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Comments
Right now, any way to grab a sale is good for the automaker, and that goes for almost every automaker. 30K for a base Genesis is only about 3 grand off its MSRP, and frankly, that's not bad at all. I have a dealer here offering 10K off on a GS, for example.
Plus, I don't think the deal includes any factory rebate so everything is on the dealer. Like I said, anyway to make a deal right now is better than nothing.
definitley not 'first cabin'.
overall, the car is probably a fair deal.
A lot of people are counting on your honest reports.
I noticed a decline in the MPG on my car when BP went to ethanol, but since I get a 5% discount can't change to another brand. Regardless, thanks to corn lobby and Congress, all gas will contain 10% ethanol in next year or two.
On another track, wonder what would happen if Hyundai purchased Chrysler, kept Jeep, downsized Dodge to trucks only and changed Genesis to Chrysler Imperial or just Imperial and maybe Azera as a New Yorker? Of course, they would need to fire current management and close some US plants.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Anyway, back to the Genesis, it seems that you bring up the suspension issue C/D raised in every single of your post? In my experience and those who I have talked to, the suspension isn't really that much of an issue. Yes, the suspension isn't going to challenge a BMW, for example, but for the purpose of a luxury car, the Genesis offers an extremely comfortable ride - around the town, on the highway, and through the back roads (aka everyday driving). Compare to a BMW, the Genesis will feel softer, less firm and controlled but that just makes the Genesis having different driving dynamics, not inferior.
Is the Genesis perfect? Far from it (same goes for pretty much every single vehicle out there). There are room for improvements, no doubt, but considering this is Hyundai's first effort in a true luxury car in North America, and taking into account the product and the goods the car offers, Hyundai has every right to be proud of its product and the Genesis deserves the praises from the industry to the consumers. The Genesis has already and will continue to improve Hyundai as we know it.
Guess it would be better for US taxpayers to buy Chrysler and watch it crash.
Regardless, just trying to make sure each new user who comes to this site is aware that two teams of PROFESSIONALS have criticized the car and that this should be taken into consideration before purchasing.
I have also communicated with other manufacturers and been cordially treated.
But, NOT Hyundai!
08/26 sent a letter to CEO with what I would like to see on the Genesis. Most suggestions were things on the Azera, but not on the Genesis and moving some features from the 4.6 to another package on the 3.8.
09/05 letter stamped received in President's office.
10/02 letter stamped received in Consumer Affairs Dept.
11/21 letter stamped received in Legal Dept.
11/21 letter returned to me with a cover letter from assistant general counsel.
Their letter states: "As a matter of course, all correspondence received by HMA containing suggestions for design changes, new products, marketing strategies, advertising slogans or the like, is forwarded to the Legal Department for reply. Please be advised that it is against the policy of HMA to accept unsolicited ideas from persons outside the Hyundai organization. In accordance with this policy, we are returning your correspondence with this letter. Please consider this letter as HMA's response to your August 26, 2008 correspondence."
This is why Hyundai will not suceed as a luxury car manufacturer and will ultimately have problems becoming a major factor in the American market.
That said, I don't believe either of those reviews had only the suspension to talk about like it is in here. If I recall correctly, both praised the Genesis in a lot of different areas, and also marked their thoughts in areas that can be improved.
I highly doubt the typical Genesis demographic, or others in the same class, would focus on the suspension alone when purchasing a vehicle like this. It's about the total package and the execution. Like I have said, the Genesis offers a balanced ride for driver and passengers - comfort and quite, first and foremost - Hyundai is sincerely sorry it did not woo the editors at C/D, especially, in this area. Those are Honda and BMW's turf, not too be disturbed by others
There could, however, be new powertrain options including an updated version of the new 4.6L Tau V8. Hyundai product development boss John Krafcik has previously hinted that a new version with direct-injection, cylinder deactivation and forced-induction technology could eventually be offered.
Hyundai Genesis LWB Sedan
Also a bit interesting...
Leftlane News: Hyundai Genesis LWB
GM, Toyota among the first to buy Hyundai’s Genesis sedanHyundai’s new Genesis flagship sedan has only been on the market for about a month, but it is already attracting attention from some of the industry’s heavy hitters. Among the first 800 buyers of the Genesis sedan were General Motors and Toyota.
“I’m flattered the competition bought us so early, but we only had the V6 version available initially, so they are going to have to come back and buy another car,” Michael Deitz, manager-product development for Hyundai, told Wards Auto. Hyundai is planning to launch a range-topping 4.6L V8 in the Genesis sedan later this year.
