Genesis Newbie!

[Elaine Goodlin]

Happy to say I finally got around to test driving a Genesis, and it was more than I ever expected. I've been seeing them from time to time; not in great numbers, but they got my attention any time I came across one. Their fit and finish told me they are a quality car, and I told myself when I got ready for a new vehicle I'd take a look. Kept telling myself that for the past 10 years. I drove BMW 3 series for about 8 years (always the biggest engine for the year) and thought I'd found the perfect car. Then, I tried out a 2-year-old 2015 Cadillac CTS V-sport, and I wondered why in the world I'd ever wasted my time on Bimmers.

After 8 years of driving the CTS, I decided it was time for a change, and I was determined to test drive a Genesis. However, my husband found a good deal on a 2024 Cadillac CT5-V, and before I knew it, I was behind its wheel. Didn't like it at all - not the styling, not the performance, not anything about it. Drove it for about 2 months, and then about a month ago I totaled it! Best thing that ever happened to me! LOL Insurance paid us $5K more than we paid for it, and the Genesis cost $2K less than the Cadillac, so we put $7K back in the bank!

This time I wasn't taking no for an answer. The day after we got word that the Caddy was totaled, I drove a 2024 G70. Loved the car, but my husband is 6'4". I take him to the airport several times a month in my car, and I knew I'd never hear the end of the tight fit for him. I got enough out of that G70 test drive to know the Genesis G80 was going to be the answer for me. We live in east Tennessee, and we drove to Cumming, GA, 2 days after the CT5-V was totaled, and brought home a 2024 Makalu gray G80 Sport with Sevilla red interior.

I can't say enough good things about this car! It rides like one of the big "land yachts" from years past, but better. The ride as well as the technology surpasses both Cadillacs. The performance isn't as good as the V-sport, but it's certainly no slacker, and it's FAR above the CT5-V! The styling is gorgeous, and just as I anticipated from seeing the Genesis name occasionally over the years, the car reeks of quality. I think I'll be driving this car for a lot of years to come!

So glad to have found this group, and I'm looking forward to reading about everyone else's Genesis experiences!

 

[Sal Collaziano]

Happy to say I finally got around to test driving a Genesis, and it was more than I ever expected. I've been seeing them from time to time; not in great numbers, but they got my attention any time I came across one. Their fit and finish told me they are a quality car, and I told myself when I got ready for a new vehicle I'd take a look. Kept telling myself that for the past 10 years. I drove BMW 3 series for about 8 years (always the biggest engine for the year) and thought I'd found the perfect car. Then, I tried out a 2-year-old 2015 Cadillac CTS V-sport, and I wondered why in the world I'd ever wasted my time on Bimmers.

After 8 years of driving the CTS, I decided it was time for a change, and I was determined to test drive a Genesis. However, my husband found a good deal on a 2024 Cadillac CT5-V, and before I knew it, I was behind its wheel. Didn't like it at all - not the styling, not the performance, not anything about it. Drove it for about 2 months, and then about a month ago I totaled it! Best thing that ever happened to me! LOL Insurance paid us $5K more than we paid for it, and the Genesis cost $2K less than the Cadillac, so we put $7K back in the bank!

This time I wasn't taking no for an answer. The day after we got word that the Caddy was totaled, I drove a 2024 G70. Loved the car, but my husband is 6'4". I take him to the airport several times a month in my car, and I knew I'd never hear the end of the tight fit for him. I got enough out of that G70 test drive to know the Genesis G80 was going to be the answer for me. We live in east Tennessee, and we drove to Cumming, GA, 2 days after the CT5-V was totaled, and brought home a 2024 Makalu gray G80 Sport with Sevilla red interior.

I can't say enough good things about this car! It rides like one of the big "land yachts" from years past, but better. The ride as well as the technology surpasses both Cadillacs. The performance isn't as good as the V-sport, but it's certainly no slacker, and it's FAR above the CT5-V! The styling is gorgeous, and just as I anticipated from seeing the Genesis name occasionally over the years, the car reeks of quality. I think I'll be driving this car for a lot of years to come!

So glad to have found this group, and I'm looking forward to reading about everyone else's Genesis experiences!

Welcome aboard! And thank you for signing up. I'm glad you found us! And congratulations on your new Genesis G80! I'm glad to hear you're enjoying it. It's a great car that gives a nice balance of luxury and sport. The 3-Series BMW has been an enthusiast car for many years - but Cadillac had done a good job competing lately - which is why I'm not surprised you liked the CTS V-Sport so much. But the CT5-V would be faster than the V-Sport...

