Long-term updates

[Aquineas]

Not-so-flattering update from Motortrend. For those of you unhappy with your suspensions (I'm happy with mine), you can best believe HMCA is paying attention to this one.
Deep into this Motorweek Episode, you can also find a mostly flattering long-term update.

 

[Sayantsi]

Well, the senior photographer certainly doesn't like the car:

Alas, senior photographer Brian Vance likely wouldn't recommend the Genesis, at least not until the second generation makes its debut. "Impressive Hyundai, but not an impressive luxury car," he notes. "Sure, on paper it looks like an incredible luxury value, but the lux in this car is superficial. It doesn't drive like a luxury car. Throttle response is delayed, gear changes lag, and the suspension is downright wrong -- too harsh, too unforgiving. Plain and simple, it's the wrong suspension tuning for a car with the purpose of this one.

2009 Hyundai Genesis Front Three Quarter
Click to view Gallery
Those who have never spent seat time in a comparably sized BMW, Lexus, or Mercedes may think this is how luxury cars drive, but they would be mistaken. The aforementioned cars are all greater than the sum of their parts. But add up the parts of this Hyundai and you have a lesser vehicle.

In fact, I'll go as far as to say the suspension tuning in this car is inferior to those of mainstream sedans like Camry, Accord, or even Hyundai's own Sonata. I have no doubt the second-generation Genesis sedan will address all these problems and that Hyundai R&D will learn to implement Lexuslike suspension tuning. But they aren't there yet."

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests...dai_genesis_update_5/index.html#ixzz0iveLBHEm

I know some people don't like the car's ride, but I'd just note that this is the opinion of the staff photographer and not a car reviewer or editor. Interesting source for the LT update - if I remember correctly, the other photographer that was cited in a LT update liked the ride...

Fyi, the Motorweek LT update starts at 17:30.

 

[ctrcbob]

So now, we are not the only ones that know how rough the suspension is.

 

[Aquineas]

While I happen to like my car's suspension (if anything I wish it were a bit firmer), I'm glad this is getting press, because I know there are an awful lot of people with 09s (and some 2010s) who are unhappy.

I doubt Hyundai will do anything for cars already on the road, but at the very least, hopefully someone will do a nice, reasonably priced aftermarket setup. If this were an Acura, you can best bet it there would already be a solution in place. Unfortunately, right now the aftermarket for Hyundai is somewhat in its infancy.

 

[GripperDon]

I doubt Hyundai will do anything for cars already on the road, but at the very least, hopefully someone will do a nice, reasonably priced aftermarket setup.

the suspension is downright wrong -- too harsh, too unforgiving. Plain and simple, it's the wrong suspension tuning for a car with the purpose of this one."

"In fact, I'll go as far as to say the suspension tuning in this car is inferior to those of mainstream sedans like Camry, Accord, or even Hyundai's own Sonata."


It's a shame that in this world yo have to have someone to agree with you before your own comments and knowledge seems to carry weight.

Hyundai, GM, Toyota, etc. all seem to share the arrogance of not listening to their customers until it's too late. The lead quote that they will not mots likely do anything for the people that went out on a limb and bought their new birth the one that was supposed to show what they can do is turning out for some, to shown what they stand for.

 

[Mark_888]

Hyundai changed the suspension for the 2010 year model, so they have been listening for quite a long time. Some people have reported that the shocks changed in mid-year 2009 and the springs changed for the 2010 model. The changes were subtle, but effective.

For those of us who would like to get the 2010 suspension on our early 2009 model, it does not seem like it should be rocket science to have the springs and shocks replaced to make the upgrade, as Genesis45 has already done. Anyone know of good suspension shop in the Atlanta area?

 

[GripperDon]

Hyundai changed the suspension for the 2010 year model, so they have been listening for quite a long time. Some people have reported that the shocks changed in mid-year 2009 and the springs changed for the 2010 model. The changes were subtle, but effective.

