CTC Review: 2009 Hyundai Genesis Sedan

[rrocket]

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.

Good idea...but pretty expensive to implement....even if it is only giving it a separate name...

[wing]

I don't think the reps have enough time to bother with our forum.  They do read the blogs typically just like they read any article about their vehicles.  But they had no idea it was going to be posted so I doubt they were sitting there watching our site waiting for the story to come on....

[wing]

Oh and welcome to our very well spoken new members

[mmret]

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.

Okay, here's a Q for you then.

Assume you don't need that much space.

Genesis 3.8 with Tech Package $46.8k incl Freight
G37 with Touring/Tech Packages $48k incl Freight

Difference of $1.2k which you will probably recover at resale time, plus an extra 40 horses, probably a shade better handling. Genesis has size advantage though from what I understand the G37 is bigger than the 3/C/A4, and the Genesis possibly has an interior quality advantage (!!). Plus the badge thing if you care about that (most will, in reality).

Tougher to decide imo, but given that I don't need the space I'd go for the G personally. Either way these are imho the "awesome value" cars in this segment.

Aside: Genesis coupe will be hot hot hot.

EDIT: on the badge front....at my office despite that people are in general quite wealthy, there are more than a few Hyundai owners. Recent models it must be said.

[rrocket]

^^^^I'd go with the "base" Genesis V8 for $44K.....

[sailor723]

I think the whole Hyundai image thing is probably starting to become a generational issue. Many of us in the 45-50+ age range remember rusty Pony's and Stellar's where none of the power accessories worked,Excel's with clogged cat converters,early Elantra's with automatic tranny's only good for 15,000kms etc,etc. People in their 20's and 30's don't have this sort of baggage

[bobby]

I own a BMW and a Hyundai so I figure I'll throw my 2 cents in!  I'm one of those 'strange' young types that really, truly does not care about brand.  If I drive it and like it better than its competitors then I buy it.  I believe that not enough people drive all the vehicles in the segment when buying... big mistake.

As for this car, I like it when people compare the Genesis to Audi, BMW, and Mercedes.  As other articles have mentioned before, that's actually a compliment to Hyundai.  What people need to realize is that more immediate competition comes from cars in its segment, the Japanese luxury brands like Infiniti, Lexus, and Acura.

On to depreciation.  This is a simple subject really, just get the residual values from the competition.  This can be easily obtained from lease busting websites or via the used values on autotrader.  I'm going to use the A6 as an example because it was mentioned earlier in the thread (even though the Genesis isn't meant to compete with it).  A brand new base A6 is $59.9K, so $15K more than a V6 Tech.  After 4 years, a used A6 (I'll assume it's base) with average mileage (80,000km) can be had for an asking price of $28K.  That means you'd have to sell your 4 year old Genesis for over $13K to come out ahead... that seems very possible to me.

The last thing I'll bring up is the clock.  They didn't lift it out of an Accent, it came straight out of a Lexus... at least they left the tape deck behind

[EV Dan]

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".

I'd just say its a POS Hyundai and then watch them having fun looking for something Elantra-ish. Not a good line to pick up chicks tho. 

[Ecoman]

For those concern about the depreciation of the Genesis. The residual value for the Genesis is better than the BMW, Benz or Lexus after 3 years.

[rrocket]

Which Lexus? Which MB? Which BMW? Where'd this info come from?

[bobby]

actual purchase price and low-to-zero financing rates usually help out in the depreciation dept as well.  i'm sure if you could knock 10% off the price without too much of a hassle ... especially in this day and age.

[bobby]

i'm going to assume ecoman was quoting the Automotive Lease Guide... which put the Genesis at 50-52% of msrp after 3 years

[EV Dan]

Eww. Didn't want to gross anyone out, but why there is a butt print on a brand new seat?

(yeah, I want it to depriciate a little quicker   )

[Brigitte]

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

   She picks her battles, now.   I'm surprised it took you this long to notice.   

