Suspension: Love it or Hate it?

[PINGGOLF]

Here Here !!........ Now I can only laugh at every comment that Mark makes..... people like Mark who have a comeback for every little comment because they must always have the last word are of little use in civil discussion...... Mark you are the one who wants to turn people against each other by arguing every point to the death...... By the way it was OBVIOUS to me that J was not attacking you........

There needs not be a " needs improvement" category when the question is simple...... Do you love it or hate it?........ if neither applies then don't answer the question !! Stop trying to change the poll to what you want it to be...... just make up your own poll in that case.

I am 100% convinced that if the poll showed 85% hated the suspension then you would have no need for a needs improvement category...... like I said before I welcome improvements in everything... that doesn't make something necessarily bad just because it can be improved.

My Genesis is riding beautifully as expected....... firm but not harsh in any manner or form...... I have been driving it for 7 months now and if anything the suspension has gotten better at handling bumps

Ok...your post is crossing the line a little here. Please check your PM inbox.

 

[Mark_888]

Personally, as the owner of this thread, I didnt want to know if you were luke warm.

Answer me this. If you had the option to buy your exact car again...would you...or wouldn't you? I would prefer not to have a "maybe."

Its simple as that.

OK, but since you didn't want to know about those in middle of love and hate, then those of us who neither hate it nor love it should not vote, which is what I did (or didn't do). But to me, it makes no sense to have a poll like that, becasue I think there are a lot of people in the middle on this one. I don't like polls which force me to take extreme positions that I don't agree with.

Second question. I would not have purchased the 2009 Genesis in January of this year had I fully known about the suspension, for no other reason than resale value. But I was under no pressure to buy any car, as my old one was working fine (even though it was a 1998 model, but with only about 75K miles on it). I really don't care about what other people think about what car I drive. Its not a financial issue, since I paid cash for my Genesis.

For the last several years I was actually planning on buying a 2009 Acura TL since I knew 2009 was a major model year upgrade for them, and I always wanted an Acura (I like the firmer ride compared to some others), but once I saw the 2009 Acura TL that idea went into the trash (even though I am usually not that picky about how a car looks).

Given that I found out in mid-February that the 2010 Genesis suspension would be "tuned" in 2010 I would have waited until the fall of 2009 and got a 2010 model or purchased another car (probably would have waited the 9 months if I knew the suspension would be tuned in 2010). I don't think there is anything fundementaly wrong with the Genesis suspension design (5-way multi-link), I just think HMA needs to adjust the springs and shocks a little bit (which is apparently what they did for 2010) and it would make a big difference on bad roads. I like a firm ride with good handling, but ... (don't want to re-hash here).

 

[Mark_888]

So far...this poll just goes to show that most of us do not have a problem with our suspension...as I expected.

...this poll just goes to show that most of us do not have a problem with our suspension...as I expected.

Now...if out of 20000, they received 2500 or more complaints...the yes, we as a company would look into making things right...even if it meant dipping back into some R&D budget.

Those are just my thoughts so go easy on me!

I have a problem with the suspension, but I am not voting because IMO your choices are too extreme for me. A lot of other polls/discussions on this forum show different results for that reason.

A lot of the automotive press have also commented negatively on the suspension (including Car and Driver magazine, Consumer Reports, Wall Street Journal, and many others). Fortunately HMA has agreed with them and fixed the problem in the 2010 model. So I guess those who think the 2009 suspension is prefect (probably a lot of Hyundai dealers trying to sell 2009 models) disagree with HMA on this one.

Just because I have problems with the 2009 suspension does not mean that I hate the car. I think the car is very, very good. After the 2010 suspension fix, I would say the Genesis sedan is near perfect and a truly amazing feat by Hyundai or any car maker to produce a car like this at that price.

I don't have any problems with the rest of the car like some others on the forum who don't like the stock lighting, rims, tips, bass response, non-V8 leather, uncovered speakers in the trunk, etc. I don't understand what they are complaining about myself, but everyone has a right to their own opinion. Some people are natural complainers and are never satisfied, but I just ignore them.