For those of us who would like to get the 2010 suspension on our early 2009 model, it does not seem like it should be rocket science to have the springs and shocks replaced to make the upgrade, as Genesis45 has already done. Anyone know of good suspension shop in the Atlanta area?

As a retired "Actual Rocket Scientist" for the NASA i can tell you it is. There are NO aftermarket parts that will fir or are for sale to do the job. It requires custom made parts, I have contacted dozens od suspension houses and parts suppliers to no avail. I am in possession of the shock dimensions, but if you are willing to do without your only car for about 2 days you can get the appropriate measurements made of the other required parts. Or go buy a set of the existing parts and have the appropriate measurement made. Believe me I know what to do to cover Hyundai's private parts for not taking care of their owners. I would think they would like me to continue to buy Hyundai vehicles, i have done so 3 times now and I don't like what they are doing this time. It's not knowledge that I lack it's time, 75 year old's energy and I resent spending money on something Hyundai, that in my opinion, should be taking care of.

 

[Mark_888]

As a retired "Actual Rocket Scientist" for the NASA i can tell you it is. There are NO aftermarket parts that will fir or are for sale to do the job. It requires custom made parts, I have contacted dozens od suspension houses and parts suppliers to no avail. I am in possession of the shock dimensions, but if you are willing to do without your only car for about 2 days you can get the appropriate measurements made of the other required parts. Or go buy a set of the existing parts and have the appropriate measurement made. Believe me I know what to do to cover Hyundai's private parts for not taking care of their owners. I would think they would like me to continue to buy Hyundai vehicles, i have done so 3 times now and I don't like what they are doing this time. It's not knowledge that I lack it's time, 75 year old's energy and I resent spending money on something Hyundai, that in my opinion, should be taking care of.

No offense Gripper, but several people in my family (including myself for a short time) worked on America's space program at the Cape and JSC in Houston. Working on the space program, even in the most technical of engineering jobs, does not make one a rocket scientist. But maybe you actually were a rocket scientist?

Back to the original issue:

1. Hyundai makes springs and shocks for the 2010 Genesis that apparently fit the 2009 without any problem (according to Genesis45 who recently had them installed on his 2009 by his brother who is a mechanic). I guess these are not after-market parts, but OEM parts for 2010 (which is even better IMO).
2. The new 2010 springs and shocks provide a better balance between springs and shocks (the 2009 springs overpower the shocks resulting in a bouncy or slightly out-of-control ride on some roads).
3. Apparently, the 2009 shocks were changed mid model year, so 2009 sedans built after the spring of 2009 have the same shocks as the 2010 model, and therefor the ride is better than the older 2009 models, but not quite as good as the 2010 models. I am relying on others who checked the part number changes to make this determination.
4. The 2010 suspension parts will still have a firm ride per the design goals of the manufacturer, and if that is not satisfactory, then maybe another car is in order. The Genesis ride is definitely not intended to be like a Cadillac or Lincoln.

 

[davparlr]

While I do find the Genesis is more sensitive to road imperfections than my 2006 Sonata, I have made a couple of rapid high speed lane changes in the Genesis that demonstrated impressive composure. It tracked dead on, something I don't think the Sonata would do. I would not trade this capability for the Sonata's slightly softer ride.

 

[doug725]

Despite yet another attempt to dismiss a criticism - Just because this person is the photographer does not necessarily make him/her any less credible or knowledgeable than anyone else (including anyone at MT with a title reviewer or editor). Certainly, I would expect that this person knows at least as much about cars and has driven more cars than you or I or anyone else in here who claims to know what's what.

Well, the senior photographer certainly doesn't like the car:



I know some people don't like the car's ride, but I'd just note that this is the opinion of the staff photographer and not a car reviewer or editor. Interesting source for the LT update - if I remember correctly, the other photographer that was cited in a LT update liked the ride...

Fyi, the Motorweek LT update starts at 17:30.

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[Seattle Genesis]

Not-so-flattering update from Motortrend. For those of you unhappy with your suspensions (I'm happy with mine), you can best believe HMCA is paying attention to this one.
Deep into this Motorweek Episode, you can also find a mostly flattering long-term update.