The Genesis sedans offers good value in the market as it offers premium amenities at a bargain price – something the competition has obviously taken notice of.
Deitz added that the competition should keep a close eye on the Genesis moving forward. Hyundai is currently testing alternative fuels – such as liquefied-petroleum-gas and fuel-cells – that could eventually find their way into the premium sedan. Deitz also revealed that a supercharged could soon become part of the Genesis sedan package.
Here’s to hoping the Genesis sedan inspires a rear-wheel drive Buick model and Toyota Avalon.
GM, Toyota among first to buy Genesis sedan
Our brief driving impression revealed well-controlled drive motions, predictable handling, and an excellent powertrain. We’ll need more time behind the wheel to be sure, but all signs point toward a well-tuned chassis. We’re not suggesting banishing that 5-series just yet, as the Genesis is tuned more for Lexus-like isolation than BMW-like involvement. And that, at least ideologically, is one of the few minor shortcomings of the Genesis. Lexus makes fine cars, to be sure, but the Germans and Infiniti have more to offer in the fun-to-drive category.
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/car_shopping/family_four_doors/200- 9_hyundai_genesis_4_6_short_take_road_test/(page)/1
Though we have reservations about this new car’s membership in the premium-sports-sedan club, Hyundai has otherwise done everything right, including impressive fit and finish. Given the company’s short history—the Korean industrial conglomerate didn’t even have an automotive division until 1967—it’s an amazing achievement.
Though falling short of the BMW’s sporting standard, the Genesis is better on fast back roads than the cushy Lexus LS460 and way better than the loosey-goosey Toyota Avalon.
http://www.nospeedlimit.com/car-and-driver-road-test-2009-hyundai-genesis-46
So, other than the Genesis V8 not matching the 528i in handling prowess--which is not at all surprising--what is this big issue with the Genesis' suspension that keeps being raised?
If you want a car that handles like a BMW, get a BMW. If you want something like a Lexus luxo-cruiser but for a lot less money, the Genesis is a good alternative.
With that being said, IF Hyundai averaged 1000 units per month since September that would total less than 3000 sold. Makes sense as to why a lot of folks aren't really seeing them on the roads much. This is basically the same thing that happened when the '02 Sonata & the '06 Azera dropped. It took almost a year before you started seeing them on the road with any type of regularity.
I honestly believe the coupe will fare better simply because of the aftermarket push it will have already generated as Hyundai has released pre-production models to some aftermarket shops to create bolt on parts for it. I think the Tiburon crowd will be the first to jump on them as well as those shopping the coupes from the premium brands.
In all honesty, when the Genesis is driven in the manner it was designed to be driven (as a luxo-cruiser)...there are really no issues with the suspension. When the car is pushed and driven as one would drive a BMW...that is when the problems show up. As you said, it's not a BMW and if you want a car to handle like one...go buy one.
On the flip side of all this, I will admit...it is hard to not want to push the Genesis when you're in the driver's seat. It doesn't have that snap-your-head-back acceleration you would get with a BMW, but I guarantee this much...mash the gas pedal down and before you know it, you'll be saying "Whoa...I didn't realize..." It's a very smooth accelerating car and when you realize how easily it can achieve speeds in excess of 75 mph, it makes you wanna drive it in such a manner.
To the fault of Hyundai, they should have made the Genesis look more stately and less athletic (sorta like how the Kia Amanti looks...nobody expects it to offer any sort of performance style handling), maybe then folks wouldn't expect a luxo-cruiser to carve up twisting winding roads like a sport sedan.
Hyundai may be able to emulate quite a bit in terms of luxury, but it's not going to get EVERYTHING right. To be quite honest, for the money Hyundai is asking for the Genesis (in any trim level), they got more than plenty right.
BMW has been tops in handling for luxury sedans for, how long? But some expect Hyundai to match or exceed BMW in that area on its first attempt. Whatever.
Why do you feel motivated to contact the manufacturers?
I have purchased many, many new cars and have not been motivated to send a letter as to why I didn't buy one.
Car manufacturers have been known NOT TO LISTEN to their own consumer focus groups.
I know that popular authors have the same policy....not to accept story outlines from the general public.
The reasons for litigation should be obvious......
There was a black Santa Fe in the beginning of the episode, then there was a very nice looking silver Genesis around the 23 minute mark.
Hyundai really got a good plug: they featured the driver using the "iDrive."
You've hit the nail on the head exactly:
Some may want a cushy ride at the expense of ultimate handling while others care less about the ride but want great handling ability.
