Options

Is There Room in the Luxury Market for Hyundai?

12526283031142

Comments

  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Saw it, but fyi the Passat had the 6AT--all the cars had either AT or CVT (but there was a photo of a Passat with a stick for some reason).

    I think it shows how Hyundai is moving up in the world of professional opinion. First MT votes for the Veracruz over the Lexus RX, now the Sonata is a close 2nd to the Passat in a field of 10. And in fact, there's a lot of buzz about what "idiots" the MT editors were for picking the Passat over the Sonata, given the focus of the comparo was on how "familial and frugal" the cars are, and the Sonata was MT's top pick if a family is to be considered plus the most economical car (at least of the top five), plus priced thousands less than the Passat but with more equipment. So go figure.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    "The Hyundai Genesis offers more performance/luxury/space/fuel economy than comparable premium brands that cost a lot more money."

    2009 Hyundai Genesis: Ultra Luxury Sedan Value?

    image
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,439
    Looks like a nice review, although "ultra luxury" might be an overstatement...ultra value might not be. And I can't even really see the swoopy H taken of a 1993 Excel in the photo
  • dborthdborth Member Posts: 474
    "ultra luxury" might be an overstatement

    It is, when you consider Azera offers adjustable pedals and power folding outside mirrors which Genesis doesn't offer, with any package upgrade.
  • besetobeseto Member Posts: 10
    URL: http://www.hyundaigenesis.com/

    Description: Hyundai engineers looked closely at every detail when building the 2009 Genesis sedan. Now it's your turn. Go ahead, kick the tires.
  • snaglepussnaglepus Member Posts: 160
    :)

    They don't mention the top end of any of their various models.

    Does any one know what those top speeds are? :confuse:

    :D

    Delfin

    aka Snaglepus
  • 101649101649 Member Posts: 192
    Check out the Oct 08 Automobile Mag comparison test with the Genesis...won the comparison, but suspension still sucks....interesting article...They didn't get the 1/4 mile times and 0-60 speeds that Hyundai published....
  • joe97joe97 Member Posts: 2,248
    sucks relative to what? Yes, it is not as firm as a 5er, but it is also not as soft as the GS or STS. It is very balanced and responsive.

    In terms of 0-60, C/D reported 5.5 secs, while most publications came in around 5.6-5.7 secs.
  • 101649101649 Member Posts: 192
    relative to the other cars in the comparison...Lexus GS460, MB E 550, and Jag XF...remember, if you want to run with the big dogs, you have to be able to pee on the big trees...Read the article...
  • 101649101649 Member Posts: 192
    FYI I drove the Genesis and was not impressed...it was the 3.8...I have 3 Hyundai and I'm going to trade in my '06 Azera for a G 37S in a couple of months...don't need the extra room...Automobile Mag stats: 0-60 6.3 1/4 mile 14.6, 101mph "But add a few bumps and the Genesis takes a turn for the worse. Unlike any of the other sedans, the Hyundai falls completely to pieces on twisty,bumpy back roads. Push it hard and pavement irregularities send the Genesis heaving and wallowing down the road with the traction control light flashing and the steering wheel shuddering. When you're hustling with a car full of passengers, its soft rear suspension crashes onto its bump stops over moderately rough roads." Automobile Magazine October,2008
  • joe97joe97 Member Posts: 2,248
    Not sure about the analogy peeing on the big trees but I can confidently say the Genesis can go up against the big dogs in this class. While it doesn't go as fast as the 550i/E550, it corners better and has a shorter braking distance, for example. Without reading the reviews and comparos, I can tell you from personal experience Hyundai has calibrated the Genesis to a luxury sedan with some spirit of sport, especially with its responsive and balanced ride it delivers. The reviews, a second source of my shopping search, have all but agreed the very fine first effort Hyundai has introduced in this segment, quite exceeding the expectations of most, myself included. I predict this will be a game changer for Hyundai, along with the Genesis coupe.
  • ksmigelksmigel Member Posts: 56
    This is Don, Karen's husband. Before this weekend I had only had the opportunity to drive the Azera on a short test drive, and this was some time ago.

    We rented a midsized car on a vacation for labor day weekend, and was told there was a shortage of cars, but that they would bump us up to a premium car. No argument here, since it was no charge extra.

    We received a 2008 Sonata Limited.

    This will be a very honest review.

    First, the positives.