[Alex_S]

@JT816

"I wasn't trying to make an argument at all. I was simply point out what I know in terms of popular opinion and provided one  recent example. I can easily ask the mechanics I know and provide dozens of experiences they have had with Hyundais. I can bet if you randomly sampled people on the street, most will share my opinion. Japanese cars had a bad reputation because they were seen as "foreigners" to the US market. They never sold a car as bad as a Hyundai Pony. How many Azera's do you see on the road despite their huge marketing campaign when it first came out?
Personally, I don't think Hyundai can be serious competition to the cars and makers they are trying to target with this car. At this price range, people can already afford the near luxury brands and sedans (Infiniti G35, BMW 3 series, Acura TL, Mercedes, Lexus, etc.) so why would they "settle" for "great value" from a clearly inferior brand overall? Most people in this price range will care about the brand and the stigma the brand brings. Hyundai works for people looking for value when they can't afford the alternative mainstream vehicle. But when you get into the near luxury market, it's a whole different story."

Valid points but again, you are taking samples within your own little world JT.  Yes, that perception of inferior quality still exists but it is within the last year or two that Hyundai has seriously revamped staples in their lineup (Sonata and Sante Fe).  But in my opinion, it is the Genesis that will help help spark a change in public perception of the brand. Did a quick google search and according to Asia Pulse Data Source, vehicle sales gained 6.9% in 2008 YoY for a total of 2.78 million. Lets assume that many of these people are not as caught up on brand as your are JT because many people could have paid extra for a vehicle from other brands.

Now, as to your list of competitors, you mentioned the BMW 3-series.  The 3-series?  Apparently, they benchmarked the 5-series.  A fully loaded 135i with every conceivable option might be in the same vicinity or how about a loaded Cooper S, I see you forgot to add some other potential competitors.. Many people who are rich got rich because they are WISE WITH THEIR MONEY.  Not all people with a net worth of >$1 mill would buy a car to drive as a status symbol and many are actually very frugal and look for value.  Why?  Because they are smart. Warren Buffet, among the richest in the world apparently traded in his Lincoln for a Cadillac sedan (Deville?). I may be incorrect but I don't believe Honda has a V8 RWD touring sedan anywhere close to the price of the Genesis or a RWD Sport Coupe in the same price range so Hyundai is simply taking some chances and I think they will be rewarded down the road.  Current products and products in the pipeline will help to improve the brand in my opinion but it will take time..

[Alex_S]

Nice one arcticsteve. Wow, you're certainly are a little sherlock aren't you! Two consecutive posts disagreeing with one ridiculous comment and we are work for the company marketing team.  Glad you found your own comment hilarious. No, I don't work for Hyundai, I have never owned a Hyundai vehicle and do not own any shares in the company.  I am a car enthusiast and when an individual comes out an unfairly bashes something without really knowing anything about it or comes off as god's gift to marketing, I will throw in my opinion and say something in their defense.  Call it the Canadian way..

My loyalty remains with German/Italian vehicles despite their flaws and as mentioned, I personally will not buy a Toyota or Nissan (however, I do like several Mazda vehicles - MX-5 Miyata, Mazda3, RX-7 etc) but if you unfairly bash Toyota or Nissan, I will likely say 'that last comment was idiotic.'  Just like your comment about us working for the marketing department was idiotic. Steve, I am not normally like this, but let me just say you bring out the worst in me..

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

Alex_S

@ JT816
I have registered so I can reply to your comment.  You are certainly due to your opinions but your example is extremely ignorant.  Why?  Because it is based on a sample of 1.  So are you saying you should buy a Toyota because of their reputation for reliability?  Do a quick google search on recalls and you will see that they are not nearly what they once were - arguably WORSE than Hyundai currently.  I have owned 2 Toyotas: My first car was a Tercel ~19 years ago and I had problems with brakes.  I thought I was simply unlucky so it was traded for a Corolla soon after and had transmission leaks (in the Toyota Service Centre three times!).  No more Toyotas for me. 

My father had to go up the chain to Nissan's head office to get his 2000 Maxima brake rotors replaced, even while in the warranty period.  I am also staying away from Nissan personally. So, a perception exists that Japanese vehicles may be more reliable but this is not always the case. For the record, I drive a BMW 330CI, am aware of the tendency for some German makes to experience electrical problems, but I have had no issues thus far.  A joy to drive.

