everyday.
It has a lot of similarities with my dad's 2004 Kia Opirus (12 yrs in one hands) - engine, some parts of center console, interior door handles and so on. And I kinda like this car, it has comfort of old Mercedes E class but price of older, basic Skoda Fabia. Still Hyundai styling was much more polished and looks great until today.
Hello fellow XG 35 owner .I am living in Germany and i paid 3000 euros for mine back in 2017. I have put 70K KM on it and only once had the radiator replaced. Mine doesn't look nearly as good it has quite a few dents and scratches. And it's grey. Nevertheless it runs smooth and if you always change your fluids it will last you a long time. That engine is indestructible. The comfort is really nice. I wish I had the black one in that shape. I really never want to own another car.
I stumbled across one of your videos on my suggested video playlist and I clicked on it which took me to your channel. As a result of this video I'm a new subscriber. Your videos are extremely entertaining and you have a great presence on camera. I look forward to seeing more of your content being uploaded very soon
In the US we also had the Kia version of the XG350. It was called the Kia Amanti. I had a rental 2007 model for one month. Not bad at all. I remember an automotive review that called it the Korean Buick.
I came to the comments to see that someone offers Ed a ride in his Towncar. But it didn't seem to happen. Too bad! I only could offer you a ride in a Crown Vic. Really nice review, btw. I really enjoyed it!
Nice review. I own a Centennial JS350, the only one in Norway - your #3 most expensive country for petrol - and one of 37 in Europe (35 of them are V8 models). It was originally sold here with a great story. As you pointed out, the Equus/Centennial was a proper step up from the export-model XG350. Korea's first V8, but still FWD. If you're ever in Western Norway, you're very much welcome to drive and knock it. It's not a cheap choice though, there's a lot of maintenance to keep up with and I try to be a good custodian. Example: A radiator costs 100$ at "blue hands" in SK, once it arrives here and every Norwegian hand touching it doubles the price, retail is 800$.
I really love that segment of cars. In my country, we call them "boats" (as a reference to their size). They usually are very luxurious, with great engines (such as your V6), have crazy depreciation so you can get them for pennies, and the previous owners were most likely wealthy middle-aged men who took great care of them. I currently own a Hyundai Genesis Coupe, but I think my next car will be a Volkswagen Passat CC or an Alfa Romeo 159.
I've always liked the design. The frameless doors, the clean lines, understated good looks that is not trying too hard. I first saw it in Korea in 1999 and then in Canada a year later. In Canada I saw it with aftermarket larger wheels and it really looked Boss.
As a fellow Dutch man i can relate to the absurd cost of owning a car in the Netherlands. It is also one of the reason's i had to sell my car as a student! also nice to put a face with the voice. Great accent too, way better than the 'steenkool engels'. Keep up the good work!
I am a Dutch guy passionate about American cars too and as a daily I wanted a cheap luxury car too, but I like longtops more than sedans (to haul stuff) so I got myself a US-spec’d V40 (auto, Cruise, climate, heated seats et cetera). If this was a station I’d be very jealous 😊
i was tboned in one of these at 60 mph and left without a scratch on me. this was my first car and a hand me down so it was free, with 2 missfires on a v6 and definitely some frame damage on the front from a prior rear end. not one to hold up with performance but the interior was GORGEOUS. better than any merc/bmw/lexus from the same time
I actually had a Hyundai XG30 as a company car briefly.. Big bouler 17" wheels and everything... Yeaaaah!. But it was a surprisingly nice drive. Especially compared to the Accents, Sonatas and Elantras Hyundai were inflicting on the public back then. Top pick for underrated obscure vehicle pick!.
it's so sweet to see how happy you are owning your little Hyundai. i'm amazed it has pillarless doors too! i was expecting this car to be underwhelming but this car is genuinely really interesting. thank you for this! another thing i just noticed is the low mounted wing mirrors. a really quirky little car!
Awesome work here. I'm looking at one of these right now for sale. It's the same year and only has very very little miles on the odometer. Owned by a grandma who didn't drive much. I think I'm gonna seal the deal on it.
I just became aware of your channel today. Your vids are of very high quality. Nice job. What I can’t figure out is why you don’t have a million subscribers.
