CTC Review: 2009 Hyundai Genesis Sedan

[sirAQUAMAN64]

If spending $35-40,000 on a sedan, the Genesis would be at or near the top of the list. Similarly priced cars like the Pontiac G8 aren't as opulent, Avalon and Lucerne are boring and large bread 'n butter cars, while 3-Series/A4/Passat/C-Class are far smaller and less substantial... while costing more in some cases.

I have yet to inspect the interior of one - will soon - but understand the nitpicks which I've found in other Hyundais. I would have to see to what extent they jump out at me in this model. Yet despite them, the Genesis stands proud as a solid, roomy, upscale, substantial, powerful, high technology package at a fantastic price. A true RWD luxury car for the masses, rather than an option-laden somewhat ordinary vehicle passed off as one (Azera). And for that, I'd seriously consider one.

[jww]

Based on our experience with my 2006 Sonata and my wife's 2007 Accent I don't know that I will ever shop for anything other than a Hyundai, to be honest. Both of our cars have been and continue to be excellent vehicles, with no repairs required outside of standard maintenance and replacing the front brakes on my sonata after 78000km (which is beyond what I had experienced before replacing Dodge and Nissan brakes on brand new vehicles on all 4 wheels at roughly 45000km and 55000km respectively).

The only thing that bugs me about Hyundai vehicles is the short under thigh support up front of their bigger cars. The Genesis has this same short-bottomed seat thing to me. Nevertheless, I would still be happy enough to own one of these cars. Hyundai have paid their dues, and improved their products significantly over the years -- I expect this car will do quite well in Canada, where the Hyundai moniker negativity is pretty much non-existent these days.

[sailor723]

No one has produced a car as bad as the Pony?  That's a pretty strong statement.

The Pony/Stellar years were pretty grim but they certainly had some competition. Can you say "Yugo" and "Lada"?

[Ecoman]

I bought the V8 version of the Genesis last October. The car is wonderful. I traded "down" from the Audi A6, Acar cost $20,000.00 more with less features. When I told my friends I bought a Hyundai they said I made a smart move. These are people driving Benz, Bimmers and Lexus. They sat in my car and love it as much as I do. The sound system is unbelievable and the V8 can really move the car. For those people who wouldn't buy a Hyundai because of the brand name, that is fine with me. It is your money. If I meet you at a stop light, please excuse me when the only think you remember our encounter was the H logo on the trunk of my Genesis I shown you.

[Giant Dwarf]

Jww, I think you might be looking through some Hyundai-coloured glasses when you suggest there isn't any negativity around the Hyundai name in Canada.  When I mention to non-car-nuts that one of the cars I'm most keen to see as a possible 'next' for me is a Hyundai (Genesis coupe), the eye-brow raising reaction is pretty common.  I'm sure the general public's lacklust opinion of the Hyundai brand will continue to quickly erode away, but it does still exist, I believe.

Steve, I see nothing in last night's two posts to suggest they'd be Hyundai's marketing dept reps -- would they really be driving Lexuses and BMWs?  Anyway, even if they are, who cares?  The points made were all valid and helpful contributions to the thread -- nothing in there I wouldn't have said and believed myself, and I certainly don't own a Hyundai or work for the company.  I just have seen, read and experienced enough that the company has paid its dues and are producing truly world-class quality products now.  

Wing... product launch... could it be the Genesis Coupe?    

[wing]

Perhaps... perhaps I should have inquired!

[bluelines]

One thing that seems certain is that, for buyers who buy new or lease, the depreciation / residual value will wipe out a large portion of the price difference between the Hyundai and more established brands. I'm sure there ARE vehicles that depreciate faster than large Korean luxury sedans, I just can't quite think of any off the top of my head, other than domestic full-size SUVs these days. Unless leases are heavily subsidized and discounts off the sticker price are huge, that "saving" of $20k compared to an Audi will quickly disappear over three or four years.