FINALLY !! If your listening Hyundai, ya better bone up and fix what we the customer (some of us) think is a very serious issue !!!!

 

[GripperDon]

Genesis888 "No offense Gripper, but several people in my family (including myself for a short time) worked on America's space program at the Cape and JSC in Houston. Working on the space program, even in the most technical of engineering jobs, does not make one a rocket scientist. But maybe you actually were a rocket scientist?"

I do take offense at a veiled attack on my integrity. visit my web site. www.donjlewis.com and get a partial glimpse of reality.

Yes, I was a rocket scientist. Designing all the components and complete motors. Receiving a number of patents for a variety of solid propellant rocket motors. I worked in the "Rocket Section" of the "High Temperature Materials Branch" of the Piloitless Aircraft Research Division" at the "Langley Research Center" at Langley Field VA and later when the Space Task group moved to The "Manned Spacecraft Center" in Houston, TX at JSC where I was the co inventor of the Nasa Standard initiator. Later in Civilian Life I was the Technical Director of Air Cushion restraints for Allied in detroit and still later the VP of Engineering and Research at the "Universal Propulsion Corporation" in Arizona. Designing Ejection seat components and leading the development of the Air Bag Group. I have over 100 granted patents with dozens in the field of solid Propellant Rockets and Air bag gas generators." Their was no way to be more of a Scientist in Rocket Motors than I was.

So back to the main subject as you say:

1. I am well aware of what Genesis45 has been doing as I have be collaborating with him from the start of his activities.

2. As I said before their are no after market parts being offered for sale for the Genesis sedan.

3. As I have repeatedly have stated IMO Hyundai should fix this problem for us who bought before they changed the ride to sell more cars ignoring how they had saddled what some of us call inferior rides. Not even assisting with of knowledge or providing parts at cost much less fixing the problem. We had to determine the change over dates by scouring the parts numbers to detect the date of change.

4. Genesis45 has had to spend many hundreds of dollars for the parts and was lucky to have a relative that could assist doing the labor at no cost and providing required tools.

5. I am 75 and can't do it and don't have the luxury of free resources.

 

[Sayantsi]

Despite yet another attempt to dismiss a criticism - Just because this person is the photographer does not necessarily make him/her any less credible or knowledgeable than anyone else (including anyone at MT with a title reviewer or editor). Certainly, I would expect that this person knows at least as much about cars and has driven more cars than you or I or anyone else in here who claims to know what's what.

I was just pointing out that some photographers at Motor Trend like the Genesis, some don't. That's all there is out of that comment. You shouldn't make such general assumptions however.

 

[gipp]

This is not even debatable- If Hyundai does not do the right thing for the early buyers and fix the suspension issue they will have very little chance of these folks becoming repeat customers. By the way, these are probably your best intial market niche for the Equus. Fat chance we will get screwed again by Hyundai. As an intial adptor of many products I do not expect perfection. I do expect accountability and customer focus. Hyundai has demostrated neither and I tell that to anyone who oogles my car. This is just bad business for Hyundai-period. Fix our suspensions and join the real world where customer perception means everything. Expect the any decent resale value on these pummelers as people read reviews and hear the owners complaints? Instead of a win-win scenario we are stuck with a lasting lose-lose. Hyundai needs to share the pain. Denial, denail, denial....

 

[GripperDon]

Well Said. When the new Mercedes S class came out in 2000 I had the second one in the state and Mercedes was there to fix the AC system, even voluntary offering to buy back the car at full price and giving me "a deal on a new E class"

 

[Gold Z]

Having owned two Hyundais including my Genesis for a year and a half I am firmly convinced that Hyundai Motor Company does not give a damn about their existing customers. All their focus is on potential new customers. This seems very short sighted to me.