Gonna switch the electric for a manual choke on my Webered 81 Sub, and wouldnt want to live without changing gears. Im a control freak, different strokes for different folks.
For what they were in the late 90s to 2000s, they did a damn good job at doing a slightly more premium offering. And to be very honest this was priced the same as something like a Toyota Camry or Accord which were dull and grey all over.
Great job Edward. I think a whole segment of Automotive History could be separate videos on each marque and what they contributed to the industry (the good, the bad and the Ugly). PS - the small British sports car scene is also really cool
That trunk is great! Bigger than on my Crown Vic. Have fun with the car, seems great for you and your interests. Hopefully you can keep it until you’re bored of it, not until it gives up on you
Wow Ed,, that car is some pretty good looking and in GREAT SHAPE for a car of it's age! Be proud,,,,, whatever the worth,,,,, it's old and in GREAT SHAPE,,, and how many people have any car that age, in that good of shape!
Ed, you are so cute! You should try driving your XG350 through Laren to see if the kids snap photos of your "rare" car...probably not...but if you give me heads up I will try to snap a picture of your cuteness! Loving these videos and hoping to see more of you! If ever in Blaricum, let me know!
It’s cool that you like qualities of American cars: soft ride, space, styling... we here in the USA take American cars for granted and wish for European qualities like handling, efficiency and responsiveness. It’s funny the grass is always greener on the other side. Love your reviews and it’s cool to see your personality come out more in the personal reviews. I loved the CRAP part... I was laughing so hard. Man if you come visit America, you can come drive and review my Lincoln Mark viii and sn95 Muatang cobra... cars that are definitely under appreciated and forgotten here.
Reminds me of my 2004 hyundai sonata. Definitely can see similarities all over. The front-end being most different, the interior ironically seems to be more "luxurious" with the materials used, not all plastic over plastic.
So true... I agree with every discription you said about the xg.. I totally love my xg for all of the above reasons and it did remind me of a Lincoln Town car. My model is the same black exterior.. With black leather interior... I upgraded the interior my self.. Xg250, but only 4 speed.. And it comes with the hood ornaments in front.
Second time doing this, go easy on me... Anyway, when I edited this video I noticed it's Lincoln, Lincoln, Lincoln all the time, but here a few honorable mentions. Especially the front also reminds me of a second gen Infiniti Q45 (but that model is entirely unheard of over here) The rear, as others already pointed out, looks a lot like a Rover 75, the tailights look like the ones on a Maserati Quattroporte and I also detect a hint of Volvo S60 with the trunk being higher than the rear fenders/tailights.
You didn't mention that the XG model is a rebuilt Mitsubishi Diamante with the same middle section, shared parts, engines and transmission as the Diamante.
Pretty sweet ride. From the side it looks a little like a Subaru! Let the freebees coming with that 3,5 haha Btw Ed.. it’s Maybach, not mayback 😜
Fun Fact: The Daewoo Nubira and 2000s Quattroporte share taillights
@Ed Auto Reviews you are becoming a legend my friend :)
As a former Diamante owner, I can say the platform is interesting with some pretty questionable engineering quality.
I always liked these. The rear was kind of a Bentley Arnage affair.
So glad to finally see the man standing behind the voice of marvelous videos
Great sense of humor, excellent content, well researched and informed. I so appreciate you Ed!
@AutoFuturo Agreed!
How many miles does this car usually get?
Mines almost 200,00
I'm having problems with it but I really like the ride its very smooth. I don't really want to get rid of it.
Is it worth fixing. AC not working, needs a new driver window motor n timing belt put back together.
It's a 2005
No joke, Most improved athletes award goes to.....Hyundai/Kia group
For sure, never would I've thought that I would actually lust for a Korean car but here I am (surely my next choice will be the Kia Stinger)
@@Bimmer_98 indeed, the stinger is flabberghastingly beautiful. sat in it at the geneva motorshow when it was brand new
Hyundai and Kia got the big change in the last couple of years. And i really have to say it´s a rival for european and jdm car brands , they are cheap, have a good quality and in generell everything you need.
Korean cars are a lot better than they used to be, except for that one 4 cylinder engine they use that likes to self-destuct.
No joke? NO QUESTION. They used to be the joke, now they win Car of the Year awards internationally.