Second, I don't see how anyone could possibly buy this car over a BMW. If you're choosing a BMW, at least part of that decision surely comes down to how the car drives. I haven't driven a Genesis, but I would bet a large sum of money that when it comes to steering feel, handling and other dynamic qualities it's not even in the same universe. Comparisons to an Audi A6 might be a bit more forgiving, since the Audi has a pretty awful, lumpy ride and, despite being all-wheel-drive, feels very much like a front-wheel-drive car in the way it understeers, etc.

The Genesis will be a great used buy for someone who is looking for a large, cheap, extremely well-equipped and no doubt amazingly comfortable car. By all accounts it's a fantastic first effort at a real luxury car. But is it serious competition for BMW and Mercedes in terms of the driving experience and image those brands provide? Absolutely not, in my humble opinion.

[scottmcphee]

The price of this car is about the same dollars as spent on my Mercedes 300D, bought new.... 22 years ago for $43K!  Because I didn't take the nav package at the time    Mind you that was in USD dollars and this Hyundai is quoted in CAD. I forget the conversion rate of the day so lets call it even.  

My Mercedes is a six cylinder and has the same torque as the V6 version of the Genesis.  And being a diesel, I actually achieve better fuel economy than advertised for this new Hyundai.  Go figure.  I drive mine every day and it hasn't needed any major component replaced and still runs very smooth.  Not unusual for this vintage either.

Check back on the quality of this Genesis in a couple dozen years when we're talking about the new $43K electric Geely Tiger Drive Deluxe becoming the car to beat on your commute to work. I can imagine the marketing slogans now, in bad translation "Prrrr's like a kitten, biting the king of the jungle!"  Unless Chinese has been adopted as the new international language standard by then, it would make more sense.

[articsteve]

I see the Hyunda Canada marketing team is on the late shift.  Good work fellows. 

Wow...  nice insight.  Oh, wait, all you did was quote what someone else has said, and offer no opinion of your own other than accusations of bias.  Good contribution. 

Oh, wait, all you did was quote what someone else has said, and offer no opinion of your own other than accusations of bias.

I just captioned the content so it could not be deleted.  Obvious ringers and by the same individual.  

I was remaining neutral on this vehicle.  Obviously a fine car for the money.  However it has a mega branding problem.

[ezbst]

JT816 and other Hyundai bashers... you're old dogs, basing your opinions on outdated data.  Probably have "buy domestic" stickers on your bumpers.  So I'm not going to be teaching you any lessons, rather just wait for you to die.  Because that is they only surefire way that Hyundai will get rid of the "crappy car" stigma.

I also snicker at those that care about what other people think of them.  Oh no, they'll know I'm driving a Hyundai!!  They'll think I'm poor!  I need that Benz to keep up with the Joneses.... geez...

I guess all the journalists that voted this car of the year don't know what they're talking about, huh?  Give respect where it's due.  This car is a great accomplishment.  I'm by no means a Hyundai fanboy, in fact I've never owned one yet.  But it's certainly not because I worry about public perception.  The whole "it's a Hyundai" explanation is idiotic.  Get in tune with the times.  Or die.

[tortoise]

 I haven't driven a Genesis...

Followed by:

...is it serious competition for BMW and Mercedes in terms of the driving experience and image those brands provide?

Way to play hopscotch on your jump to conclusions mat (shameless office space reference).

[sailor723]

JT816 and other Hyundai bashers... you're old dogs, basing your opinions on outdated data.  Probably have "buy domestic" stickers on your bumpers.  So I'm not going to be teaching you any lessons, rather just wait for you to die.  Because that is they only surefire way that Hyundai will get rid of the "crappy car" stigma.

I also snicker at those that care about what other people think of them.  Oh no, they'll know I'm driving a Hyundai!!  They'll think I'm poor!  I need that Benz to keep up with the Joneses.... geez...