What was your issue with performance of the CT5-V?

• Engine: 6.2L Supercharged V8
• Horsepower: 668 hp
• Torque: 659 lb-ft
• 0-60 mph: 3.4 seconds

Yes, the Genesis G80 does have a really nice ride - while remaining very composed on the highway...

 

[Elaine Goodlin]

Thanks for the welcome!

Now I'll tell you why I didn't care for the CT5-V.

Neither the V-sport nor the CT5-V should be confused with what used to be called the Cadillac "V" and is now called the Cadillac "Blackwing". The 2015 V-sport "only" had 420 hp as opposed to the stats you listed for the Supercharged V8. Both the V-sport and the CT5-V are twin turbocharged 6 cylinders. The CT5-V is, in my opinion, grossly underpowered with 360 horsepower, but the big killer in the particular vehicle I had was that it had a gear in the 2's. (Sorry, I can't recall if it was a 2.99 or a 2.15. One way or another, it was a dog on take-off!)

Performance wise the CT5-V was not, in fact, faster than the V-sport. The V-sport had about a .2 second advantage, with the V-sport achieving 0-6 in 4.4 seconds and the CT5-V coming in at 4.6 (and I'm sure that wasn't with a gear like what I had). Both Cadillacs would run circles around a 2014 335i which was the last BMW I owned; its 0-6 time is an abysmal 5.3 seconds.

Then there's the styling of the CTS vs the CT5. I love the lines of the CTS (I think Cadillac made a huge mistake discontinuing that line), while the CT5 reminds me of a hatchback. I know lots of people disagree, but I'm not a fan of carbon fiber no matter how many tenths of a second it cuts off your quarter mile time. I loved the fact that the V-sport looked like a luxury car but performed as well as it did.

One way or another, the Cadillacs are history, and I've moved on to a new love. The Genesis has made me love it already (only 2 weeks into ownership). It's about a half second slower from 0 to 60 than either Cadillac, but the craftsmanship impresses me; the ride more than impresses me; the technology is topnotch; the styling is gorgeous.

So glad I wrecked that CT5-V! LOL

 

[Sal Collaziano]

Thanks for the welcome!

Now I'll tell you why I didn't care for the CT5-V.

Neither the V-sport nor the CT5-V should be confused with what used to be called the Cadillac "V" and is now called the Cadillac "Blackwing". The 2015 V-sport "only" had 420 hp as opposed to the stats you listed for the Supercharged V8. Both the V-sport and the CT5-V are twin turbocharged 6 cylinders. The CT5-V is, in my opinion, grossly underpowered with 360 horsepower, but the big killer in the particular vehicle I had was that it had a gear in the 2's. (Sorry, I can't recall if it was a 2.99 or a 2.15. One way or another, it was a dog on take-off!)

Performance wise the CT5-V was not, in fact, faster than the V-sport. The V-sport had about a .2 second advantage, with the V-sport achieving 0-6 in 4.4 seconds and the CT5-V coming in at 4.6 (and I'm sure that wasn't with a gear like what I had). Both Cadillacs would run circles around a 2014 335i which was the last BMW I owned; its 0-6 time is an abysmal 5.3 seconds.

Then there's the styling of the CTS vs the CT5. I love the lines of the CTS (I think Cadillac made a huge mistake discontinuing that line), while the CT5 reminds me of a hatchback. I know lots of people disagree, but I'm not a fan of carbon fiber no matter how many tenths of a second it cuts off your quarter mile time. I loved the fact that the V-sport looked like a luxury car but performed as well as it did.

One way or another, the Cadillacs are history, and I've moved on to a new love. The Genesis has made me love it already (only 2 weeks into ownership). It's about a half second slower from 0 to 60 than either Cadillac, but the craftsmanship impresses me; the ride more than impresses me; the technology is topnotch; the styling is gorgeous.

So glad I wrecked that CT5-V! LOL

I'll pop back in to read more later, but I forgot that the "Blackwing" was the actual CTS-V competitor. Yes, the regular CT5-V non-Blackwing is the V6. Be back later...

 

[steveinarizona]

I'll pop back in to read more later, but I forgot that the "Blackwing" was the actual CTS-V competitor. Yes, the regular CT5-V non-Blackwing is the V6. Be back later...