Imagine having a V6 as your first car, extremely gangster, ed
Must be a millenial thing my first 5 cars had V8's, didn't have anything with 6 cylinders till my mid 20's actually still haven't owned a 4 cylinder, just 2 3.5L V6 and a 5.7L Hemi in my current 300's.
@@300guy l
@@300guy mine also
@@300guy no it's because you're American
nobody is perfect
The first car I ever bought factory new was a 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe with that same 3.5L engine. Loved it. Drove it for over a decade, but when the things that usually go wrong on cars with over 100k miles started going wrong with it, I traded it in on a 2011 Mercedes C300. I also loved the Merc (until it pretty much broke in half) and in terms of speed and handling it was the better car (again, until the broke in half thing), but when it came to luxury....the Hyundai actually gave me more, and better. Auto-dimming rearview mirror, windshield wipers with multiple variable speed settings, a glove box big enough to store more than just gloves in, back seats large enough for actual human beings to ride comfortably in, these were all things the Hyundai gave me which the C-class did not. The Mercedes gave me bits of wood inside and an infotainment/nav screen. As for everything else you'd expect from entry level luxury cars of that era, both cars had it and the Korean versions were _at least_ as good as the German varieties.
So, yeah--at least until RUclips blows up for you and you're ready for a brand new S-Class or something, stick with the Hyundai. In hindsight I kinda wish I had.
Well that's the thing, even with current Hyundai's. They went with the value for money approach. Meaning, loaded with options, but it all comes in a cheap package, as shown in the video. But if you are the type of person that really doesn't care about brand exclusivity (or paying for the name only) then this is a great deal!
@@EdsAutoReviews That's why I went with the i10 n line. Compared to its competitors it's absolutely packed with features you'd expect from a bigger car.
Never buy a German car if you don't do the maintinence yourself.
Hey could you do a video on the rise and history of the whitewall tire and it’s changes in size and popularity, keep up the good videos
This is interesting indeed
I think the 1998 grand marquis and town car platform was the last one to have (optional) whitewalls
I second this, don't forget to mention "port a walls" sort of a removable white wall ring, I may be throwing a set on my 1959 and 1960 Pontiac to save cost an actual whitewalls
@@BananaPhoPhilly it was the 2011 lincoln town car to be exact.
@@royale7620 sounds about right
Korean living in NL here. I absolutely enjoyed watching your review! I've seen only one XG in NL so far, and oh boy, I got so nostalgic and couldn't get my eye off of it. And I've always wanted to have one to restore. Grandeur(XG) was and still is the symbol of success in Korea, so I think pretty much all Koreans once dreamed of owning one. I think you'd also love the Kia Opirus, which is the sister vehicle of XG but with more resembling looks to Lincoln Town Car.
It is known as Grandeur here in Korea and it used to be a status of rich man. But starting from the the 3rd gen of Grandeur which is the XG, it became more of "I'm having pretty good life" symbol rather than a rich person. It is because Equus was introduced as a flagship model and Dynasty was positioned between Equus and Grandeur. Due to such reason, starting from this gen, the Grandeur started to share the platform with Sonata and changed to owner driven characteristic.
Now, it still is a symbol of success but for 30~40 years old ppl which means that the customers got younger. And it isn't no longer considered as a chauffer driven vehicle unlike the past.
There are tons of more luxurious and expensive vehicles now and ppl got much richer than 90's. So, current gen Grandeur has same position as Avalon in USA. Only different thing is that Grandeur is still favored by young ppl.
I drive a kia Opirus, an odd car aswell. :)
Very interesting getting your perspective, and learning how this car is perceived in its country of origin! I don't think I've ever seen a Grandeur/XG here in Denmark but I do sometimes see Kia Magentis and Opirus.
Ed is the type of guy to wear jeans on a summer's day just to not totally look like Doug
Epic Rap Battles... Doug vs. Ed... Who wins?
Why did I think Ed was a middle aged man? He sounds much older than he looks! He sounds “experienced” and speaks so eloquently. I’m glad I could finally see the man behind the “automotive history series” videos! Love your content, Ed!