I guess all the journalists that voted this car of the year don't know what they're talking about, huh?  Give respect where it's due.  This car is a great accomplishment.  I'm by no means a Hyundai fanboy, in fact I've never owned one yet.  But it's certainly not because I worry about public perception.  The whole "it's a Hyundai" explanation is idiotic.  Get in tune with the times.  Or die.

Seems like all the members jumping to the defense of Hyundai's reputation are newbies with one post. HMMMMM? 

[articsteve]

Jww, I think you might be looking through some Hyundai-coloured glasses when you suggest there isn't any negativity around the Hyundai name in Canada.  When I mention to non-car-nuts that one of the cars I'm most keen to see as a possible 'next' for me is a Hyundai (Genesis coupe), the eye-brow raising reaction is pretty common.  I'm sure the general public's lacklust opinion of the Hyundai brand will continue to quickly erode away, but it does still exist, I believe.

Steve, I see nothing in last night's two posts to suggest they'd be Hyundai's marketing dept reps -- would they really be driving Lexuses and BMWs?  Anyway, even if they are, who cares?  The points made were all valid and helpful contributions to the thread -- nothing in there I wouldn't have said and believed myself, and I certainly don't own a Hyundai or work for the company.  I just have seen, read and experienced enough that the company has paid its dues and are producing truly world-class quality products now.  

Wing... product launch... could it be the Genesis Coupe?    

Steve, I see nothing in last night's two posts to suggest they'd be Hyundai's marketing dept reps -- would they really be driving Lexuses and BMWs?

You miss the point Oh Giant One; they aren't driving those cars.    What a coincidence it is that two brand new posters come into a thread after midnight one hour apart only after the Genesis thread turns sour.

What a coincidence the writing style of "both" posters is identical, professional to the extreme, and perfect rebuttals covering all the bases.  "critical functional components", " 'smirk and giggle' "   Come on 

What a coincidence that "both" posters indicate that they drive brands that the Genesis aspires to compete directly with: BMW and Lexus.  Hence elevating them to a position of expertise on what defines upscale quality cars.

What a coincidence that "both" posters go to the effort of indicating which model they drive, but omit the model year.

Sorry Oh Giant One; the posts are bogus.  I don't have a problem with marketing reps coming into a thread and defending a product if they first declare their status.

the eye-brow raising reaction is pretty common.  I'm sure the general public's lacklust opinion of the Hyundai brand will continue to quickly erode away, but it does still exist, I believe.

If Toyota had not formed Lexus to market their upscale Toyotas, BMW and MB would be much richer companies.  Ditto goes for Acura and Infinity.

Person walks up to a hotel front desk; it's always the same: license number, colour and make, NOT model.

Accent owner replies to hotel receptionist make of car is Accent.  Hotel rep says OK, but what is that? reply .... Hyundai.

Genesis owner replies to hotel receptionist make of car is Genesis.  Hotel rep says OK, but what is that?  Genesis owner winces and in low voice says "Hyundai".

Next slot over dude with 10 year old BMW, worth sh*t, gets to reply in a loud tone .... BMW.  Walks away from the desk a big stud. 

That's the way it is and it's not going to change "quickly"

[articsteve]

JT816 and other Hyundai bashers... you're old dogs, basing your opinions on outdated data.  Probably have "buy domestic" stickers on your bumpers.  So I'm not going to be teaching you any lessons, rather just wait for you to die.  Because that is they only surefire way that Hyundai will get rid of the "crappy car" stigma.

I also snicker at those that care about what other people think of them.  Oh no, they'll know I'm driving a Hyundai!!  They'll think I'm poor!  I need that Benz to keep up with the Joneses.... geez...

I guess all the journalists that voted this car of the year don't know what they're talking about, huh?  Give respect where it's due.  This car is a great accomplishment.  I'm by no means a Hyundai fanboy, in fact I've never owned one yet.  But it's certainly not because I worry about public perception.  The whole "it's a Hyundai" explanation is idiotic.  Get in tune with the times.  Or die.

