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Comments
By definition, luxury is a condition of abundance or great ease and comfort. Something adding to the pleasure or comfort but not absolutely necessary.
Luxrious, by definition is marked by or given to self-indulgence. Of, relating to or marked by LUXURY.
Which...according to the definitions of those two words, the Genesis certainly fits. Even though it's made by...HYUNDAI!!! :P
So...now you're saying if BMW produced a car similar to a base model Corolla...it would be a luxury car just because it has BMW on it? ROTFL I'm sorry, but THAT is hilarious.
If you can't tell if a car is a luxury car without knowing who made it, then maybe you need to turn in your car junkie credentials because it they are going to waste!
maybe so - but in that case I'm not the only one - in that quite favorable review of the Genesis in the latest CR the Genesis is grouped with 'upscale cars' like the Avalon, Azera, Lucerne etc. NOT as a 'luxury sedan' . This despite the review itself talking a whole bunch about how 'luxurious' the Genesis actually is. Obviously has a whole lot to do with price and the badge. You can rail on all you want about the all the available doodads but IF the Genesis is ever going to graduate into that 'luxury' league it does need a higher price and a new place to be sold. And you are right - this whole perception thing has little to do with the inherent qualities of any particular car. Never has, likely never will
Now you're back-tracking because the IS, ES, 3-Series (some), C-Class, G's and such cars all cost less than the Genesis, so none of them can be luxury cars based on what you said. So now...if the Genesis cost $50K, THEN and only then could it be a luxury car!
Dude...it's like you're treading water with your hands & feet tied together!
basically yes, but you don't seem to understand why. IT is the fact that BMW doesn't produce any car intended for the masses (like the Corolla) and does generally bless all its cars with a degree of engineering acumen and sophistication not found elsewhere that qualifies even the lowest trim 1 series as a 'luxury car'. Nothing to do with smelly leather, quiet boulevard rides, fancy arss steros systems etc. etc. This, perhaps more than anything else, is what differentiates the true 'luxury car' mfgrs. from the Chevys, the Fords, the Toyotas, the Hyundais etc etc. of the world
Would a 135 with roll-up windows still be a luxury car, certainly, but only because the manufacturer would not allow it any other way.
How so my dear Captain...because of price? Well then, the Genesis isn't intended for the masses then is it?
And yet with all the engineering acumen & sophistication that Acura puts into their cars, they aren't considered luxury with the likes of Lexus and Infinity. What gives? :confuse:
At least in this article, CR's classifications do seem to define 'luxury' as something north of $50k. How else would you explain the exclusion of the MKS (at a mere $41k) from the 'luxury' ranks, but include the DTS (another rebadge job) , for example, at 50?.
Maybe you don't agree with the Genesis and/or cars like the MKS being classified as 'merely' upscale, but we really are only talking about perceptions here and not doodads.
If you try to go along with the CR classification, then it blows the point you made about the BMW 1-Series being a luxury car...doesn't it?
Let's take a look at the word "upscale". By definition... relating to, being, or appealing to affluent consumers ; also : of a superior quality.
Just admit that you're a hater, simple and clear. You have already admitted that you haven't spent any time IN a Genesis. You claim it can't be luxury unless it's $50K+, but only after you read some CR report. Yet before that, you were quick to claim the BMW 1-Series a luxury car.
I think you make statements just for the sake of being controversial, but the problem is...you're the only one making the statements. I mean, it would be different if others shared your point of view, but so far...none have. That in itself should tell YOU something. CR is hardly the authority of what is luxury and what isn't. They simply tell you if you're getting a good/bad car for your money.
As I said earlier, your a hater and your favorite flavor of Hater-ade...Hyundai! :shades:
Tell somebody you bought a BMW for 50 or 60 large and folks understand you have spent a lot of (or even too much) money for something that is likely the one of the best. Same can be said for Lexus, Infiniti, and MB to slightly lesser degrees.
Tell them you spent 15 or 20 grand less than that on a Hyundai then they think you should be committed. That is a unfortunate (and probably unfair) reality, without spending a whole lot of time needlessly looking things up in Webster's.
