My 2011 Hyundai Genesis Sedan Ride is Rougher Than Expected

[Anathem]

I find the ride simply too stiff and I will never really like it. I'm waiting for a simple solution or I will trade it in for a new car. I don't think a sporty ride has to be jolting and harsh. I've had the car for about six months and the ride still wears on me...buying the Genesis has been an expensive trial with a negative outcome. Maybe new tires might smooth the ride but if it doesn't then theres another thousand dollars thrown down a hole. For me this great idea (high end car rival on a Hyundai budget) is a bust.

I realize that ride is a bit subjective, and no offence to anybody who has posted, but I wonder why poeple didn't notice this problem during a test drive. Was it that they didn't test the car under realistic conditions(ie. the kinds of roads they normally drive) or did the problem only become noticible after having the car a while. This is fairly important to me as I plan to pull the trigger very soon. I have driven the car twice for about half an hour each time and the ride seemed fine, even my wife thought it was ok. I plan to take it for one last ride for about an hour on a wide variety of roads before committing. Most of my driving is short distance locally but I want to be sure the car is comfortable for long road trips.

 

[BacktoHyundaibychoice]

I realize that ride is a bit subjective, and no offence to anybody who has posted, but I wonder why poeple didn't notice this problem during a test drive. Was it that they didn't test the car under realistic conditions(ie. the kinds of roads they normally drive) or did the problem only become noticible after having the car a while. This is fairly important to me as I plan to pull the trigger very soon. I have driven the car twice for about half an hour each time and the ride seemed fine, even my wife thought it was ok. I plan to take it for one last ride for about an hour on a wide variety of roads before committing. Most of my driving is short distance locally but I want to be sure the car is comfortable for long road trips.

That's a legit question to ask. As for long distance, almost all that don't like the ride have no (or little) troubles on the highways from what I've read. (Though there was a guy in Seattle who had horrid experiences on a stretch of I-5. I think he said they repaved that stretch and his problems went away, but don't quote me.)
Btw, don't know the "genesis" of your screen name but here's a band with a new release on DVD-A surround for when you get your concert hall on wheels. Only one letter off from your name:
http://www.anathema.ws/

 

[bpa5152]

I realize that ride is a bit subjective, and no offence to anybody who has posted, but I wonder why poeple didn't notice this problem during a test drive. Was it that they didn't test the car under realistic conditions(ie. the kinds of roads they normally drive) or did the problem only become noticible after having the car a while. This is fairly important to me as I plan to pull the trigger very soon. I have driven the car twice for about half an hour each time and the ride seemed fine, even my wife thought it was ok. I plan to take it for one last ride for about an hour on a wide variety of roads before committing. Most of my driving is short distance locally but I want to be sure the car is comfortable for long road trips.

On highways my Genesis is fine and the ride is very comfortable. Most roads are fine but on very uneven roads is where you will notice a difference. I have a paved small street that I have driven for years and never paid too much attention too until I got my Genesis. Now, driivng this road appears to be harsher than I thought it should be. Overall, I am satisfied and I think everything is tight from being new and should loosen up as I get some miles on this car, as it only has 500 on it.

 

[dg_moore]

That's a legit question to ask. As for long distance, almost all that don't like the ride have no (or little) troubles on the highways from what I've read. (Though there was a guy in Seattle who had horrid experiences on a stretch of I-5. I think he said they repaved that stretch and his problems went away, but don't quote me.)
Btw, don't know the "genesis" of your screen name but here's a band with a new release on DVD-A surround for when you get your concert hall on wheels. Only one letter off from your name:
http://www.anathema.ws/

+1
I would think that your very first driving impression would be compared to whatever you were previously accustomed to. The first time I drove a Genesis (I had an Azera for the preceding 3 years), the ride and handling were in stark contrast - in a positive way - to what I was used to in the Azera. The Genesis is the best handling/riding car I have had since a new BMW 530I I bought in the 1970's (which was otherwise one of the worst cars I ever owned) .

 

[robthoke]

I've had two failed back surgeries and as a result, driving comfort is a priority for me. I've bought cars in the past that were fine for about an hour of driving, but beyond that I was putting on the heater in the seat and could not wait to exit the car. This has cost me way too much money and too many cars to find something I could live with. This summer I got my wife, my sister, my yapper, loaded up the car and took a road trip that were a mix of highway and back roads. We went from Georgia to Washington State, down through California, into Nevada, into the moutains of Utah and Colorado and then back home. It was over 8000 miles and my Genesis treated me like a king. I was never uncomfortable, loved the mileage and was never down on power. I will pick a Genesis over Mercedes, Audi, Volvo, BMW, Cadillac, Lexus, Acura and a host of others. I like the ride as it obviously works for me.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

aww the ride isnt comfy? my rx8 is comfy i was hoping it would be comfy

What?