I thought these were cool when they first came out. As a kid, I remember seeing it on a revolving stage at the Chicago Auto Show. Also, great to see you as not just a voice! Kinda cute too...lol
I've never noticed the Rover 75 rear lights before
The rear is very reminiscent of a Rover 75
True! That's the only car I like to confuse it with the Hyundai. Whenever I spot one on the highway I always hope it's another XG, but usually turns out to be a 75 instead. :(
@@EdsAutoReviews you can never see to many 75s
My parents had a 2004 XG350, White Pearl with the fabulous beige. LoL. I have a 2002 Sonata LX same colors also with leather interior. Funny thing is the two cars share those same exact seats. If it wasn't for the fact that we had them parked side by side, I never would have believed it. The leather in the XG was softer though.
The “manumatic” is useful for engine braking on alpine descents…which I’m sure you’ll get lots of use out of in the NL…
Hahahaha! Great comment, I already get a fear of heights by standing on a speed bump.
Ah yes, the famous mountainous expanse of the Netherlands
@@EdsAutoReviews I had one in Switzerland. i agree with Ed on most points he made, great car! and the automatic transmission was indeed developed together with Porsche. on a sharp descend, you could brake down to the speed you wanted, and it hold that speed by itself then. Very classy.
I've used it for that purpose in the Green Mountains of Vermont.
# Valkenburg
I really like these cars. It’s crazy to think how much Hyundai has progressed since they started. I’m American so it was funny to see the stereotypes.
"I'm not a racer, I'm a cruiser..."
I'm stealing that!
Awesome video btw. More auto reviews please, Ed!
yep, and this one:
It's not steering, it's aiming;
it's not accelerating, its advancing....
Take a drink every time he says "Lincoln Town Car"
LinkedIn Town Car.
Jokes on you. I'm currently drunk as hell searching for Lincolns on Craigslist.
@@EdsAutoReviews at 10 a clock in the morning, respect 👏
What about every time he says Lincoln or American
Linkin Car like Linkin Park
The wind farm in the background really adds to that Netherlands ambiance.
ive got a 2003 xg 350-great car.very quiet, no turbo nonsense.never any problems
I also have this car (2005 XG350L). Noticed your radio, I replaced the original radio to one just like yours. Updated my all the speakers, added a sub woofer as well. I love this car, call her Buelah. True, it may not be fast but she's comfortable.
Have had an 1999 XG30 (XG300 in US). Also love the perfectly cushy ride. The frameless windows are able to open from outside to enable very easy entry in narrow parking lots. Also still love its styling. Neighbours consider it being a "strange Mercedes" or even a Bentley! (Compare its rear end with the 2004 Bentley Continental Sedan!). But I also have had a lot of trouble with it. Being 8-11 years (135.000-170.000km) old, it needs a new gearbox and a manifold intake. Both costed together more than the entire car, which I bought, when it was only 8 years old. In spite of this trouble, my garage was very concerned about it, so I'm riding a Hyundai again. (i30 instead of XG30)
it looks like something you would see in GTA games
This would definitely be something from GTA IV considering how many vehicles from the mid-2000's comprise the game's traffic.
A Karuma or something like that
Still see many XG 350 here in Chicago, Illinois area. I really loved my 2008 Hyundai Azera Limited. Was averaging 22 miles per gallon combined city/highway with that 263 HP 3.8 Litre V6. No Turbo. Was pushing 152,000 trouble free miles before I got hit and it was totaled. It had all the bells and whistles and a great sound system with Satelite radio. Miss that car.
As one dutch person to another dutch person: Put an LS in it.
And then they both laughed because a V8 is a lorry motor and engine swaps in the netherlands are barely a thing.
Ps: Also, it's kind of pronounced "h'yùn dèh". The "y" isn't pronounced like "eye". Source: Some of my former classmates are korean.
I was planning to take a moment to discuss the ways of pronouncing Hyundai. But I decided to skip it, and stick to the British English pronounciation. Rolls of the tongue nicely.
@@EdsAutoReviews lol As a Korean everytime I see someone say "hi-undie" i get mixed feelings.. Since the english pronunciation itself is to blame not individuals, but also that nobody really cares how the Korean company is pronounced in its mother language. BTW some youtubers call it "hunday" and I often see many comments trying to correct them, but that's actually the closest pronunciation to original that I've seen of English-speaking youtubers.
@@el-bg4hr It really irritates me when American RUclipsrs pronounce Hundai.....