You (Sal) beat me to the point. I was going to say exactly what you said in your posts and I also had thought she was referring to the Blackwing. It is an aside but I was amazed, and pleased, in recent years that Cadillac ditched its traditional suspension for one that turned it into a twistees chaser. Many reviewers have said it is a better handling vehicle than even BMWs (and I am a former BMW owner). I agree with Elaine that the HP and especially the torque for the V is underpowered for someone who wants and expects performance.

If you ever get tired of driving an internal combustion vehicle, check out the GV60P. Genesis calls it an SUV but it is barely tall enough to qualify for that. Even though it is small on the outside, My 6'11" golfing buddy tried sitting in it and declared it fit nicely (and his wife had to get rid of her beloved Lexus NX because he could NOT fit in that vehicle). I call it my small, luxurious rocket ship and it is 3.7 seconds 0-60.

In the meantime, enjoy your new car.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

Thanks for the welcome!

Now I'll tell you why I didn't care for the CT5-V.

Neither the V-sport nor the CT5-V should be confused with what used to be called the Cadillac "V" and is now called the Cadillac "Blackwing". The 2015 V-sport "only" had 420 hp as opposed to the stats you listed for the Supercharged V8. Both the V-sport and the CT5-V are twin turbocharged 6 cylinders. The CT5-V is, in my opinion, grossly underpowered with 360 horsepower, but the big killer in the particular vehicle I had was that it had a gear in the 2's. (Sorry, I can't recall if it was a 2.99 or a 2.15. One way or another, it was a dog on take-off!)

Performance wise the CT5-V was not, in fact, faster than the V-sport. The V-sport had about a .2 second advantage, with the V-sport achieving 0-6 in 4.4 seconds and the CT5-V coming in at 4.6 (and I'm sure that wasn't with a gear like what I had). Both Cadillacs would run circles around a 2014 335i which was the last BMW I owned; its 0-6 time is an abysmal 5.3 seconds.

Then there's the styling of the CTS vs the CT5. I love the lines of the CTS (I think Cadillac made a huge mistake discontinuing that line), while the CT5 reminds me of a hatchback. I know lots of people disagree, but I'm not a fan of carbon fiber no matter how many tenths of a second it cuts off your quarter mile time. I loved the fact that the V-sport looked like a luxury car but performed as well as it did.

One way or another, the Cadillacs are history, and I've moved on to a new love. The Genesis has made me love it already (only 2 weeks into ownership). It's about a half second slower from 0 to 60 than either Cadillac, but the craftsmanship impresses me; the ride more than impresses me; the technology is topnotch; the styling is gorgeous.

So glad I wrecked that CT5-V! LOL

Okay, I'm back. Yes, the V-Sport was a really nice car and performed really well - especially when modified/tuned. I prefer the styling of it (and the CTS-V) to the CT5-V as well. I did find it odd how Cadillac diluted the V brand then introduced Blackwing. Very strange as they had a great name going for themselves with the V-Series... Your G80 is the 3.5 twin turbo, right? If so, you can modify/tune it as well - but I don't do that sort of thing anymore myself...

You (Sal) beat me to the point. I was going to say exactly what you said in your posts and I also had thought she was referring to the Blackwing. It is an aside but I was amazed, and pleased, in recent years that Cadillac ditched its traditional suspension for one that turned it into a twistees chaser. Many reviewers have said it is a better handling vehicle than even BMWs (and I am a former BMW owner). I agree with Elaine that the HP and especially the torque for the V is underpowered for someone who wants and expects performance.

If you ever get tired of driving an internal combustion vehicle, check out the GV60P. Genesis calls it an SUV but it is barely tall enough to qualify for that. Even though it is small on the outside, My 6'11" golfing buddy tried sitting in it and declared it fit nicely (and his wife had to get rid of her beloved Lexus NX because he could NOT fit in that vehicle). I call it my small, luxurious rocket ship and it is 3.7 seconds 0-60.

In the meantime, enjoy your new car.

Yes, I have heard many people say the V-Series Cadillacs were beating their German counterparts around the "ring". Pretty impressive how quickly GM came around and did that. Then again, they always could have - it was just the bean counters preventing them from doing so. I mean, Z06, ZR1...

 

[Elaine Goodlin]

Sorry, I didn't mean to mislead anyone. I did say my CTS was a V-sport, and I was almost embarrassed by the CT5-V emblem on the side of the car I wrecked. I knew that most people looked at it and saw the "V" in the name and must've thought it was a screamer; most people don't realize that "V" gave way to "Blackwing" and that there is a world of difference in the two. I don't understand why Cadillac took the guts and glory away from the "V".