 

[PINGGOLF]

OK, but since you didn't want to know about those in middle of love and hate, then those of us who neither hate it nor love it should not vote, which is what I did (or didn't do). But to me, it makes no sense to have a poll like that, becasue I think there are a lot of people in the middle on this one. I don't like polls which force me to take extreme positions that I don't agree with.

I agree to some extent...and I'm glad you didn't vote.

Its not a financial issue, since I paid cash for my Genesis.

Me Too!!!

For the last several years I was actually planning on buying a 2009 Acura TL since I knew 2009 was a major model year upgrade for them, and I always wanted an Acura (I like the firmer ride compared to some others), but once I saw the 2009 Acura TL that idea went into the trash (even though I am usually not that picky about how a car looks).

I was really looking into the TL as well...to me, it needed a little more HP and the nose was a complete turn-off. I laugh when I see them in my rear-view mirror.

Given that I found out in mid-February that the 2010 Genesis suspension would be "tuned" in 2010 I would have waited until the fall of 2009 and got a 2010 model or purchased another car (probably would have waited the 9 months if I knew the suspension would be tuned in 2010). I don't think there is anything fundementaly wrong with the Genesis suspension design (5-way multi-link), I just think HMA needs to adjust the springs and shocks a little bit (which is apparently what they did for 2010) and it would make a big difference on bad roads. I like a firm ride with good handling, but ... (don't want to re-hash here).

Got-cha! I would imagine that some type of spring/shock will be available to us. Of course, we would have to pay for it, but at least it would be an option. To be honest, I would probably give it a try...just to feel the difference.

Have a great evening Mark.

 

[Asus999]

I have to wonder what the purpose of this is for - we already know those with issues are the vocal minority, but nonetheless, I might add that it's not a universal "love or hate" type of issue. I think nearly everyone, including even the media, agrees that the suspension is on the hard side. That doesn't mean they necessarily hate it. Likewise, many find the ride acceptable but wouldn't go so far as to say they love it. There's clearly some gray area in between love and hate, where I suspect many Genesis owners reside.

Further, I don't think ANYONE has said all or even most Genesis owners experience or feel they experience an issue. There's no doubt there's a vocal minority - I suspect your aim is to prove a vocal minority. That was proven long ago, as I see it -- if it were otherwise, Hyundai would be falling all over themselves to rectify the problem.

Wow, After your Farewell Post, I though you would be out enjoying your new LS460.. Guess the Genesis still runs deep into your Blood...

 

[rmwweb]

Hi guys:

Am glad to see that people are finally trying to play nice around here. For the record, I am in the I HATE it camp!!! To answer the other question posed here about whether or not I would buy the Genesis again knowing what I know now the answer is a resounding NO.

I have to say that the bickering and personal attacks on the suspension forums drove me away from participating, I get enough abuse from my Genesis on my daily commute, I don't need to get beat up on line for expressing my disappointment with the car.

As with many, I love just about everything about the Genesis as long as it is parked. In truth, on some of the recently rebuilt stretches of highway around my home town, the car drives like a dream. But c'mon if a $45K CDN car drives nicely on brand new pavement that shouldn't even be news should it? My wife and I normally drive to Hilton Head for a winter vacation but there was no way we were doing that trip in the Genesis last winter.

I've read just about every post on this site related to the suspension issue and have to admit that I remain truly confused. So many people seem happy with it, yet I simply can't imagine anyone enjoying the kind of ride delivered by my car. Certainly no one who has driven in it with me has had anything more positive than "it's not too bad" to say. Most people just shake their head in amazement that a car this nice can ride so badly. This isn't a handling issue, my biggest complaints are on dead straight roads in light rush hour traffic when I'm doing 20 -30 mph. The car goes straight - I'm not having to "handle" anything but the silly car is bouncing me around like an old pickup truck.

I'm going to stop "whining" now so that I don't get in trouble but, gentlemen, I suspect there are lots of people out there that are as disgusted -with the way this car rides - as I and some of the others on this site are.