Infiniti G35
Lexus ES and IS
Acura TL
Cadillac CTS
BMW 3-Series
MB C Class
Lincoln MKZ
and of course now the Genesis.
CR groups cars for comparison based on price. Not whether they are "luxury" cars or not.
The people who would tell me that would not be my friends or people I respect, so I wouldn't care about their opinion anyway. Now, if those folks want to make up the difference in price for me so that I can have a "real" luxury car experience that they won't turn up their noses at, great, I'll take their money. Otherwise it's none of their business what I choose to drive, just as it's none of my business what they choose to drive.
Ahhhhh, but without a clear cut definition of the word...you wouldn't know where to begin. The definition is the foundation upon which the perception is built my friend.
Now you jump from using the 1-Series as your example and jump up to talking about BMW's costing $50K plus. Make up your mind! I'll give you this much, a neighbor may question why you paid $40K for a Hyundai...until they actually get in it and either drive it or get a ride in it. Then they'll be more like, "Wow...you got all that for $40K!!!"
Obviously with the sales of the Genesis keeping up with mid-level premium brand entries, one wouldn't think purchasing one would equate to being committed. There have been plenty that have questioned it...that is until they actually go and sit in a Genesis and take it for a ride. There are postings in the Genesis review section on Edmunds where folks initially didn't have the Genesis on their list until someone told them they need to check it out and some even end up purchasing one even though it wasn't their initial target.
it might surprise you (and allmet) to know that I happen to agree with you - but I think you'll admit that for a majority of the autobuyers out there - Hyundai doesn't make cars as expensive (or as good) as the Genesis.
Hyundai doesn't make cars as expensive (or as good) as the Genesis.
Well...they do and that is why people change their mind when they actually take the time to get in a Genesis and see what it's all about. I can't tell you how many times I get into car conversations from those that don't even own a Hyundai vehicle of any kind and they are quick to say, "Have you seen that new Hyundai....the Genesis!"
Glad to hear that Hyundai did right by you. Now they just need to be consistent across the board with it and I'm sure up is the only way for them to go!
Next you are going to tell us the BMW Isetta is a world-class luxury automobile.
In addition to the 3.8L V6 and 4.6L V8 (already found in the Genesis), there would be another Tau engine - 5.0L V8
Vehicle Stability Management, Lane Departure Warning, and a Pre-Safety Seatbelt System are among some of its sure to be long list of features.
You seem to confuse the words luxury and prestige. Luxury deals with comfort and prestige deals with public perception.
I'd admit that Hyundai is not a prestigious name as of yet. As a car, though, the Genesis would belong in the category of luxurious.
Thanks for posting that Joe97!!!
Genesis narrowly outpoints Lexus ES 350 to take top spot
YONKERS, NY - The Hyundai Genesis outscored four competitors to become Consumer Reports top-rated vehicle in the competitive "Upscale Sedan" category. The Genesis, which achieved an "Excellent" overall road test score, now outranks 12 vehicles from Lexus, Acura, Lincoln and others including the Lexus ES 350.
The Genesis' performance in CR's battery of tests solidifies the automaker's reputation as a builder of high-quality vehicles in several diverse automotive segments. Previously, Consumer Reports named two Hyundais, the Elantra and Santa Fe, as "Top Pick" vehicles in the small sedan and midsize SUV categories respectively.
"The Hyundai Genesis rivals high-end luxury sedans but costs considerably less," said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut. "Its luxurious and spacious interior and quietness far transcend its relatively modest price."
The Genesis was tested against four other new or redesigned upscale sedans—the Acura TL, Nissan Maxima, Pontiac G8 and Lincoln MKS-for the February issue of Consumer Reports. Prices ranged from $33,660 for the Pontiac to $40,880 for the Lincoln.
Two other vehicles in the test group also earned Excellent overall road test scores, the TL and Maxima. The G8 and MKS achieved Very Good overall scores.
The eight other vehicles in the Upscale Sedans category including the ES 350, Toyota Avalon, Buick Lucerne and Saab 9-5, were all tested previously.