An excellent review of an underrated car. I like the XG350. I think they are handsome. I love the frame less windows. Not an exciting car to drive but 'adequate 'as Rolls-Royce used to say about their power output.
Yours appears to be in excellent condition. I too am a cruiser, not a speedster. I would happily own a Hyundai XG350.
Greetings from New Zealand
I have a feeling Ed lowkey likes pimpmobiles.
Great review, like the old top gear used to be
he has a lot of videos about all the weird extra exclusive custom versions of American luxury coupés from the 1970's
Love the dry humour and review as well, thanks!
Great to see the man behind all thise cool history videos from this channel.
Great job!
I wish you lots of success!
All the best!
Best description of vague steering ever "Aiming" 🤣🤣
thats why some manufacturers ad aiming devices on the bonnet.
@@obelic71 you mean hood ornaments?
@@tearfulsmiles9901 on this side of the pont we have bonnets with gunsights 😁
I see this car everyday for the last 10 years. The man who drives it is in his 80’s he keeps it in good shape. Here in the USA in the North East and parked outside year round. I admire you Ed because I would be doing excatly what you do if the technology was around in 1987. In 1987 I bought a Over the shoulder Camcorder they took large VHS Tapes for the VCR. It weight about 20lbs. I did my 1963 Lincoln commercials and driving scenes. I am sad those tapes are gone. I should of been a car journalist instead of a Restauranteur. But I was born to early. Keep it up
I had to watch it twice. I didn't even notice the car the first time.
Yeah, Ed is sooooo cute!
I love these reviews, please keep going!
I sold Hyundai in the NY Metro area from 2003-2006, and always offered to pick up a new XG350 when we did a dealer swap. Great cars, and our sales manager always drove one. Most of the used ones that came in, even with low mileage, did not steer as well as when new. A recall was issued in 2009 for XGs and Sonatas up through the '04 model year involving the front subframe. It seems that cars used in the rust belt, including NY, NJ, New England and the mid-west, have issues with the subframe where corrosion can weaken it and prevent proper alignment of the front end. Ed, hopefully your '05 can simply be realigned if not steering correctly. As for myself, before leaving this dealer I purchased a new 06 Sonata, one of the best cars I have ever owned and, as per Hyundai's admission, a 1/3-price copy of the Audi A6.
Any car that makes you enjoy driving it is a good car. I thought the centre part of the XG was familiar. It's platform comes from Mitsubishi, from the Diamante/Verada of 1995-2005. Makes sense as Hyundai's earlier models were built off modified Mitsubishi structures and mechanicals. Ford of Europe was also a donor. Hyundai started out assembling Ford Cortinas for the South Korean market.
Hard to believe your car seemed so slow. I drove an 04 XG350, and that car ran like a bat out of hell despite the curb weight. It def was much quicker than the example you bought. But thoroughly love the video, and the ride and performance out of that Hyundai, and I'm a guy who's owned 1977 Grand Prix, 76 Cadillac Sedan Deville, 77 Pontiac Catalina, 80 El Camino SS, as well as smaller cars, and a 3.9l V6, 98 Dodge hi-top conversion van. So, like yourself, I have much love for automobiles and nice motorcycles (NOT Harleys). Keep up the good work! Love your humor! Who knows? When the day comes when my investments pop, perhaps we can fly you here to do a series of the older cars we plan on buying. All out best from Naples Florida. 🤙
Hi Ed. Enjoyed your video. Great to see a non cycling video from the Netherlands! (although I am a keen cyclist). My wife’s mother just sold her one owner XG Grandeur in Brisbane. Nice car but she cannot drive any more. I have a 2009 Hyundai Sonata from new in excellent condition which is an unappreciated comfortable and reliable car here in Aus. Plus an Atomic Green 2007 HSV Maloo with 10,000km. Rob, Perth, Western Australia.
the back also looks like a maserati quattroporte
I have an '02 with the "L" , presumably "luxury" trim. In the US, there was a base model which lacked the digital thermostat and presumably some other details. I picked it up for $3000 a couple years ago with only 47,000 miles on it. Since it was nearly 20 years old at the time, I had the timing belt and water pump redone. After about a year I started getting a loud "THUNK" in the right rear. I figured out it was a shock mounting component. I changed the back shocks myself and found that an original bushing was made of a foam rubber that deteriorated with age, otherwise the shocks would have had some life left. The replacement bushings are the typical sturdy vulcanized rubber.