The Genesis isn't a BMW but why should it be? The Lexus doesn't aim for the handling levels of the BMW and it sells just fine, thank you. I have a 3 Series BMW, and one of the things that I notice when people ride with me is how disappointed they are in the ride comfort and the luxury level of the interior. It doesn't match their expectations of a "luxury car". Well, for me it's fine, because I like the driving experience, and I don't mind the 'rough' ride or the acceleration 'lurch' when I hit the gas. But those thinking 'luxury' are unimpressed.
I think that Genesis has made a wise choice to lean towards the Lexus side of the equation. The handling is good, but not at the expense of prioritizing the luxury and comfort levels. For those (whom I think are) in the target market, the ability to slide around mountain bends is going to be an unused ability, but fast, quiet freeway cruising is an everyday requirement.
I also think that a slow rollout is a wise decision. IF the unexpected quality glitch happens at rollout (and they can happen to any company ) it's a lot better to have a smaller number of cars out there. You can give better customer service while correcting it if you have 15,000 cars than if you have 50,000. When starting a new line of cars, how you handle the problems that occur is a very important part of the introduction.
Test Drive Video
To the fault of Hyundai, they should have made the Genesis look more stately and less athletic...
I think that's exactly what they did. The Genesis [sedan] doesn't look "athletic" at all, to me.
The Genesis takes cues from the Infiniti M and the Lexus LS in terms of looks and folks are expecting it to "run" like it looks.
As previously noted, the fact that Hyundai went with a modern suspension design probably means that allaying the initial concerns in that area will be just a matter of getting the tuning right for the market. It's not like they cheaped out with a solid rear axle or something and are now stuck with it for this generation.
Other than that, the video just reinforced my impression that it's a good-looking car in motion.
I guess if you are passionate about the car then if car or the dealer lets you down that gives you a motivation to contact the manufacturer.
We had two infinitis..In sept I replaced one Infiniti with a Acura and sent a letter to Infiniti why I did not replace Infiniti with another one...
Guess what got two phone calls, Nice friendly conversation, and some coupons for servicing the one infiniti that I have.
I had an extremely bad experience at Hyundai... where the Salesman at Kerney Mesa Hyundai told me that "Genesis probably is too rich for you"...wrote a letter to Hyundai customer service... Two months and still waiting for response...
Anyway, the silver Genesis sedan looked good nonetheless. I believe it's the V8 Genesis.
Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and Genesis are off my prospective lists now and probably won't return. Would rather pay more for a Lexus, Acura or Infiniti and purchase from a company that appreciates conusmers and has great dealer networks and customer service.
Glad to hear that Toyota and GM are looking at Genesis. Means that in a couple of years their cars will be comparably equipped, better supported, more reliable and customers more appreciated than Hyundai.
If the suspension was indeed an issue, wouldn't more reviews point it out? Wouldn't we hear from all of customers?
And, if you were trying to advocate readers and shoppers as you put it, you'd know better to provide the positives and negatives.
In all fairness...the track is smooth, but even the testers mentioned that even though the suspension is bit softer than they would like, the Genesis maintained a great deal of poise in corners. Also, there wasn't any mention of unstable driving when they drove over the raised edge markers along the course either. I would think if it was truly and issue to be raised, it would have been brought up there. The Genesis looked really good coming out of some of those corners.
I think, for what the car really is...it's more than adequate and I believe in what the overall Genesis experience offers, it more than makes up for any suspension imperfections that may come up when the car is pushed hard. However, that's just MY opinion.
Actually I did--you didn't notice the 2nd set of quotes with the link to that review (republished on another web site) I guess. Not sure what you mean by "serious concerns about the transmission/computer" though. Did you mean this?
We also give high marks to the ZF six-speed automatic for smooth operation, although there are a couple of demerits. It lacks the paddle shifters that are de rigueur for sports sedans today, and it will upshift on its own in sport mode. A bigger problem with the transmission in our test car was premature upshifting, well below the car’s 6750-rpm redline, regardless of driver input. This held the Genesis back in acceleration runs, where it took six seconds to reach 60 mph and clocked the quarter-mile in 14.5 seconds at 101 mph. Our August preview test, conducted at Hyundai’s proving grounds in Korea, yielded 0 to 60 in 5.6 seconds and the quarter in 14.1 at 103 mph.
Hyundai techs tried reflashing the transmission’s computer but to no avail, so we put this down as a preproduction anomaly and expect showroom-ready cars to perform very much like our preview-test car.
That was the only reference to a computer in the entire review. IMO that is not a "serious concern." But if someone were looking for any possible reason not to like the car, I guess it could be.