    This car has a rigid chassis. Honestly, I was more than impressed. It's a big car, with a long wheelbase, and when I say solid and rigid chassis, I mean solid and rigid. NO, ZERO body flex, creaks or other signs of flexing or bending over even the roughest roads. Wow, Hyundai, I am impressed. There must high strength steel and crossmembers EVERYWHERE in this vehicle.

    Also, this car is QUIET. Again, way more quiet than I ever expected, even on a windy day, and at freeway speeds of 85 mph for a stretch where traffic was very light and the road was very open. No wind noise, minimal road noise...wow, again, super impressed.

    Further, the engine was quiet, geared properly, it boogied, and I averaged 26.7 mpg with about 85% highway driving. That's very impressive given how big and heavy this car is. What more can I say?

    Also, the interior is massive, with a cavernous trunk and limousine-like rear seat. This is as big inside as a town car. The materials and assembly qaulity are very good, too. They aren't absolute top of the line, but for the money, a good value.

    Finally, the Lexicon gauges are very easy and nice to read in both daylight and at night. They are quite Lexus-like.

    Now for the bad, which isn't that long (but, unfortunately, in important categories to me).

    The steering is awful. There is no excuse for steering to be so disconnected from the sensation of what the tires are doing or the road surface is like. I'm talking numb, light and loose, with absolutely no communication, and a need for constant road corrections to stay on course, especially in conjunction with...

    ...The suspension. Honestly, this car has a suspension that is a throwback to Lincoln Towncars and Cadillac Coupe Devilles of the 80s. I can't remember the last time I felt a car bounce and wallow over uneven or wavering pavement as much as the Azera on the highway. I refer to it as a 'porpoise suspension.' To make matters worse, there is a complete absence of coordination between what the front end and rear end do, or when they do it, which only makes the wallowing and float feel even more severe. At lower speeds, around town, this is not a problem. But on the highway, at speed above 60, even on smooth roads, it becomes extremely pronounced.

    I liked the car, but the numb and imprecise steering and lack of proper damping of the suspension would absolutely keep me from buying an Azera.

    And that is a damn shame, because otherwise, this car has value written all over it.

    I was most impressed with the quiet interior and granite-like rigidity, and given that great chassis, it's a shame Hyundai didn't exploit to tie down the suspension and dial in some proper weight and feedback in the steering.

    Total miles driven - 347.

    And that's my honest review.
  • 101649101649 Member Posts: 192
    I agree that it a a good effort out of the box, but "lux sedan with spirit of sport; responsive and balanced ride?" Not there yet....it definitely does not have a sport tuned suspension and what other segment should it be comapred with other than those in the article??? Runs great on straight and smooth hiways, but push it and you loose that "balanced and responsive ride"....Go drive one with the V 8 and put it thru the paces...i only had the opportunity to drive the 3.8 and it didn't impress me...rode and drove very similar to my '06 Azera....You'll be in over $43k for the V8 model...better cars out there for that kind of money...They're not there yet, but give them some years and maybe the Genesis will come around....possibly with a hybrid model...
  • joe97joe97 Member Posts: 2,248
    I have and that's how I have been making my points. I've driven both the V6 and the V8.

    I disagree with you about how the Genesis V6 drives like the Azera (not that the Azera is a bad car, a fine automobile as a matter of fact). Aside from the similar engine, which is upgraded on the Genesis, the Genesis and the Azera couldn't be more apart, and that's done by design.

    I never said the Genesis was a sport sedan (although some publications have ;) ), I have said, however, this is a luxury sedan with some spirit of sport. This is absoutely true along with the responsive and balanced ride - go drive the 5 Series, the Genesis, and the GS back to back to back, and I'd bet you the Genesis would come out as the most balanced out of the three, with the 5er having the firmest ride, and the GS being softest. This is not a knock on any of the car, just relatively speaking, as all three are fine automobiles and cater to different likes.

    Let me correct a few things, if I may - the Genesis has sport-tuned suspension; 42K is the price for a LOADED Genesis V8 - yes, there are other very good cars out there in similar pricing terrority, but comparably speaking, the Genesis is still about 7-10K (or more) less than others out there.

    Personally, I don't see the need for a hybrid, especially with the fuel economy for the Genesis being very respective, up there in the top rankings of the class.
  • hjc1hjc1 Member Posts: 183
    I'm confused ... you stated that the rental gave you a 2008 Sonata. but you said you wouldn't buy an Azera

    "I liked the car, but the numb and imprecise steering and lack of proper damping of the suspension would absolutely keep me from buying an Azera."