It's been an enjoyable and practical car all-in-all. It's comfortable enough for a 300 mile trip to visit family and the mileage is decent. One thing I really like is that it is perfectly happy with regular grade gasoline, which saves quite a bit, especially with the current prices. Fun fact, even before the Grandeur, the earliest ancestor of the XG, and thus Genesis, was the Mitsubishi Debonair, an early "luxury" Japanese effort dating all the way back to 1964. It was rebadged and manufactured by Hyundai in 1986 as the first Grandeur. On our XG350s, the Sigma V6 engine is based on a Mitsubishi design.
Sweet Daddy E is a great addition! Love your channel and sense of humor! 👍🏼
I live in America and I got my hyundai xg350 (2002) in 2019. I've only seen 3 others on the road. I love my car to bits. She's my first and I'm so happy to have such a rare beast.
I’m considering getting one as my first car, any suggestions?
I love this guy, both him and the channel are so underrated.
how tf does ed only have 27k subs. should have millions
I owned one of these in the UK it was known as the XG30 I loved it it was extremely quick smooth and quiet. I bought it when it more or less first came out traded in a Hyundai Sonata. You’re right about the front end I used to get lots of looks as people were trying to work out what it was. I liked the 10cd autochanger in the boot. The only reason I sold it was cos I got a dog so purchased a Hyundai Santa Fe
We love our dogs.
First time I see the man who does these videos! Cheers from Puerto Rico !
You my friend are hilarious. Please dont stop making your videos. I believe you are comin up in this game. Funny and informative, hard to balance but you nailed it.
I have the Kia Opirus 2005, it is the exact same car, and what you said about luxury comfort feel is absolutely true. I bought it brand new at the time and still owns it today, love the car, love the review 👍🏻
Front wise: 1998-99 Infiniti G20 (I know no one remembers that car & styling). They killed it after that shape & made the G35
Love the car (and the quirky reviews), Ed!
Great review Ed, this of course extra resonates with me because I own a Hyundai Sonata 2005 with the 2.7 V6. You mention everything I like about these cars. Your documentaries are also very enjoyable, true car historian stuff and very well made. Compares well to Big Car and Lazy Car reviews channel.
I have to say...The voice suits your face
wow 50? in the US, XG’s are everywhere. i’ve always liked them and the kia amanti. they’re just so different
Years ago I got a 1984 Oldsmobile Delta 88 as a beater car to drive 50 km to work in the Alberta Prairie. This car had the original Olds 5 L V8 4bbl carb, it was the typical Blues Brothers car! But that car was was rock-solid reliable, super comfy like driving your sofa down the highway, remember, I said Prairie, no turning required. The air conditioning was so good, one could hang a side of frozen beef in the back seat, drive 300 km and it would still be frozen. It was one great car, seated 6 adults with ease, and if needed, a couple of bodies along with luggage in the trunk. The only negative, it really sucked driving in the winter, but if you ran into a moose or buffalo, you stood a chance of surviving.
Ed deserves more subscribers for sure , such a good and fun content
I own a 2005 Kia Amanti which is the same vein of luxury budgetmobile. It also has the same -fire-breathing- 3.5l sigma engine. I also got it for a low price, a grand total of *free* . Yea, even a junkyard offered $75 for this beauty. Worked on it myself and $2000 later, I have a $2000 car. But at least it has a new, different color interior. Now has 188,000 miles (~300,000km) and still a daily driver.
I have one currently. 2002 model. It was a great car, until I had lost a tire and the tow truck dropped my car from a couple feet 😃 but I worked on the car mostly, an honestly the easiest fwd to work on so far and not expensive to fix as you go.
As an American who owns a Town Car, I find you absolutely adorable, Ed.
Nice review Ed! Great car! And great audio quality, what kind of mic are you using to keep the wind noise down?
Being Mexican, I'm used to seeing American cars with big ass V8 engines, and it's kinda mesmerising to see someone so obsessed on something I see everyday.
