The findings of a "true" minivan man
The Entourage is Hyundai's first full-size minivan. 2008 marks the second year of its production. As with other Hyundai products of late, the Entourage adheres to Hyundai's strategy of over-delivering on its products. There are no fundamental changes for 2008 in this oft overlooked high-value competitor to the better-known rigs from Honda, Toyota and Dodge/Chrysler.

The Entourage is Hyundai's first full-size minivan.

As an automotive journalist, I have driven many minivans and repeatedly exercised my role as critic yet I have never owned a minivan. A non-journalist colleague of mine has enjoyed - or is that "tolerated" - minivan ownership for close to a decade. With four children, a dog and spouse his experience with this sensible yet maligned - some might even say "hideous" - mode of transport bestows upon him much more insight into minivan qualities and quirks than I could ever hope to acquire- not that there's anything wrong with that.

To protect our minivan expert from further ridicule within his chosen profession and the community in which he resides I shall refer to him as Jamie M. The words that follow are his.

I was given the opportunity to drive a new minivan recently - a 2008 Hyundai Entourage Limited. Today's minivans are much more refined than they were 10-years ago. I purchased a 1997 Dodge Caravan some time ago as practical transportation for my large family. My co-workers did not share my minivan sentiments, as SUVs were viewed as more appealing people haulers at the time. Consequently, I endured plenty of "minivan" ribbing over the years. Despite the teasing I felt my van looked like a Dodge Durango from the rear, and in my mind that gave me the best of both worlds.

I'm now in the market to replace the ailing Caravan, and was delighted to take a spin in the new Entourage. Here are some of my thoughts on the vehicle.

Likes:

• fully loaded Limited model has an upscale, refined feel
• car-like driving manners - good visibility
• supportive leather seats / very effective seat heating system
• large 10" fold down DVD screen for the kids
• power side doors and tailgate
• smooth engine - lots of low end torque
• 4-wheel disc brakes provide good stopping power
• large glass sunroof
• ease of rear fold-down third row seats - lots of cargo room
• 5-year, 100,000 km bumper-to-bumper warranty

The vehicle's practical side is an assortment of storage cubbies and bins.

Dislikes:

• thin leather steering wheel - appears they were running short of material during finishing
• no telescoping steering wheel
• no trailer towing package (although a trailer hitch with a wiring harness is available as a dealer installed accessory)
• no GPS navigation system

I did a little research and found a large US / Canada price differential for a similarly optioned 2008 Entourage Limited ($30,695US vs. $39,495CA - 23% higher north of the border). There are also options, including an enhanced sound system, not available in Canada. Having said that, and being very picky, the Entourage offers good value for the price when compared against its main rivals.

During my drive, the Entourage handled well on wet surfaces while its large wipers maintained a clear view of the road ahead. It's said that if you like driving a particular vehicle on a cold wet day, you'll like it even more on a warm sunny day; this is one of those vehicles. The Entourage Limited is a serious contender in my search for a new minivan, and I don t mind my co-workers knowing!

Jamie M.

When not pushed, Hyundai's V6 mill is quiet and unobtrusive.

Refined engine adds to pleasure of ride
The smooth engine with "lots of low-end torque" that Jamie referred to is a 3.8 litre DOHC V6 powerplant capable of issuing 250 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm along with 253 pound-feet of torque @ 3,500 rpm. Power is delivered to the front wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission featuring Hyundai's SHFTRONIC electronic manual-mode stick. Unlike some of its competitors, the Entourage is not available in an all-wheel-drive configuration.

The gutsy engine has no difficulty propelling the spacious minivan with suitable urgency in all driving scenarios. When not pushed, Hyundai's V6 mill is quiet and unobtrusive, which is a nice complement to the vehicle's plush ride quality. Overall, the Entourage is a pleasing environ from which to administer the duties of driving or simply watch the world pass by from one of its many comfortable seats.

Although the 60/40-split third row bench tumbles and stows flat in the floor, the second row captains' chairs do not but they are slide-adjustable, foldable and removable- and no doubt more cushioned and supportive than seats that do tumble into the floor.

Furthering the vehicle's practical side is an assortment of storage cubbies and bins, making the 2008 Hyundai Entourage a smartly thought-out family ride that deserves a close inspection from those in the market for a new minivan, such as our intrepid Jamie M.


Attractive styling
Car-like ride and handling
Smooth powerplant
Good value


Telescopic wheel not available
No trailer tow package



No GPS navigation available