    I have a 2007 Azera and I have NO problem with steering or ANY suspension problems you noticed. I live in rural Wisconsin and not the best roads AND never had a problem at any speed. I had a Audi before and this car is a dream on the open road. I have driven my Azera for 15 hours straiught and I didn't feel I needed a Chiropractor after the trip.
  • jeffreidjeffreid Member Posts: 162
    ...rode and drove very similar to my '06 Azera....

    Having driven both the Azera (from 2006-2009) and the Genesis V6, I have to say that the above statement really casts a shadow on all of your other comments.

    These two autos couldn't be too much farther apart. The Azera feels like a waterbed to me, where the Genesis feels really well connected to the road. Also, the Azera has LOTS more road noise than the Genesis.

    If one were to say that a Buick Lucerne and a Lexus GS felt "very similar", they would get run out of here. That isn't much different than an Azera and a Genesis IMO.
  • ksmigelksmigel Member Posts: 56
    I'm confused ... you stated that the rental gave you a 2008 Sonata. but you said you wouldn't buy an Azera

    Sorry guys. It was an AZERA that I rented. Not a Sonata.

    Sorry for any confusion.

    I really tried to be completely honest and fair in my assessment, and I highlighted more strengths than weaknesses, and I think I was fair and I know I was honest.

    One more caveat - it may have been a 2007 Azera, and not a 2008. The woman at the rental counter said it was an '08, but it had almost 18,000 miles on it, so I'm not sure. It's possible.

    To jeffreid - Jeff, the Azera I rented was as quiet as any car I've ever driven in, including in terms of road noise. If you think it's loud, wow, I can't imagine that...
  • cobrazeracobrazera Member Posts: 352
    Also, the Azera has LOTS more road noise than the Genesis.
    Not according to Car & Driver magazine. July '06 issue tested an Azera SE and came up with a low of 66db at 70MPH. Their Oct '08 test of the Genesis 4.6 had a low of 69db.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Maybe the Azera he drove had bad or out-of-balance tires.
  • carolinabobcarolinabob Member Posts: 576
    I own an Azera and have driven two Genesis'. They are equally quite in my opinion, but I did notice the suspension issues that reviewers have reported in both Genesis'.
  • jlindhjlindh Member Posts: 282
    Bob, would you say they're quite quiet? Sorry, couldn't resist.
  • 101649101649 Member Posts: 192
    read post 1454....Everyone notices the suspension issues with the Hyundai top of the line autos...As far as the Azera and Genisis being "far apart" maybe just for the ride you mentioned..Overall size, interior room, stance, wheelbase, trunk capacity, seating capacity, height are very close....I haven't driven the V8, but my drive in the 3.8 was not impressive...Seats offered more support and larger bolsters, but I can't justify firmer seats for the price....road noise is very similar.....Anyway, I'm moving out of my Azzy and into a G 37S...don't need the extra room FE is 17/25 and the "fun factor" is 1000.
  • ksmigelksmigel Member Posts: 56
    Anyway, I'm moving out of my Azzy and into a G 37S...don't need the extra room FE is 17/25 and the "fun factor" is 1000.

    Jeff, you're buying an Infinity G37? Or am I confused?

    Thanks.

    Don
  • joe97joe97 Member Posts: 2,248
    Jeff was talking about your comment the Genesis "rode and drove very similar" to the Azera, and not the specs of the car. For the Genesis and the Azera to be similar in those terms, it would have been almost impossible, no matter how slappy the setup is on the RWD, as compared to a FWD. More puzzled I am, as you said you test drove the V6, and it has the better weight distribution to the V8.

    On the other hand, I am not sure what the suspension issues you speak of in which everyone notices. I've driven several models of the Genesis (V6 & V8) and have not noticed any real issues. The only "issue" happened after I drove a 550i, and I then thought the Genesis V8 was a little too soft, relatively speaking though - that was only because of the firmer (too firm for my likes) ride of the 5er. In terms of my needs, the suspension was well balanced, I thought, in between the GS and 5 Series, for example.

    Also going through the main Genesis thread here, I have not seen the suspension issues coming up with those having driven the Genesis.

    Have fun in your G37.
  • ksmigelksmigel Member Posts: 56
    Joe, I'm confused.

    Are you addressing me or 101649?

    I'm the one that said the Azera was super quiet thought the suspension was very disjointed and bounding. I never made any comparison between the Genesis and the Azera.