 

[jwaters943]

What do some of you expect Hyundai to do...seriously? What would Honda do in this same situation? Or BMW? Or VW? Or Toyota? Buy the car back? Give you a custom tuned suspension? Send you a check for $1000? What realistically do you expect them to do when the majority of owners are happy with the ride quality: http://www.genesisowners.com/hyundai-genesis-forum/showthread.php?t=3418&highlight=ride+poll Hyundai never promised you would like the ride quality. They never claimed that it rode like a Lincoln Town Car. Your blame is misdirected.

ONCE AGAIN: IF A SOFT/PLUSH RIDE WAS A SERIOUS PRIORITY SOME OF YOU SHOULD HAVE DONE A MORE THOROUGH TEST DRIVE AND/OR MORE RESEARCH BEFORE BUYING THE CAR.

 

[Mark_888]

What do some of you expect Hyundai to do...seriously? What would Honda do in this same situation? Or BMW? Or VW? Or Toyota? Buy the car back? Give you a custom tuned suspension? Send you a check for $1000? What realistically do you expect them to do when the majority of owners are happy with the ride quality: http://www.genesisowners.com/hyundai-genesis-forum/showthread.php?t=3418&highlight=ride+poll Hyundai never promised you would like the ride quality. They never claimed that it rode like a Lincoln Town Car. Your blame is misdirected.

ONCE AGAIN: IF A SOFT/PLUSH RIDE WAS A SERIOUS PRIORITY SOME OF YOU SHOULD HAVE DONE A MORE THOROUGH TEST DRIVE AND/OR MORE RESEARCH BEFORE BUYING THE CAR.

Hyundai changed the suspension for 2010, so they apparently agree that the 2009 needed improvement.

One thing that Hyundai could do is to install the 2010 suspension parts on 2009 models for owners that request it:

• Some would say it should be done for free.
• Others might ask that it be done at Hyundai's cost for parts and at warranty labor rates.
• Others might be satisfied to have a dealer do it at retail cost as part of an Hyundai authorized upgrade (so far Hyundai says they will not provide an upgrade kit nor any information to dealers on how to do the upgrade).

 

[GripperDon]

888!

WELL SAID!

I'LL BE HAPPY WITH EITHER THE FIRST OR SECOND. Actually the info from the third will suffice.

 

[jwaters943]

Hyundai changed the suspension for 2010, so they apparently agree that the 2009 needed improvement.

One thing that Hyundai could do is to install the 2010 suspension parts on 2009 models for owners that request it:

• Some would say it should be done for free.
• Others might ask that it be done at Hyundai's cost for parts and at warranty labor rates.
• Others might be satisfied to have a dealer do it at retail cost as part of an Hyundai authorized upgrade (so far Hyundai says they will not provide an upgrade kit nor any information to dealers on how to do the upgrade).

You and I both know that it still wouldn't satisfy all owners and we'd still have these same threads. Correct me if I'm wrong, but haven't at least a couple people already stated that the 2010 doesn't ride all that different?

FWIW....

Honda made changes to the 2002 Civic's suspension because certain reviews/owners had claimed the new model (debuted as a 2001) was too soft, with one reviewer going to so far as to say it was like a taxi cab. Did Honda offer the revised suspension to owners of the 2001 model at no cost? They sure didn't! Same goes for the E46 BMW 3 Series. At the time of it's debut it's steering was widely criticized by professional reviewers and long-time owners alike for failing to offer the feedback and precision people had come to expect of BMW. BMW made changes within months and the press fell right in line w/ once again praising their steering. Did existing owners get offered a "fix" for their steering at no cost? Negative. Some of you act like this isn't common practice for automakers to make subtle changes/revisions after a year or two of real-world feedback from owners/reviewers, when in fact, the opposite is true.

As far as the 2010 parts being available for purchase, maybe Hyundai is worried that the few hundred Gen owners who would likely request it are so fanatical that even after this mild change, they probably wouldn't be happy and would then request a refund and/or further restitution. My personal opinion is that they should state what was changed exactly and let the dealers install the 2010 parts for people who want it (at a reduced cost) with the disclaimer that they make no guarantee as to the customers' satisfaction pertaining to improvements in ride quality.