RMWWEB

3.8 V6 with tech

 

[Genesis380]

Hey folks... now that I am an in a post-Genesis era, this is probably my final post. I thought you may be interested in the email I sent to a contact I had at the Genesis Team, and also the fact that they didn't even have the courtesy to reply to me. Names and case number removed to protect the innocent... It is rather interesting that a few hours after I sent the email, Hyundai closed down the suspension discussion on their forum at http://www.experiencegenesis.com . Draw your own conclusions.

"xxxxx, you may be interested to know that I traded my Genesis for a Maxima over the weekend, and lost a significant amount of money. I could not further tolerate the banging, crashing and oscillating suspension. Your district representative examined it a few weeks ago and it was paradoxically described as "normal" even though the loaner vehicle provided to me rode very much better. I have contacted your customer service department a number of times, Case# xxxxxxxx, and while everyone has been very courteous, I received no assistance. These problematic vehicles should be disassembled and the problem properly investigated. A subjective "seat of the pants" test-drive is not a technical evaluation of a problem.

I am aware of at least 4 other people who are equally frustrated with the ride, and are at the point of trading theirs too. This information is spreading like wildfire on the internet - I know I am not the only one who has these problems.

The Genesis was an exceptional effort for any manufacturer, a potentially superb automobile and a phenomenal achievement for Hyundai - as long as it wasn't driven. A beauty to behold, but not to drive.

Hyundai attracted many new customers with the Genesis, but they are beginning to abandon the vehicles because of this defect, and Hyundai's neglect. Obviously, the issue must be serious enough for people to be trading in their brand new cars at a loss just to get rid of them.

It has been an expensive 3 months and 3,000 very uncomfortable miles for me. I spent money on the car trying to resolve the ride problems, and have received absolutely no help from Hyundai. Also, your dealership service departments need to be upgraded to be at least on a par with those of Nissan, Toyota and Honda, and the technicians must be trained on the product.

I am very disenchanted with Hyundai, and am deeply disappointed, and frankly very surprised with the lack of support. I strongly suggest that Hyundai acknowledge and remedy the problem ASAP, otherwise a more appropriate defacto name for the Genesis may very well become "Exodus", as you are about to lose many more customers.

Thanks."

 

[doug725]

Here's what I wrote to Hyundai this past July - shortly after receiving the chrome license plate for the "North American Car of the Year".

July 7, 2009

Joel Ewanick
Vice President, Marketing
Hyundai Motor America

Dear Mr. Ewanick:

I do appreciate the chrome license plate and efforts to make me feel special for purchasing the Hyundai Genesis (albeit six months after the fact). However, a review of your records should indicate that I no longer own the Genesis. As a result of the abysmal ride/suspension characteristic of my Genesis and Hyundai’s unwillingness to admit or rectify the situation I was forced to trade it in for a Mercury Milan (at a $5,500 loss).

My Genesis was by far the worst riding vehicle I have ever experienced. Every bump, seam, swell, strip, and imperfection in the road was felt. Any sort of undulation in the pavement would cause the vehicle to vibrate or bounce/porpoise like an old Buick with no shocks. Driving the Genesis I discovered roads I never knew were bad before. The demo I test drove extensively was not what I’d call a world class luxury ride – however, it was acceptable and I liked the car very much in just about every other way. Unfortunately, the vehicle I ended up with (3.8 w/premium plus) magnified the mediocre (at best) suspension qualities of the Genesis tenfold.

After almost three months of having passengers refuse to ride with me, getting nauseous in my own car, bouncing to and fro everywhere I went, and getting the run around from Hyundai I got fed up and traded the car for a simple, used Mercury Milan (which I should add rides beautifully on the same roads that caused my Genesis to bounce me around).

I remain dismayed that after all the money spent on the development, testing, and launch of the Genesis that you would release (let alone sell me) a vehicle with such shockingly poor ride characteristics. So much for the “premier luxury” North American Car of the Year.