I find the ride simply too stiff and I will never really like it. I'm waiting for a simple solution or I will trade it in for a new car. I don't think a sporty ride has to be jolting and harsh. I've had the car for about six months and the ride still wears on me...buying the Genesis has been an expensive trial with a negative outcome. Maybe new tires might smooth the ride but if it doesn't then theres another thousand dollars thrown down a hole. For me this great idea (high end car rival on a Hyundai budget) is a bust.

The Hyundai Genesis is confusing to people because on one hand, it's like a Lexus - and on the other, it's like a BMW. In a way, it's the best of both worlds. Inside, you get a car that's soft, comfortable and luxurious - like a Lexus. The driving experience, however, is more like a BMW.

I haven't had enough time in a Genesis myself to have a personal opinion. However, from everything I read online - I feel the first year had a rough ride to please the media - which is very important. If the Genesis had a soft ride, it would have been criticized right out of the minds of consumers. For the second year, Hyundai made some minor changes.

Still, the Genesis is supposed to offer luxury amenities and a high performance driving experience. Did they get it 100% right on the first try? Probably not.. There's no perfect car. But they came really close.. And for the price, it's hard to beat. You get what you pay for. If you want something with Mercedes-like quality inside and out, you're going to pay twice as much...

 

[Anathem]

Thanks for all of the quick replies, I am quite reassued that the Genesis will be the right choice. Looking to pull the trigger this weekend, will keep you all posted. Drove the Avalon last weekend and while the ride was better than I thought it might be I was surprised to find myself really bored driving a highway stretch even though I knew ahead of time the ride has a reputation for being too tame. Guess driving the genesis spoiled me. The other thing about the Genesis is that since it is RWD I am now acutely aware of what I describe as a pulling sensation when driving my FWD Acura TL. Just not a smooth.

Btw the "genesis" of my screen name is a novel by Neal Stephenson but I am always looking for new music so I'll check that band out.

 

[homeofstone]

I asked my wife yesterday if she missed her 2004 Acura since we got the 2011 4.6 on Sept. 20th. She said no and loves the Genesis. Years ago after having a 1993 loaded Mazda 929 from fall of 1992 til spring of 2000 we both missed that car and when see one on the road now we still miss it. So far the Genesis is giving us that same feeling of contentment.

 

[Kevinc5a]

What's a Stoof? It's the slang name for a Grumman S-2 carrier based aircraft that I flew off aircraft carriers as a Naval Aviator. Our mission was to find Russian submarines during the cold war. Consequently-Stoofpilot[/QUOE]

Thanks. Stoof, as in S2F. Got it. I hadn't heard that one before. Thanks for your service and enjoy your Genesis.

 

[MHT]

I am just curious as to why Hyundai just does not offer to the US market the same shocks and springs that are on the Korean Versison which they say has a softer ride. It would seem to me that this might be the answer for those that prefer a softer ride.
The Monroe Shock is a nice shock but at this time they do not make a shock for the Genesis. May be later Monroe will come out with a shock for the Genesis.
I can tell you from exsperience that there were people who came out of the Lexus LS460 because they thought it's ride was to firm. The base LS460 and Genesis 4.6 both ride on 235-50-18 tires. The LS460 rides a little softer than the Genesis or handles rough surfaces a little better than the Genesis.
If you have always driven a car that gives a cushy ride it takes a little time to get use to a car with a firm but more controled ride.
I am ok with the ride of the Genesis but I can understand where some people would not be. At 300 miles I did trade the Dunlops for Continental Extreme Contacts DWS and am happy with the quietness, and smoother ride that you get with these tires but on rough surfaces you will still not get the ride that you will get with a floater but it will be improved.