It has a lot of similarities with my dad's 2004 Kia Opirus (12 yrs in one hands) - engine, some parts of center console, interior door handles and so on. And I kinda like this car, it has comfort of old Mercedes E class but price of older, basic Skoda Fabia. Still Hyundai styling was much more polished and looks great until today.
Hello fellow XG 35 owner .I am living in Germany and i paid 3000 euros for mine back in 2017. I have put 70K KM on it and only once had the radiator replaced.
Mine doesn't look nearly as good it has quite a few dents and scratches. And it's grey. Nevertheless it runs smooth and if you always change your fluids it will last you a long time. That engine is indestructible. The comfort is really nice. I wish I had the black one in that shape. I really never want to own another car.
I stumbled across one of your videos on my suggested video playlist and I clicked on it which took me to your channel. As a result of this video I'm a new subscriber. Your videos are extremely entertaining and you have a great presence on camera. I look forward to seeing more of your content being uploaded very soon
In the US we also had the Kia version of the XG350. It was called the Kia Amanti. I had a rental 2007 model for one month. Not bad at all. I remember an automotive review that called it the Korean Buick.
The Armanti was sold in Europe too as the Opirus
I came to the comments to see that someone offers Ed a ride in his Towncar. But it didn't seem to happen. Too bad! I only could offer you a ride in a Crown Vic.
Really nice review, btw. I really enjoyed it!
Nice review. I own a Centennial JS350, the only one in Norway - your #3 most expensive country for petrol - and one of 37 in Europe (35 of them are V8 models). It was originally sold here with a great story. As you pointed out, the Equus/Centennial was a proper step up from the export-model XG350. Korea's first V8, but still FWD.
If you're ever in Western Norway, you're very much welcome to drive and knock it. It's not a cheap choice though, there's a lot of maintenance to keep up with and I try to be a good custodian. Example: A radiator costs 100$ at "blue hands" in SK, once it arrives here and every Norwegian hand touching it doubles the price, retail is 800$.
It also reminds me of the first Lexus LS400… particularly the interior design… great video, as always! Thanks!
My god, congratulations on the review. I loved it! Specially the jokes and humor. Kepp up this great work
In depth review and a few laughs, you got a new subscriber Ed.
I had the '05 X350 and I loved mine.
Drive that car like a boss! You rock!
I really love that segment of cars. In my country, we call them "boats" (as a reference to their size). They usually are very luxurious, with great engines (such as your V6), have crazy depreciation so you can get them for pennies, and the previous owners were most likely wealthy middle-aged men who took great care of them.
I currently own a Hyundai Genesis Coupe, but I think my next car will be a Volkswagen Passat CC or an Alfa Romeo 159.
I'm gonna guess you're Tuga bc of the boat reference lmao. Wish we had these over here
Boats or bathtubs
I've always liked the design. The frameless doors, the clean lines, understated good looks that is not trying too hard. I first saw it in Korea in 1999 and then in Canada a year later. In Canada I saw it with aftermarket larger wheels and it really looked Boss.
As a fellow Dutch man i can relate to the absurd cost of owning a car in the Netherlands. It is also one of the reason's i had to sell my car as a student! also nice to put a face with the voice. Great accent too, way better than the 'steenkool engels'. Keep up the good work!
I am a Dutch guy passionate about American cars too and as a daily I wanted a cheap luxury car too, but I like longtops more than sedans (to haul stuff) so I got myself a US-spec’d V40 (auto, Cruise, climate, heated seats et cetera). If this was a station I’d be very jealous 😊
Looks like a cool version of a Rover 600 - love it!
My uncle traded in a Lexus for one of these & he loved it!!! Great review!! 👍👍🙂
i was tboned in one of these at 60 mph and left without a scratch on me. this was my first car and a hand me down so it was free, with 2 missfires on a v6 and definitely some frame damage on the front from a prior rear end. not one to hold up with performance but the interior was GORGEOUS. better than any merc/bmw/lexus from the same time
If you do not look back to the car after you park it , you got it wrong .
Loving your videos , one of the best car Chanel’s on RUclips 😀😀
I love your videos and humour. I hope you make more like this in the future.