I do know of many other buyers who have and had similar complaints and I have collected over 75 such statements (if you are interested). I am aware of several individuals who after a test drive decided not to purchase the Genesis due to the odd ride characteristics. In fact, several individuals in my circle of acquaintances decided to not consider or purchase the Genesis after learning of my problems and Hyundai’s refusal to admit and/or correct the problem.

I’m sure you can understand why I do not feel at all special for purchasing the Genesis, but rather feel duped and misled. I could almost overlook this unfortunate experience with the Genesis were it not for the bad experience I had with my 2002.5 Santa Fe (which after five very major warranty repairs and several smaller issues never acknowledged finally died at 80,000 miles). I decided to give Hyundai another chance with the Genesis and, of course, lived to regret it.

I have asked repeatedly to not receive any further correspondence or surveys concerning the Genesis or Hyundai (unless it’s a check for $5,500 and an apology). Yet, I continue to receive surveys and gifts and salutations to “enjoy the ride.” Ironic.

 

[tjc78]

35 is too high ...... it is recommended to be 33 and I keep mine at 32....... I have tried at 35 but I find that any tire that is overinflated performs differently than one that is inflated properly

I'll give it a shot. The dealer had them at 35 and I just followed. My Avalon was always ok at 35.

 

[tjc78]

Personally, as the owner of this thread, I didnt want to know if you were luke warm.

Answer me this. If you had the option to buy your exact car again...would you...or wouldn't you? I would prefer not to have a "maybe."

No.

I feel the ride, while not as bad as some feel it is, just isn't good enough. Not firm and glued to the road like a BMW, and not isolated like a Lexus. They tried to do too much. Like I said over on the Edmunds forums, I believe they should have sold the car with a suspension like a Lexus LS/ES and then made a sports suspension optional. Go drive a ES or even an Avalon and tell me which one rides better. Of course, handling is compromised slightly in those models due to the soft setup and FWD. Also, on a side note Toyota's 2GR engine is more refined than Hyundai's 3.8 IMO.

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[JayJay]

v8 and as I have said in previous threads, I love the suspension. So does any of my passengers, front or back. I have people beg me to drive everytime we go out now. I chose the genesis because in my test drives I liked how it handled over Lexus, Nissan and other luxury cars. I know a few of you claim to have test drove one car, and gotten another with worse suspension.. but to be fair of the three cars ive owned I have never made a purchase without test driving the one I was buying. Certainly not when there is $40k on the line. If you have that much money to throw away on something you do not like.. then I really can't pity you if you lose on trading it in for something new.

 

[Puredeath]

Hmm... So, from the polls, about 1/3 of the owners hate the ride. Rather significant figure, wouldn't you say? We aren't talking about the bottom 1% here. Hyundai better listen up, for their sake.

 

[jwaters943]

Yes, but polls on forums such as this aren't really representative of all owners. People usually seek out places like this because they have issues and need/want assistance. Plus, there is no way to tell if someone has an "alternate" screen name and has voted twice.

Like everything else, take what you read online w/ a grain of salt. Just my $0.02.

 

[Mark_888]

Yes, but polls on forums such as this aren't really representative of all owners. People usually seek out places like this because they have issues and need/want assistance. Plus, there is no way to tell if someone has an "alternate" screen name and has voted twice.

Like everything else, take what you read online w/ a grain of salt. Just my $0.02.

Also is the fact that a fair number of forum members are associated with Hyundai in some way and are trying to do damage control.

 

[sandy]

Also is the fact that a fair number of forum members are associated with Hyundai in some way and are trying to do damage control.

This is a FACT? Probably no more true than the "fact" that a fair number of forum members are associated with the competiton and are trying to undermine the Genesis.

 

[GripperDon]

Can you really have an alternate screen name? How is that done. learn something new all the time. That really puts everything in doubt.

On to the real comment and post. As you know I am trying to get a lower rate soil springs in the rear. To keep the rear at the same height as it is originally and have a spring coil that compresses further per load that means that the original height of the coil must be longer so that it is more compressed from the longer free coil height to end up at the same height it is now and will compress farther per increased load, like from a bump, resulting in a softer ride. Well....

