Genesis suspension - One more kick at the can

[JohnMartin]

I swear that Edmunds.com has people who do nothing but delete and/or censor any comments that contain anything but glowing remarks about the Genesis (in the Genesis forums).

Very, very lame when you're trying to obtain or disseminate information about a major purchase like a car.

 

[bbwi]

After reading all these complaints about the V8's suspension I can honestly say I'm not going to buy this car now! So sad cuz I loved it when I went for the 5 min test drive on smooth roads.

 

[Sonata2009]

Test drive!, Test drive, test drive! Seriously, I really think that many of these concerns MAY have a root in what the original expectatiions were. I have a 4.6, and can only say that my experience has been 100% positive with no "harsh ride " issues at all. That's interstates from NC to Texas and back, and two trips in NC of 150 miles +. Trust me, Texasw interstates are tough tests!

So try it yourself and then judge. Some will say too soft, some say too hard. For me, I can't imagine a better mix of handling and ride control!

 

[Gold Z]

Grow some balls then go give the car another serious test drive over a variety of road surfaces so you can make an informed decision based on first hand knowledge and not because of something you read on the internet. My Genesis 3.8 rides excellent. A little firm but I prefer it that way. I was afraid the car would ride too softly and have too much body lean. I was very pleased that it feels more like a BMW. I wouldn't change a thing about the way my car rides and handles.

 

[JOwest]

After reading all these complaints about the V8's suspension I can honestly say I'm not going to buy this car now! So sad cuz I loved it when I went for the 5 min test drive on smooth roads.

I started this thread sometime ago just to find out relative speaking how the Genesis compare with a few other cars. Sure, over certain section of roads it rides rough but there are SO MUCH to love this car I would still buy one even if it rides like Flinstone's car in Bedrock City!

 

[Sal Collaziano]

I swear that Edmunds.com has people who do nothing but delete and/or censor any comments that contain anything but glowing remarks about the Genesis (in the Genesis forums).

Very, very lame when you're trying to obtain or disseminate information about a major purchase like a car.

That's why independent forums like this exist. While I'm all for the success of the Genesis, I'm not letting anything slide. Resting on your laurels gets you to where GM is at today...

After reading all these complaints about the V8's suspension I can honestly say I'm not going to buy this car now! So sad cuz I loved it when I went for the 5 min test drive on smooth roads.

I would CERTAINLY test drive the car before making any decisions based on OTHER people's opinions...

 

[bbwi]

First, thanks for all the responses. For those of you who suggested I didn't test drive the car please re-read my original post.

Secondly, I've also noticed that those of you posting sit in the drivers seat and therefore have no complaints. The issues around the rough ride seem to be most apparent sitting in the back seat. I guess I'm concerned for my passengers and after spending $48000 on a car (yes, the dealer is marking the car up for "Fair Market Value") I'd expect NO comfort complaints. The fact that there's such a huge discussion on the topic and the forum moderator has labeled it as an "issue", worries me.

Thirdly, I mentioned that I was looking at the V8 where the problems seem to most noticeable. Those of you who have the V6 and are happy with it congrats, but sit in the back seat of the V8 and then post your opinions.

 

[Duaine]

First, thanks for all the responses. For those of you who suggested I didn't test drive the car please re-read my original post.

Secondly, I've also noticed that those of you posting sit in the drivers seat and therefore have no complaints. The issues around the rough ride seem to be most apparent sitting in the back seat. I guess I'm concerned for my passengers and after spending $48000 on a car (yes, the dealer is marking the car up for "Fair Market Value") I'd expect NO comfort complaints. The fact that there's such a huge discussion on the topic and the forum moderator has labeled it as an "issue", worries me.

Thirdly, I mentioned that I was looking at the V8 where the problems seem to most noticeable. Those of you who have the V6 and are happy with it congrats, but sit in the back seat of the V8 and then post your opinions.

It's trully an interesting subject for sure. You can read some of my past posts and concerns about the ride including the back seats.

Not going clear back into the details I had some friends who didn't like the ride front or back. They own a Buick Lucerne (not sure of the year but fairly new).

Now I have rode in their Buick and it behaves very much like my 2006 Azera did. The ride is smooth but floaty...........you hit a bump and instead of the body of the car making one motion up and down you get a series of smaller up and down motions. Smoother but floaty.

Have you ever noticed an old car on the road with worn out shocks. If you have...... and I had one once lol you will notice when the car hits a bump it seems to bounce up and down forever. The bump won't jolt you much but if I may be extreme you might get sea sick.

Then since my last posts during the holiday's in getting together with family and such of course they wanted to see my Genesis and go for rides I think mainly because of the 4.6 V8. Anyway my nieces boyfriend has a BMW although I don't have a clue which model. Along with him was my sister-n-law who has an Audi but again I'm not sure of the model. They both thought the ride was very smooth and quite.