In addition to the five upscale sedans tested, CR also purchased and tested the Jaguar XF luxury sedan. Though it obtained a Very Good overall score, it still ranked near the bottom of the group of 12 luxury sedans that Consumer Reports has rated.
But the redesigned Honda Pilot has slipped from being one of Consumer Reports' top-rated three-row SUVs to midpack. The Pilot now ranks eleventh out of seventeen midsized, three-row SUVs that have been tested by CR.
Full tests and ratings of all six sedans appear in the February issue of Consumer Reports, which goes on sale January 6. The reports are also available to subscribers of www.ConsumerReports.org. (Road test vehicles of recently tested vehicles are also available free at CR's web site.)
The issue also contains a report on the conversion of a hybrid Toyota Prius to a plug-in hybrid. Consumer Reports chose a Hymotion L5 conversion kit sold by A123 Systems, which the company claims can yield more than 100 mpg. Fuel economy in CR's converted Prius jumped from 42 to 67 mpg overall for the first 35 miles of driving. At almost $11,000, the plug-in conversion clearly won't save consumers money overall. However, the technology itself proved viable.
The TL is the only vehicle in this month's test group that is Recommended by Consumer Reports.
CR only Recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on CR's annual Car Reliability Survey of its more than seven million print and web subscribers, and performed at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.
CR doesn't have reliability data yet on the Genesis, MKS, Maxima, G8 and XF.
Spacious and well appointed, the rear-wheel-drive Genesis offers good value and is a compelling alternative to luxury vehicles costing thousands more. This car's forte is swaddling passengers in silence. The engine sounds polished and road noise is strikingly absent. The interior rivals those of the very best luxury cars, with its optional stitched-leather dashboard facing and consistently high-quality materials. The only real drawback is its ride, which can be unsettled at times and doesn't live up to the standards set by other luxury cars. The Genesis 3.8 ($36,000 Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price as tested) is powered by a 290-hp, 3.8-liter V6 that feels quick and smooth and delivers a decent 21 mpg in CR's own fuel-economy tests. The six-speed automatic transmission provides smooth, quick shifts. Braking is excellent.
The redesigned Acura TL is a nice car, with responsive handling, a slick powertrain and commendable fuel economy. But when compared with the previous TL, which was CR's Top Pick in this segment for years, the latest generation is not as impressive. Vague steering saps the fun out of its handling, the trunk opening is small, and other competitors have roomier rear seats. The base-model TL ($35,715 MSRP as tested) is powered by a 280-hp, 3.5-liter V6 that delivers excellent acceleration and a respectable 23 mpg overall on premium fuel. The five-speed automatic transmission is both quick and smooth. Brakes are excellent overall.
The Maxima is a quick car, but it doesn't add much over the less costly Nissan Altima overall. While it's pleasant, it falls short in some ways. Handling is responsive, but at low speeds the steering is overly light. The car is quiet and the ride is decent. But the new coupe-like silhouette compromises visibility, trunk room, and rear-seat comfort. The Maxima 3.5 SV ($33,700 MSRP as tested) is powered by a 290-hp, 3.5-liter V6 that gives the car quicker acceleration than some V8s. Expect 22 mpg overall on premium fuel. The continuously variable transmission works very well overall; it's also the only one available. The Maxima's brakes are very good overall.
As a bargain sports sedan that can challenge the performance of models from BMW and Mercedes, Pontiac's G8 is a success. It handles and rides as well as the best cards in its class. The G8 GT's acceleration is very impressive, with a zero-to-sixty time of 5.7-seconds. But the downside of that is poor fuel economy-at just 17 mpg overall on regular fuel. The G8 GT ($33,660 MSRP as tested) is powered by a huge 361-hp, 6.0-liter V8 engine that makes it blisteringly quick. The smooth six speed automatic transmission with a tall sixth gear makes highway cruising relaxed. The brakes are very good overall. (A 256-hp, 3.6-liter V6 with a five-speed automatic is also available in the base G8, but CR didn't test it because a more powerful V6 with a six-speed automatic will arrive in 2010.)