In reviewing the rear suspension of the Hyundai Azera, which is noted for it's soft ride, I find that it's rear suspension layout and design is extremely close to the Genesis and the free height of the spring is 14.03 and the Genesis is 13.5 which if you consider the design deflection of 1/2 of the shock stroke or 3.6 inches would amount to a softening of the rear rate by 15 to 20 %.

Now with that background being supplied, The remaining question I have not yet gotten the answer to is, Are the coils diameter the same?, so that a switch can be tried. The new coils are available at a affordable price. Any advice would be appreciated.

Any info on how to find out that info would be appreciated. Trying to get a local parts department to go measure them or bring a set up to the front desk is like pulling teeth and I am not a Dentist.

 

[Mark_888]

This is a FACT? Probably no more true than the "fact" that a fair number of forum members are associated with the competiton and are trying to undermine the Genesis.

Quite a few forum members have identified themselves as associated with Hyundai. And as you recall, as soon as the Hyundai website with the documentation of the 2010 suspension changes was mentioned on this forum, it was promptly removed (so it is probably the case that a lot of people associated with Hyundai read this forum or are even members).

I have not seen any evidence to support the idea that the competition is trying sabotage the Genesis by posting negative comments on this forum. That seems far-fetched to me.

Maybe the competition has also bribed the automotive press such as Car and Driver, Consumer Reports, Wall Street Journal, etc, who have made negative comments about the Genesis suspension (but otherwise lavishly praised the car)? Or maybe not.

 

[Mark_888]

Can you really have an alternate screen name? How is that done. learn something new all the time. That really puts everything in doubt.

On to the real comment and post. As you know I am trying to get a lower rate soil springs in the rear. To keep the rear at the same height as it is originally and have a spring coil that compresses further per load that means that the original height of the coil must be longer so that it is more compressed from the longer free coil height to end up at the same height it is now and will compress farther per increased load, like from a bump, resulting in a softer ride. Well....

In reviewing the rear suspension of the Hyundai Azera, which is noted for it's soft ride, I find that it's rear suspension layout and design is extremely close to the Genesis and the free height of the spring is 14.03 and the Genesis is 13.5 which if you consider the design deflection of 1/2 of the shock stroke or 3.6 inches would amount to a softening of the rear rate by 15 to 20 %.

Now with that background being supplied, The remaining question I have not yet gotten the answer to, Is the coils diameter the same?, so that a switch can be tried. The new coils are available at a affordable price.

Any info on how to find out that info would be appreciated. Trying to get a local parts department to go measure them or bring a set up to the front desk is like pulling teeth and I am not a Dentist.

I assume he means that the same person can register twice. Maybe you need two email addresses, I don't know, but those are easy to come by. I guess persons on both sides of this could do that, but I would guess Hyundai people have a lot more to gain by doing it than Genesis owners not associated with Hyundai.

Please do keep us informed about your attempt to improve the Genesis suspension. But I hope you will at try (or at least look at) the new 2010 stock suspension parts that should be available in another month or so.

 

[kaberle]

Also is the fact that a fair number of forum members are associated with Hyundai in some way and are trying to do damage control.

CCCCCbOOuOOlOOlUUsUUhGGiGGtHHHH

 

[sandy]

Quite a few forum members have identified themselves as associated with Hyundai. And as you recall, as soon as the Hyundai website with the documentation of the 2010 suspension changes was mentioned on this forum, it was promptly removed (so it is probably the case that a lot of people associated with Hyundai read this forum or are even members).

I have not seen any evidence to support the idea that the competition is trying sabotage the Genesis by posting negative comments on this forum. That seems far-fetched to me.

Maybe the competition has also bribed the automotive press such as Car and Driver, Consumer Reports, Wall Street Journal, etc, who have made negative comments about the Genesis suspension (but otherwise lavishly praised the car)? Or maybe not.

Mark, your original statement that forum members associated with Hyundai are doing damage control, is your supposition, which may or may not be accurate. But it is not a fact. And shouldn't be presented as such. We keep the posts on this site more meaningful when we present our theories as theories.