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[Vince2]

Some one asked if I hadn't given the Genesis a long enough test drive to determine if I would like the ride...GUILTY. I wanted a car that wasn't as boring as the Toyota Avalon I drove for the last ten years. I drove the Genesis for a brief 20 minute ride and thought it was great. I then drove a '11 Avalon and thought it was a boring, cushy ride. I drove the Genesis again with the girlfriend in the back seat and again I thought this is pretty good (the girlfriend thought the ride was too stiff and warned me not to buy ). I pulled the trigger on the sale and it was with extended driving the next day I though "uh oh" this this car is just too stiff. I checked on line to find a forum to see if maybe others felt this way and if a solution had been found and I found this fourm but no solution as yet. I honestly would have gone to my local Lexus dealer and bought a few months ago but the thought of throwing 8k up in the air is just too much to abide...so I'm waiting for a solution (PLEASE!). Wouldn't it be great of Monroe came out with a shock that softened the ride! Prior to driving my Avalon for ten years I had a Camry that was too soft (It would bottom out over speed bumps and at low speed). I spoke to Toyota about it and they changed the rear springs and the problem was corrected in about two hours. Now that's customer service. Just give us a choice. For those of us not preferring the "sportier" ride provide a different set up. I would gladly pay for it. I plan to stay with the car for a least another six months to get some return for the money I've spent and after that if there aren't any options then the Lexus I eyed will be sitting in my garage. I really want the Genesis to work and I hope the company gets on the ball about this issue or its so long. I kept the Avalon for about a month after buying the Genesis and there were many times when I would drive the Avalon after just driving my Genesis and think SOB my 10 year old Avalon has a better ride than my new car. O well live and learn. This reminds me of being taken to a shoe store as a kid (yep dating myself) and having the sellsman tell me and my mom to just wear the shoes a while to "break them in". That never worked then and it doesn't now. If you don't like this car's ride at first blush chances are you will never like it.

 

[Trackman]

I think it all depends on what you are used to - I test drove one today (3.8) and thought the ride was quite balanced. But I drive a BMW 330i with sport suspension. To me the Genesis was softer but not overly so.

 

[tjc78]

Some one asked if I hadn't given the Genesis a long enough test drive to determine if I would like the ride...GUILTY. I wanted a car that wasn't as boring as the Toyota Avalon I drove for the last ten years. I drove the Genesis for a brief 20 minute ride and thought it was great. I then drove a '11 Avalon and thought it was a boring, cushy ride. I drove the Genesis again with the girlfriend in the back seat and again I thought this is pretty good (the girlfriend thought the ride was too stuff and warned me not to buy ). I pulled the trigger on the sale and it was with extended driving the next day I though "uh oh" this this car is just too stiff. I checked on line to find a forum to see if maybe others felt this way and if a solution had been found and I found this fourm but no solution as yet. I honestly would have gone to my local Lexus dealer and bought a few months ago but the thought of throwing 8k up in the air is just too much to abide...so I'm waiting for a solution (PLEASE!). Wouldn't it be great of Monroe came out with a shock that softened the ride! Prior to driving my Avalon for ten years I had a Camry that was too soft (It would bottom out over speed bumps and at low speed). I spoke to Toyota about it and they changed the rear springs and the problem was corrected in about two hours. Now that's customer service. Just give us a choice. For those of us not preferring the "sportier" ride provide a different set up. I would gladly pay for it. I plan to stay with the car for a least another six months to get some return for the money I've spent and after that if there aren't any options then the Lexus I eyed will be sitting in my garage. I really want the Genesis to work and I hope the company gets on the ball about this issue or its so long. I kept the Avalon for about a month after buying the Genesis and there were many times when I would drive the Avalon after just driving my Genesis and think SOB my 10 year old Avalon has a better ride than my new car. O well live and learn. This reminds me of being taken to a shoe store as a kid (yep dating myself) and having the sellsman tell me and my mom to just wear the shoes a while to "break them in". That never worked then and it doesn't now. If you don't like this car's ride at first blush chances are you will never like it.

This sounds so much like me! After an 03 Avalon and an 06 I thought I wanted something a little less boring! WRONG! There is a reason Toyota sells quite a few of them. The ride in the Avalon is serene, quiet and isolated. The Genesis while quiet, certainly doesn't live up to the Avalon's ride. OTOH the Avalon can't come close to the handling abilities of the Genesis.

I for one, am willing to give up the handling performance for something that rides well.

Thank God I leased mine, in May I'll be two years in (36 month lease) and will start to shop around and see if it makes sense to dump it. Its just not the car for me.

 

[Cut-Throat]

This sounds so much like me! After an 03 Avalon and an 06 I thought I wanted something a little less boring! WRONG! There is a reason Toyota sells quite a few of them. The ride in the Avalon is serene, quiet and isolated. The Genesis while quiet, certainly doesn't live up to the Avalon's ride. OTOH the Avalon can't come close to the handling abilities of the Genesis.