    I asked if Jeff was getting an Infinity G37 because I though that's what he wrote, and I'm surprised if true, because he's a Hyundai dealer, no?

    Anyways, sometimes it's hard to keep track of who is talking to who on here.

    Don
  • joe97joe97 Member Posts: 2,248
    I wasn't addressing you. I always respond by clicking the reply link from the post I want to respond. So, for example, on the top of my previous post (#1458), it says "Replying to: 101649"; and in your post (#1459), you were responding to me - "Replying to: joe97".

    Following the topic of discussion, 101649 was talking about himself, as he's looking to get into a G37.
  • ksmigelksmigel Member Posts: 56
    I wasn't addressing you. I always respond by clicking the reply link from the post I want to respond. So, for example, on the top of my previous post (#1458), it says "Replying to: 101649"; and in your post (#1459), you were responding to me - "Replying to: joe97".

    Following the topic of discussion, 101649 was talking about himself, as he's looking to get into a G37.


    Okay, gotcha.

    Thanks.

    Don
  • 101649101649 Member Posts: 192
    Suspension (handling,braking, steering) issues are noted on all the professional reviews in the October issues of all the major auto mags....
  • carolinabobcarolinabob Member Posts: 576
    See the test drive thread. Also, Oct 2008 Car and Driver and Automobilemag.com
  • jeffreidjeffreid Member Posts: 162
    No, I am not buying a G37. Or anything else right now. However, when I am in the market next that is a line that I would like to take a spin in to see what I think.

    I would like to drive a G, and E-class, a Genesis, a XF, and a GS back to back to see what I REALLY think. Just because I work at a Hyundai dealership, that doesn't mean that my money isn't MY money............

    Anyhow, I stand behind my comment about the road noise in the Azera. All I can think about are the test drives that I would be on, and feel really uncomfortable with the tire roar and such that seemed to be all over the cabin. I have noticed a huge difference with the Genesis.

    Sorry if this offends any of you. It is not meant as a slight or anything, it is just my observations.
  • 101649101649 Member Posts: 192
    The Michelins that are OEM on the Azera transmit a lot of road noise...Lower end of the line..They also become noisier as the tread wears down..Many owners have changed them out and gotten a less noisy ride.
    BTW, the Genesis sports the DunlopSP Sport 5000m tires....Definitey an upgrade.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Perhaps the tires are aired up to high pressures to prevent flat-spotting, and those models have not been PDI'd yet?

    Usually they reduce the tire pressure just before delivery.

    Not sure how your dealer does it...
  • wobbly_earswobbly_ears Member Posts: 160
    Yep, they're over-inflated to prevent flat-spotting during shipping & the dealer is supposed to reduce the pressure before delivery.

    'Supposed to' is the keyword here. The moronic dealership which sold me my Azera didn't & I drove for about 2-3 months with 51psi instead of 32psi. I used to check air pressure on my previous cars every week. But since this Azera had a fancy TPMS, I got complacent & thought TPMS would let me know if the pressure was below or above spec.

    Well, TPMS tells you only when it is underinflated (20% below). So, keep checking your tire pressure every other week folks!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Yep, if the spec is 30 psi, it'll only warn you at a low 24psi.

    If they started at 51psi, basically it would never go on, despite the pressures being way off.
  • jeffreidjeffreid Member Posts: 162
    Just don't think it is the pressure.

    This is a recurring situation with most all of the Azera's I have been in and we have one of the best service departments in our area. I would think that our tire pressures should be done right most of the time.

    The Azera is a well built car, I just think that you get a better car for the money with the Genesis.
  • joe97joe97 Member Posts: 2,248
    Last I checked, the Genesis focuses more on the luxury side of things than sport, a lot more. That was the whole point - the goal was never set out to out-handle a BMW 5 Series, for example, far from it; but rather, it carries a superb ride and fantastic fit and finish for the enjoyment of the driver and those passengers inside the cabin.

    The major US publications have had great things to say about this car, and the consumers as well. Is it a perfect car? Of course not, but the long list of pluses have far outshined the small areas of drawbacks. Naturally, just like every other vehicle model out there, this isn't for everyone; some may like it, some may not. One thing is clear, however, this car, has the caliber to compete with other players in its class, and it's drawing that very attention.
  • ksmigelksmigel Member Posts: 56
    Really?