Japanese cars had a terrible reputation when they first entered North America but things have certainly changed.  Hyundai was late to the game but they have made incredible strides recently.  I'm quite loyal to BMW and would personally pay the extra for a 5-series over a Genesis but who knows, down the road, if I test drive one and really like it, there is always a chance I might spring for one.

It strongly doubt there will be any mismatched 'pinky-sized' gaps when purchasing a Genesis brand new.  Anything that happens after is irrelevant because some people simple abuse their vehicles.  The wearing out of the steering wheel and leather stretching is a useless comment FYI.. Finally, the Hyundai nameplate is not at the same level of their Japanese counterparts and nowhere near the Germans, but people will not point, 'smirk and giggle' if someone passes them in this car or a Genesis Coupe.  Your impressions of this car are based on what your perceptions of the nameplate and went to great lengths to describe 1 vehicle at a mechanic shop.  Not an educated argument..


conix67

@JT816
Not sure how long you've been driving but to me those cosmetic glitches on a car with 79000Km isn't too big a deal as a car owner. I'd be more concerned with problems on critical functional components such as engine, transmission, brakes, exhaust systems, electrical systems than wear and tear of leather seat, streeing wheel, gaps in interior, etc. So the point there sounds like Hyundai does produce reliable cars based on one sample.

I don't believe Hyundai needs another 2 decades of producing quality products. They have already been producing quality products in my opinion, and as long as they keep it up at this rate, they should be fine.

I currently drive a Lexus IS350. It doesn't say Lexus anywhere it's clearly visible either. It certainly has been a reliable car so far but it's not perfect (or as perfect as I have expected it to be).

That said, I'd still consider a Hyundai for its value, but I'd not be so worried about their product quality today. Genesis to me is a good package, but interior is underwhelming, although not much worse than BMWs.

 

[Brigitte]

 

[silverpontiac]

I have to say that this is a nice looking car and that if you took the Hyundai logos away it would be hard to distinguish it from a luxury Japanese car (think Acura/Lexus).  I agree that Hyundai is a brand which gives good value (slowing down though as they are trying to move it upstream) and they have improved on the quality of their cars by leaps and bounds. Hell, they even look good.

Personally, I don't care what a car brand "says" about me or what other people think about the car I'm driving. I'm the same with clothing. I don't care what the brand is, as long as it looks okay, the price is right and qualtiy is decent. HOWEVER, I've seen first hand the trouble that my dad's Hyundai Stellar gave him the minute the warranty expired when I was a kid. The paint was peeling, premature rusting (bubbling under the paint), screwed up transmission, anything electrical screwed up. It was a nightmare and my dad swore he would never touch a Korean car again. He kept his word. He will only drive Honda or Toyota. Nothing else due to bad experiences with other brands (American).

I believe I will buy a Hyundai one day (likely used), but I'd give them another 10 years before I trust their durabiliy and reliability (don't get me started on the depreciation). We Canadians still have the Hyundai hangover. : P

[Jaeger]

I think it's a pretty impressive vehicle and a solid value.  I'd be more inclined toward a "base" V8 versus a frilled-up V6 though.

It won't be the type of car for the low self-esteem types who buy "brands" to impress others (and perhaps compensate for anatomical deficiencies) - you know - the ones who complain "But everyone will think 'It's just a Hyundai', and smirk and laugh and make me feel all small...") or for those who think you can actually "pick up chicks" with a car (or worse, actually think that such a "chick" would be worth having) But for those who who don't regard conspicuous pretentiousness to be a virtue it is an appealing choice.

Jaeger

[Thinking Out Loud]

Genesis A (Azera-next gen if there is one)
Genesis B (this sedan)
Genesis C (the coupe)
Genesis Ca (coupe as a cabriolet)
Genesis X (move the Hyundai Veracruz uplevel)

....and make the logo "G" look an awful lot like the the "H" somehow like the 'A'cura/'H'onda deal and you've got a new dealership.

That'll be $250,000, please.  Make cheque payable to 'cash'.