I'm not sure about the Audi but as far as the BMW goes I have read that they have an even firmer or rougher ride so imagine paying more for the BMW and having a rougher ride.

Then just today I had a couple of friends with me who both just got new cars. One got a 2008 Ford Fusion and the other a 2009 Chevy Malibu. The friend who has the Fusion loves the ride of my Genesis and says its very close to the feel of his Fusion. The friend who has the Malibu says my Genesis has a firmer sportier feel to it.

I know I have said this somewhere earlier but I honestly think a lot of us base our opinions by comparing something new to what we have just drove. I think what I am seeing is, not only with the opinion of myself, but now with several friends input is that there opinion is based on what they are used to.

Those that have a softer suspension in another vehicle think the Genesis ride is to firm. Those that have even a firmer suspension in their vehicle think the Genesis ride is smoother.

Now having said that I was use to the floaty smooth ride of my Azera. That is why the extra firm ride stands out to me and I had some concern with it but in being honest however I don't think it is that bad. And my friends that had previously made the comments to me about.... if this is how Hyundai handles a rough road and said they wouldn't want any part of it are laughing about it now and saying they were just giving me a hard time about it because of the old Hyundai Excel jokes.

Actually anyone who has either thought the ride was to firm or just right all would love to have my car so I guess that says something. One final note on this suspension. I have noticed in the city when your trying to turn left as your coming to a stop light and its already yellow about to turn red and you gun the car into a fast left turn to beat the red light it handles wonderfully! I don't have the body roll and tires squealing like I did on my Azera.

As mentioned before I wish I could select suspension firmness. I may have confused you even more I don't know? I do enjoy sharing notes with everyone here. I also know there are many guys that really know their stuff way better than I do for sure. We are so lucky to have each other for information. Good luck to you on whatever you decide to do!

 

[bishop666]

I agree that ride feel is often a matter of perception but I have in my possession a less than one week old 4.6 and I can personally attest to the ride issue. My street has been freshly paved (asphalt) and a brief trip down said street results in the kind of "dead shock absorber" ride that you have described above. Visual inspection of the road tends to suggest that it is perfectly level and smooth but the car's suspension knows better. From my perspective, there is clearly a damping issue in play, resulting in an unpleasant ride and, yes, the tires have been bled and refilled with varying pressures in an attempt to compensate for the above but all to no avail.

I have read the posts comparing the ride to other vehicles with sport tuned suspensions and I can truthfully say, without reservation, that my Porsche 930 turbo did a considerably better job of smoothing out the road than the 4.6. I am by no means attempting to compare a $130K vehicle to the Genesis, however, it does have a sport tuned suspension, carries less weight than the 4.6 and by nature guarantees a "hard" ride.

 

[Calvin]

I have had no problems with the 4.6 ride and handling. For me it is the perfect balance between two cars I have previously owned: 1990 560 SEL Mercedes and a 1992 538 BMW. Granted these are older cars but they both had great suspensions. The BMW was a tad stiffer and the 560 had a little more body role but considering size and weight they both seemed great for their chassis style. So for me its the best of both worlds and at a lower price than back in the 90"s! Just my 2 cents worth.

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[bishop666]

In an attempt to clarify my previous post, IMO, I believe that the perceived problem is more akin to a sense of "porpoising " rather than the hardness of the ride.

 

[thomaspf]

Yes very much so. It is the opposite of a hard ride. There is a large amount (as opposed to a hard ride) travel up and down the suspension and it alternates between the front and rear wheels. The dampening component is failing in these situations.

Another way to think about it is the motion of one of these electric bulls in a bar.

Cheers

Thomas

 

[Duaine]

I think we all knew that getting the first year of the all new Genesis had the possibility of having a few bugs in it and of course we can all think of things that we would like to see improved in the future.

I wanted a 2009 Genesis simply because the car impressed me enough that I didn't want to wait one or two more model years for one. I think with a car this complex and being the first year out that most problems are pretty minor in nature. Now grant it no one wants ANY problems including me!

Like I said the suspension thing was my main concern however I don't consider it bad.
I bought my 4.6 Genesis fully aware of the discussions going on here and a few of the magazine reviews regarding some suspension issues.

If I had it to do all over again I still would not hesitate buying the Genesis. It's got way to many positive things going for it at a great price.

Also I plan on watching the Genesis evolve over the next few years and when the car is even more improved I'll just get another one thus having one now and a improved one later.

I was curious about the rest of you. To those that aren't real happy with the suspension would you still buy the car? I'm trying to get a feel if people are just a tad bit dissapointed or if they are ticked off enough that they wouldn't have bought the car?

Finally just some closing thoughts about all of this. You know building a car like the Genesis at the Genesis price the first year out and making it right and perfect the first time is very difficult for any auto manufacturer to do but I think for Hyundai its even harder.
Why? Well because it would seem that Hyundai has to prove over and over again year after year that they can build good reliable cars at a good price. And still people refuse to believe it.