    The ride is the biggest criticism of the Genesis by quite a few reviews in magazines. Some of them have said it's way to harsh, transmits road imperfections through the steering wheel, and Automobile Magazine in its August 2008 review was really critical, saying that unlike other entry level luxury-sport cars, the Genesis's 'suspension fell apart on back roads.'
  • 101649101649 Member Posts: 192
    You're spot on ....As i have stated in many previous posts...I think the Genesis is a good start out of the box, but has some work to do before it can be classed ...You have to remember, Joe97 works for a Hyundai dealershi[p......I my self own 3 Hyundai and have been pleased with all...I'm happy with my '06 Azzy, but am going to replace it with a G 37 coupe soon.....I still think the riding and handling is not up to par with the sandbox that Genesis wants to play in...it will be interesting to see how the sls breakdown is according to engine size.....V6 vs V8 units..
  • joe97joe97 Member Posts: 2,248
    Again, when you compare the 5 Series, which many mags did, of course the standard isn't going to be the same - C/D had the following to say:

    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.

    Of course, the freeway riding is nothing short of excellence, as commented.

    For what is, the Genesis does fine for its purpose. This is not a sport sedan so don't expect the car to zig zag to almost perfection like the 5er. Two very different animals.
  • joe97joe97 Member Posts: 2,248
    You have to remember, Joe97 works for a Hyundai dealershi[p

    Wanna bet?

    If I work for a Hyundai dealership, I would have had myself a Genesis already, with the applied discount.
  • carolinabobcarolinabob Member Posts: 576
    I tried the G35 before getting an Azera. Not even considering cost, the Azera Ltd. with Ultimate gave a lot more than the G35. Also, I found the G nosier and the ride harsher. Of course the G is sports sedan and the Azera is a near luxury sedan and the Genesis is a luxury sedan. Also tried the M, but the ride was no better and it seemed more confining and nosier. I even found a Lexus LS to be nosier in that you could hear the engine most of the time.
    Of course, the Lexus and Infinitis did not wallow the way the Azera does, but I am hopeful new shocks will fix that.
    Bottom Line: There are too many variables in the differences in cars today for any one to be the best for everybody or even most people. It is a very individual thing and that is good for us.
  • gccmngccmn Member Posts: 11
    Check out this website: http://www.hyundai-genesis.com

    The above link is NOT the http://www.hyundaigenesis.com
  • mpuzachmpuzach Member Posts: 635
    Great site. I'm wondering, though, if it depicts U.S.-bound Genesis models. There were a few features shown that I didn't think were coming to the U.S. e.g. adaptive cruise control, rear seat audio controls, front cameras.
  • tenpin288tenpin288 Member Posts: 804
    It looks like it is the Middle East website. I checked the link about scheduling a test drive and the countries listed are Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Syria, etc.
  • besetobeseto Member Posts: 10
    hyundaigenesis.com is a US official site.
  • carolinabobcarolinabob Member Posts: 576
    After defending Hyundai for months, I am about to give up. My new L640 shocks on my 07 Azera are already beginning to deteriorate after 250 miles. This is the third set of shocks on a car with 11,000 miles.
    Hyundai sells their cars cheaper and offer a lot of bells and whistles that others don't or else charge exhorbitently for. Perhaps the low cost is the problem, they are cutting corners somewhere and I think it is the suspension and quality control.
    You can read my Genesis impressions under Genesis Test Drives site. You can also read Automobile Magazine and Car and Driver's road tests of the Genesis re: poor suspensions. This is not acceptable on a car that wants to be considered a luxury car.
    BTW, both the media and Hyundai referred to the Azera as a luxury car when it was introduced in 2006.
  • lemkolemko Member Posts: 15,261
    Sheesh! I never had shocks wear out on a car that early! The car is usually quite old and miled-up by the time I need to replace shocks. I imagine a good aftermarket shock absorber would be better than Hyundai's OEM.
  • hjc1hjc1 Member Posts: 183
    I just completed around trip from WI. to NJ. driving on some of the worst road I've ever driven. Potholes, large cracks, etc. (PA. turbpike sucks) and my 07 Azera did well on these roads. My car now has almost 28,000 miles on it and drives as well if not better then any cars I have owned. As far as I'm concerned this car is a keeper. .... build date is Nov. 06
  • steve59steve59 Member Posts: 5
    I am taking issue with carolinabob's post re: shocks starting to deteriorate after only 250 miles.
    Just plain impossible! Maybe you THINK they're going out so soon, but in reality, it just is not happening.
    PS My office hours are 9 to 5. My hourly rate is $200.00. When would you like to start your therapy?
Sign In or Register to comment.