In the tradition of large domestic luxury cars, Lincoln's MKS is built for pampering, not for spirited driving. Handling lacks agility, and the engine is too noisy for a car in this class. The interior amenities and finishes are pleasant, but the MKS feels too much like the Ford Taurus, on which it is based, to justify its luxury price tag. The MKS ($40,880 MSRP as tested) is equipped with a 273-hp, 3.7-liter V6 engine that performs well, but is not as quick or smooth as its competition in this class. CR measured its fuel economy at just 20 mpg overall on regular, which is not impressive. The six-speed automatic transmission is not as slick as most in this class. Brakes are very good overall.
Doug
It's awsome and in the class you are all looking in and some great deals are available now. I just bought one and did feel it was a fantastic American car with a great feel and sportiness and at a price that is half the BMW 5 series, I also looked at Nissan, Mazda, Ford, BMW, Genesis, and more. The Genesis is nice, but I felt Pontiac G8 had so many features and was so fun to drive when compared to the Hyundai Genesis. And Consumer Reports picked the Pontiac G8 as a best buy, so not sure where that other person got his information from about Consumer Reports.
I looked at all these cars you are talking about and am very happy that I chose the Pontiac G8, take it for a drive and let me know what you think.
Good luck to all of you in your search for your perfect car.
You meant "a fantastic Australian car", right?
As for "Best Buy", you are probably thinking of Consumer's Guide, which did rate the G8 a Best Buy, vs. Consumer Reports.
I would have to say the G8 is one of the best cars Pontiac as produced in a long time (even if it's from the GM Holde division). The GTO was always high on my list of coupes I would enjoy, but with a family...4 doors have been featured in my driveway.
I'll check out the G8 but maybe the new GXP to get all the oomph and goodies that Pontiac has to offer. I test drove the new CTS-V - they did a great job on it but I'm not ready for $60K even though it could be a collector's car in 20 years.
Yep, trying to get a 535 for less and not used. Thanks
The CTS-V is also quite nasty considering it edged out the M5...which is actually a feat if you think about the fact it was an American car that did it.
If you want a 535 for less and not used, best to buy at the end of the year and get the previous year model as they are trying to make room for the incoming new models.
maybe, just maybe I can answer this one without allmet's help.
Cars that are physically attractive, and those that are attractive in a mechanical sense are often not the same. The G8 has a lot going for it mechanically, but still suffers from that traditional Pontiac plasticked up boy racer treatment, my Avalon is butt ugly, but I regard the mechanical specs and the interior egronomics as among the best, the Genesis has both although I could live without the 'in your face' winged grill. Chrysler for many years has generally made good looking cars IMO - with lousy mechanics. Jaguars look good but with substandard mechanics considering the price, the German cars are all usually appealing to me and have mechanical virtues mostly beyond reproach - if only I could justify spending that kind of money on one.
My ultimate car of appeal to me...Porsche 911 GT2!!! WHEW!!!
my ultimate might just be the GT-R but not because it is especially pretty. Mechanical sophistication and abilities definitely take precedence over what something looks like. Kinda like a good wife...
Me...I've been a Porsche lover since I was a kid. For the longest time, the 959 was a wet dream for me. Now that I'm older (don't know about the mature part...LOL), the 959 gave way to the 911 GT2. That is my unicorn because I'll never pony up $200K just to see what it feels like to go from 0-60 mph in under 4 secs. I can spend a mere fraction of that and take my family to Cedar Point Amusement Park and take a ride on the Top Thrill Dragster and hit 120 mph in about 4 secs.
Okay, if I had to pick a car that was attractive to my practical sensibilities...I would take the Genesis, of course!
P.S. The GT-R isn't exactly ugly to be honest, it depends on who you talk to. I watched a segment on the Speed channel (Super Cars Exposed) and they had a GT-R on there. Not only can it run with some exotics/super cars...it can carry itself as a daily driver too...SWEET!
As a fellow Avalon owner I find that a bit harsh. Boring? Maybe, butt ugly. No. Although, I do find the Genesis a better looking vehicle overall.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
And notice how he took yet ANOTHER swipe at the Genesis? Good grief, he can't control himself!
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