Seems like all the members jumping to the defense of Hyundai's reputation are newbies with one post. HMMMMM?


And they are all very fluent writers.  Like using these alot .... "    "   

However, this poster seems a bit over the top and angry to be associated with Hyundai Canada .... oh but wait, it's not written by a Canadian. 

I guess all the journalists that voted this car of the year don't know what they're talking about, huh?

Only Americans use the word "huh" when asking a rhetorical question.

Strange thread 

[The Mighty Duck]

I just captioned the content so it could not be deleted.  Obvious ringers and by the same individual.  

Right.  So it's OK to be a massive Toyota fanboy to the point of ridiculousness, but not OK to be a Hyundai fanboy.  Just so we're all on the same page.

for double standards. 

[Greg B.]

I see the Hyunda Canada marketing team is on the late shift.  Good work fellows. 

Meanwhile, the Toyota cheerleading squad captain is on the day shift as usual. 

[conix67]

@articsteve

I'm surprised to see that just based on my post I'm being suggested as a Hyundai rep. Is that what car company's reps typically do?

I can tell you I'm in no way related to the automaker Hyundai, whether or not you believe, that's not my concern though. I can tell you I work as a software engineer for a computer product company in Markham, and I do currently own a 2007 Lexus IS350 and as a matter of fact I just received a service reminder from Don Valley Lexus. Ask me any questions about my car, I can tell you as much as I know, including my experiences with Lexus service department. As a current lexus owner I was invited to their ISF launch event early last year and had a chance to drive both ISF and IS350 at Dunnville track. It was an amazing experience (never driven any car on a track) and found IS350 more than enough fun I expected on a track. Check with Don Valley Lexus about this event and check with them who were invited.

The reason I posted my message was pretty much the same reason the second poster had. A person with no real experience with the car itself drawing a conclusion based on his own personal view to a car company's subjective brand image isn't what readers here are looking for. I myself would not consider Hyundai as a top pick for its brand image either, but I wanted to hear more objetive view to this new car from people because it was chosen for car of the year in US.

I have no plan on switching to another car anytime soon since I love my IS350 for its performance and comfort (a rare combination I would say) for the daily commute duty (except when the road is slippery, especially uphills, even with blizzarks it gets pretty interesting under heavy snow). However, this car gets me interested for what it offers and I'll be watching it closely for new few years. As long as they come up with a decent AWD model in next generation or so, it will be in my shopping list.

[Brigitte]

I do understand what the brand perception is for Hyundai, as I am of the generation who witnessed the entries (and subsequent demise) of the Pony and the Stellar.  It wasn't pretty (unless you like that particular shade of rust).

Perhaps Hyundai should follow in Honda and Toyota's footsteps with its own Acura or Lexus version of the badge.  From what I've read, seemingly unanimously across the press board, the Genesis appears to be deserving of an entry into that market.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

I do understand what the brand perception is for Hyundai, as I am of the generation who witnessed the entries (and subsequent demise) of the Pony and the Stellar.  It wasn't pretty (unless you like that particular shade of rust).

Perhaps Hyundai should follow in Honda and Toyota's footsteps with its own Acura or Lexus version of the badge.  From what I've read, seemingly unanimously across the press board, the Genesis appears to be deserving of an entry into that market.

Where's the snark? Where's the abuse? WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH THE REAL BRIGITTE!

[Railton]

I do understand what the brand perception is for Hyundai, as I am of the generation who witnessed the entries (and subsequent demise) of the Pony and the Stellar.  It wasn't pretty (unless you like that particular shade of rust).

Perhaps Hyundai should follow in Honda and Toyota's footsteps with its own Acura or Lexus version of the badge.  From what I've read, seemingly unanimously across the press board, the Genesis appears to be deserving of an entry into that market.

When I was in Seoul last year the same vehicle had a more upmarket badge (quite like a Bentley) and it looked quite nice.
Railton