I actually had a Hyundai XG30 as a company car briefly.. Big bouler 17" wheels and everything... Yeaaaah!. But it was a surprisingly nice drive. Especially compared to the Accents, Sonatas and Elantras Hyundai were inflicting on the public back then. Top pick for underrated obscure vehicle pick!.
it's so sweet to see how happy you are owning your little Hyundai. i'm amazed it has pillarless doors too! i was expecting this car to be underwhelming but this car is genuinely really interesting. thank you for this!
another thing i just noticed is the low mounted wing mirrors. a really quirky little car!
Its not so little
Awesome work here. I'm looking at one of these right now for sale. It's the same year and only has very very little miles on the odometer. Owned by a grandma who didn't drive much. I think I'm gonna seal the deal on it.
I just became aware of your channel today. Your vids are of very high quality. Nice job. What I can’t figure out is why you don’t have a million subscribers.
Nice car! Agree with you on the automatic; I find a manual gearbox about as useful as a manual choke 😎
That's perfect.
Gonna switch the electric for a manual choke on my Webered 81 Sub, and wouldnt want to live without changing gears. Im a control freak, different strokes for different folks.
I'd rather have both those things than to lose the manual transmission.
For what they were in the late 90s to 2000s, they did a damn good job at doing a slightly more premium offering. And to be very honest this was priced the same as something like a Toyota Camry or Accord which were dull and grey all over.
Great job Edward. I think a whole segment of Automotive History could be separate videos on each marque and what they contributed to the industry (the good, the bad and the Ugly). PS - the small British sports car scene is also really cool
Alas, this vehicle is too luxurious for my modest budget. Even an early 2000 Nissan Micra seems out of reach. 😭
how is this comment 4 days old when the vid was released today? unlisted then published later? just curious
Even the 1992 nissan president?
Pla Awa maybe he is the member of the channel so he has an early access
@@WONDER_Z33 thank you, that makes sense!
That trunk is great! Bigger than on my Crown Vic.
Have fun with the car, seems great for you and your interests. Hopefully you can keep it until you’re bored of it, not until it gives up on you
Always loved the look of that XG. And your reviews !
I've always wondered about these cars, they aren't that common over here in the U.S. either. Thanks for the videos, I always learn so much!
This is wonderful!!! Alot of people went to sleep on or took it for granted. This is a good car with a good price for its it's time.
Wow Ed,, that car is some pretty good looking and in GREAT SHAPE for a car of it's age! Be proud,,,,, whatever the worth,,,,, it's old and in GREAT SHAPE,,, and how many people have any car that age, in that good of shape!
Ed, you are so cute! You should try driving your XG350 through Laren to see if the kids snap photos of your "rare" car...probably not...but if you give me heads up I will try to snap a picture of your cuteness! Loving these videos and hoping to see more of you! If ever in Blaricum, let me know!
I own a 05 hyundai xg350. And it's a really good car. I bought it from my mom and I can't complain at all. I recommend this car to anyone. It's great.
Ed's amazing. I can't wait for future episodes. I've seen some of these several times because he's funny and he loves things like Tail Fins.
Love those doors! It's a nice car; I hope it runs many years for you.
Really enjoyed this video and I'm subscribing due to your personality! One thing though, could you remove that V6 badge from the rear...PLEASE😱
Dude, you are too funny!
They should have picked you for TopGear.
Love your stuff!
Cheers!
It’s cool that you like qualities of American cars: soft ride, space, styling... we here in the USA take American cars for granted and wish for European qualities like handling, efficiency and responsiveness. It’s funny the grass is always greener on the other side. Love your reviews and it’s cool to see your personality come out more in the personal reviews. I loved the CRAP part... I was laughing so hard.
Man if you come visit America, you can come drive and review my Lincoln Mark viii and sn95 Muatang cobra... cars that are definitely under appreciated and forgotten here.
It seems like the whole internet hates America lately, so thanks for saying so much nice stuff about our cars.
Reminds me of my 2004 hyundai sonata. Definitely can see similarities all over. The front-end being most different, the interior ironically seems to be more "luxurious" with the materials used, not all plastic over plastic.
So true... I agree with every discription you said about the xg.. I totally love my xg for all of the above reasons and it did remind me of a Lincoln Town car. My model is the same black exterior.. With black leather interior... I upgraded the interior my self.. Xg250, but only 4 speed.. And it comes with the hood ornaments in front.