I for one, am willing to give up the handling performance for something that rides well.

Thank God I leased mine, in May I'll be two years in (36 month lease) and will start to shop around and see if it makes sense to dump it. Its just not the car for me.

Yup! - The Genesis is no Avalon!

 

[BacktoHyundaibychoice]

Some one asked if I hadn't given the Genesis a long enough test drive to determine if I would like the ride...GUILTY. I wanted a car that wasn't as boring as the Toyota Avalon I drove for the last ten years. I drove the Genesis for a brief 20 minute ride and thought it was great. I then drove a '11 Avalon and thought it was a boring, cushy ride. I drove the Genesis again with the girlfriend in the back seat and again I thought this is pretty good (the girlfriend thought the ride was too stuff and warned me not to buy ). I pulled the trigger on the sale and it was with extended driving the next day I though "uh oh" this this car is just too stiff. I checked on line to find a forum to see if maybe others felt this way and if a solution had been found and I found this fourm but no solution as yet. I honestly would have gone to my local Lexus dealer and bought a few months ago but the thought of throwing 8k up in the air is just too much to abide...so I'm waiting for a solution (PLEASE!). Wouldn't it be great of Monroe came out with a shock that softened the ride! Prior to driving my Avalon for ten years I had a Camry that was too soft (It would bottom out over speed bumps and at low speed). I spoke to Toyota about it and they changed the rear springs and the problem was corrected in about two hours. Now that's customer service. Just give us a choice. For those of us not preferring the "sportier" ride provide a different set up. I would gladly pay for it. I plan to stay with the car for a least another six months to get some return for the money I've spent and after that if there aren't any options then the Lexus I eyed will be sitting in my garage. I really want the Genesis to work and I hope the company gets on the ball about this issue or its so long. I kept the Avalon for about a month after buying the Genesis and there were many times when I would drive the Avalon after just driving my Genesis and think SOB my 10 year old Avalon has a better ride than my new car. O well live and learn. This reminds me of being taken to a shoe store as a kid (yep dating myself) and having the sellsman tell me and my mom to just wear the shoes a while to "break them in". That never worked then and it doesn't now. If you don't like this car's ride at first blush chances are you will never like it.

You've probaly already done this, but just in case...

Have you checked your tire pressure with a quality gauge? Even 2 or 3 lbs too many can cause a harsher ride. Even 1 or 2 fewer lbs can soften it.
Other than that, sorry you don't like the way she rides. I had 2 Avalons, then 2 Passats. For me the Gen is somewhere in the middle ride-wise, but superior in almost every other aspect.
Good luck!

 

[BacktoHyundaibychoice]

This sounds so much like me! After an 03 Avalon and an 06 I thought I wanted something a little less boring! WRONG! There is a reason Toyota sells quite a few of them. The ride in the Avalon is serene, quiet and isolated. The Genesis while quiet, certainly doesn't live up to the Avalon's ride. OTOH the Avalon can't come close to the handling abilities of the Genesis.

Last month the Avalon sold 2,504 versus the Genesis 3,230.
But I don't know how many Gens were coupes.

 

[tjc78]

Interesting. I would love to know the % of coupe sales. I know in Southern NJ (near Philly) I see more newer Avalons in one day than I have ever seen Genesis sedans. Not counting the one in my neighborhood I don't think I have seen more than 10 on the road since it came out.

 

[BacktoHyundaibychoice]

Interesting. I would love to know the % of coupe sales. I know in Southern NJ (near Philly) I see more newer Avalons in one day than I have ever seen Genesis sedans. Not counting the one in my neighborhood I don't think I have seen more than 10 on the road since it came out.

Which makes sense since one car is a little over 2 years old and the other is Sweet 16 now. Give the Gen another decade and we'll see as many or more as we do the Avalon.

 

[tjc78]

Which makes sense since one car is a little over 2 years old and the other is Sweet 16 now. Give the Gen another decade and we'll see as many or more as we do the Avalon.

I certainly wasn't referring to a 1994 model! As for sales, if the Genesis could sell like the Avalon did a few years ago they would be pretty happy.

2005 95,318
2006 88,938
2007 72,945

 

[homeofstone]

Here is a quote about September 2010 sales "Hyundai Tucson sales increased more than 70 percent compared to a year ago, while the 2011 Hyundai Genesis sedan also posted its best-ever sales result of 3.230 units."