Had it been some other car company developing an all new luxury car and depending on the brand name in question you wouldn't hear near as many complaints of any first year short comings like you do for Hyundai.

There are still people that love holding an ax over Hyundai's head who can't wait to cut them down should they stumble. There is still along way to go to get away from the old Excel perception however they continue to improve their image.

And you have to admit..............if you have been following the Genesis story from the time Hyundai first announced that they were going to come out with the Genesis as their first rear wheel drive luxury car with V8 power there was laughter heard around the world. I honestly think much of that laughter has died.

You also have to remember that they are competing against other models that not only cost much more but who have had several model years to continually impove them.
I just have to give Hyundai credit for a great first year effort over all.

 

[thomaspf]

Overall an amazing car and I would buy it again .

However, knowing what I do now, I would probably try to get the original version of the car with the air spring system imported. The price cutting modifications for the dumbed down US version seem to have been done in a hurry and probably need some more time to shake out.

Cheers

Thomas

 

[bishop666]

The short answer ... NO!
I would not have purchased the 4.6 with adequate, first hand, knowledge of the suspension issue.

 

[DesertGen]

Absolutely no regrets. Would buy again in a minute.

Love the suspension and ride. I really don't get the complaints about it, but I realize that things like this are very subjective.

I have the 4.6

 

[cviz]

I concur, I have absolutely no regrets buying my 3.8L V6 Genesis. The ride is not floaty like a Cadillac or a Lincoln Town Car, but it's not unbearable like some have mentioned. I would say it's definitely a sports-tuned suspension.

 

[musher51]

I, too, have experienced the so-called "porposing" or undulation phenomenon that's evoked by particular roadway conditions (poorly maintained concrete pads, as far as I can tell). Fortunately, it doesn't happen often, and I'm content with the Genesis' ride under all other circumstances (although as I've commented elsewhere, my car rides and handles better with Blizzak snow tires than with the stock Dunlops, so they're unlikely to grace my wheels again, as I'll likely buy optimized summer performance tires in the spring).

Would advance knowledge of this undulation issue have prompted me to not to buy a Genesis? Absolutely not. It just drops it's grade from A+ to an A or A-.

 

[santosonly]

Ditto on this entire message. I am not experiencing any of the suspension problems mentioned in this thread. However, even if I was experiencing these issues, I would buy another Genesis without hesitation. (In fact, I have my eye on the new “5.0”).

I think we all knew that getting the first year of the all new Genesis had the possibility of having a few bugs in it and of course we can all think of things that we would like to see improved in the future.

I wanted a 2009 Genesis simply because the car impressed me enough that I didn't want to wait one or two more model years for one. I think with a car this complex and being the first year out that most problems are pretty minor in nature. Now grant it no one wants ANY problems including me!

Like I said the suspension thing was my main concern however I don't consider it bad.
I bought my 4.6 Genesis fully aware of the discussions going on here and a few of the magazine reviews regarding some suspension issues.

If I had it to do all over again I still would not hesitate buying the Genesis. It's got way to many positive things going for it at a great price.

Also I plan on watching the Genesis evolve over the next few years and when the car is even more improved I'll just get another one thus having one now and a improved one later.

I was curious about the rest of you. To those that aren't real happy with the suspension would you still buy the car? I'm trying to get a feel if people are just a tad bit dissapointed or if they are ticked off enough that they wouldn't have bought the car?

Finally just some closing thoughts about all of this. You know building a car like the Genesis at the Genesis price the first year out and making it right and perfect the first time is very difficult for any auto manufacturer to do but I think for Hyundai its even harder.
Why? Well because it would seem that Hyundai has to prove over and over again year after year that they can build good reliable cars at a good price. And still people refuse to believe it.

Had it been some other car company developing an all new luxury car and depending on the brand name in question you wouldn't hear near as many complaints of any first year short comings like you do for Hyundai.

There are still people that love holding an ax over Hyundai's head who can't wait to cut them down should they stumble. There is still along way to go to get away from the old Excel perception however they continue to improve their image.

And you have to admit..............if you have been following the Genesis story from the time Hyundai first announced that they were going to come out with the Genesis as their first rear wheel drive luxury car with V8 power there was laughter heard around the world. I honestly think much of that laughter has died.

You also have to remember that they are competing against other models that not only cost much more but who have had several model years to continually impove them.
I just have to give Hyundai credit for a great first year effort over all.

 

[VaiFan]

I had to drive from the OC to Long Beach last week and as anyone here knows, the 5 & 405 freeways in LA LA land are aging and decrepid.
I thought the car road extremely well and handled well too over the expansion joints and crappy concrete.
I was trying to be extra "sensative" because of all the threads here, but I was very impressed with the ride quality.

I am coming to the theory that it's a combination of the 18" wheels and the V8 rear sway bar equipped cars that seem to have the most complaints.

Does anyone know if the rear spring rates on the V8 are different than the V6?