Steven, you're correct! The Magnetic Ride Control does turn the Cadillacs into a "twistees chaser"! I live in the country, and I can only get home by means of a narrow, 2-lane, curvy road with no shoulder. Sport mode gave me all the confidence I needed to take a 30-MPH curve at 45-50, and track mode was a feeling of invincibility! For a really good time, I'd head to the famous "Dragon". What a unique experience to cruise through those curves in what some people would see as a "land yacht". MRC in the Cadillac brand makes all the difference in the world in ride quality and handling. I'd driven a "regular" CTS, but after test driving a car equipped with MRC, I'd never settle for anything less. And you're right about the impressive showing Cadillac has made in its performance cars. I've watched videos of the CTS V's (when they were "real" V's) on the drag strip that made my mouth drop open. Hard to get past the idea that Cadillacs were built for old people! LOL

Like you, I'm not so much into modifying my vehicles at this point in my life. I'm 72 and still love speed, but I'll take what the manufacturer gives me and be happy. I did all the autocross and drag racing back in my 30's and 40's. My deceased husband and I collected mid '60's American muscle cars and had 29 cars on the day he passed away. All except one project car had been fully restored, and we drove, drag raced, and enjoyed all of them. There were 10 Corvettes (including one of the first ZR-1's in our city and two '67's - one 427/435 and one 427/430 air-conditioned); two Mustangs (including a '68 Shelby GT500-KR); half a dozen or so MOPARS (including a '66 Belvedere II Hemi car and a '69 Roadrunner 440 6-pak); and three Camaros (including a '67 396/375).

It never ceases to amaze me what technology has done when I see 360 to 420 hp (or more) coming out of a 6-cylinder motor. My husband would have a hard time absorbing that information if he came back, now 30 years later!

I never thought I'd love a car the way I loved the CTS V-sport. After getting the CT5-V I was almost to the point of depression because I knew I'd made a mistake letting the other one go. Now, the G80 has made me love again! I'm making up excuses to get in it and go places. I'd love to hear people's experience when it comes to reliability on these cars. I've read articles that say, with good maintenance, they're good for 250K miles, but I've read comments in some forums that say transfer cases, in particular, can be troublesome and very expensive to repair or replace. Would love to hear the good, the bad, and the ugly from those who have firsthand experience!

 

[steveinarizona]

I never thought I'd love a car the way I loved the CTS V-sport. After getting the CT5-V I was almost to the point of depression because I knew I'd made a mistake letting the other one go. Now, the G80 has made me love again! I'm making up excuses to get in it and go places. I'd love to hear people's experience when it comes to reliability on these cars. I've read articles that say, with good maintenance, they're good for 250K miles, but I've read comments in some forums that say transfer cases, in particular, can be troublesome and very expensive to repair or replace. Would love to hear the good, the bad, and the ugly from those who have firsthand experience!

The bigger issue is probably your local dealer(s). Many are excellent and provide good and timely service. But if you peruse this forum, you will see that many others are rotten. Mine, Genesis of Scottsdale, has been excellent so far.

Steven, you're correct! The Magnetic Ride Control does turn the Cadillacs into a "twistees chaser"! I live in the country, and I can only get home by means of a narrow, 2-lane, curvy road with no shoulder. Sport mode gave me all the confidence I needed to take a 30-MPH curve at 45-50, and track mode was a feeling of invincibility! For a really good time, I'd head to the famous "Dragon". What a unique experience to cruise through those curves in what some people would see as a "land yacht".

What fun!

I am driving what I call my pocket rocket -- almost 500 HP, more than 500 ft pounds of torque, luxury (nappa leather seats, ultrasuede headliners, etc.) in an alleged SUV (it is not lifted very far off the ground) that is the length of a subcompact and the width of a compact. Before getting the GV60 Performance I was on the waiting list for several years for a Lucid Air. I have now determined that my almost 80 year old body can no longer get in and out of a sports car or performance sedan comfortably so the GV60P was my compromise. My neurosurgeon would like to operate but I am trying to put it off. My biggest complaint was that they put run of the mill Michelin Primacy tires on it. I bit the bullet and replaced them with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S HL tires. Between the tires, the anticipatory suspension and an electronic limited slip Dif it now handles well. Given where and how well you drive, you may find the tires on the G80 inadequate for you.

Enjoy your new ride.

 

[Elaine Goodlin]

Well, where were you with all that information when I was looking at G80's????? Dang, that's a heckuva ride you've got! I'm going to check it out right now! Who knew????