Suspension: Love it or Hate it?

[Platinum 09]

For me, it is not a case of love it or hate it affair. I would have just preferred that the suspension would have been a little softer.

100% agree. Sorry to keep drudging up older threads, but these are good threads.

I don't HATE the suspension, but sure would have loved the ability to change it (I SWEAR I saw a screen in a review for the car where the car settings were available to change the ride - Korean version? Wasn't in Korean!)

Anyways, I "fee" it could use some adjusting, preferably smoother. We have $hit roads around here so the ride can be a little harsh at times - but still love the car!

 

[Dimitry]

I test drove the 2010 the other week, I like it a lot better than the 09 suspension.

 

[GripperDon]

All Genny's ride great on great roads that are very smooth, Why would we expect different the suspension has nothing to do.

The 09 rides harsh I put 8 bags of 40 pounds of water softener salt in the ruck it improved the ride, basically this overcomes the high rear spring rate by giving the springs more weight to deal with. But their is no room in the trunk. I can buy soft lead sheeting and put about 240 / 310 pounds and only loose about 1 inch of trunk floor, it spreads the load nicely and should not effect a crash or significantly effect gas mileage or braking. But a very non elegant solution.

I can buy a 2010 which rides better or put the 2010 springs and shocks in the rear, which is what I am still trying to do. Running test with, no shocks installed at all and then softer shocks trying to decide is it just the springs. I can finally order the 2010 springs and 2010 shocks but want to do the most cost efficient thing and also understand what is going on.

The rim diameter reduction (18 to 17"), tire change from Dunlops 5000m to Goodyear Assurance Comfort Treads and lower pressure to 30psi, all made detectable improvement but no where near enough. I have driven and owned many German cars and also Japanese cars the rode very acceptably. Hope things are resolved in early 2010
Also installing my Yellow Fog Lamps, Sylvania ultras high Beams and Louder Horns.

Merry Christmass and Happy , Healthy and Peaceful New Year to all !!

 

[Disaster]

I think the poll is OK. If you ignore the entire "love/hate" thing and consider it a does the suspension need improvement...vs. is it good enough. People on the fence should pick one way or the other. I suppose you could have a "middle ground" but too many people might pick that...not letting one know if they think there is room for improvement. I also think the "there is always room for improvement" mentality, while good for engineers, isn't the best option with a poll. For example, the Volvo S80 is a fantastic balance of firmness and ride comfort...much better than the Genesis, IMHO. Could it be improved. Of course. Does it need to be. Not really.

The problem I have with the Genesis suspension isn't the firmness. Yes, it is firm...but I've driven firmer "better" rides. The problem is that it isn't well damped. The body pitches several times when hitting bumps...instead of quickly damping out. The springs completely overpower the shocks. I'd like to try softer springs. Shocks would be nice too...but they are generally more expensive and there isn't anything available in the aftermarket yet.

 

[DanTheMan]

" the Volvo S80 is a fantastic balance of firmness and ride comfort...much better than the Genesis, IMHO.

I disagree with this totally! My boss drives an S80--it rides like a log wagon! He's been in my Genny a few times and has commented that he likes the ride of my car significantly more than his--and I agree (having been in his car several times).

His 6spd. tranny also shifts in very odd places in our terrain (streets have a lot of hills--up and down. Not San Francisco-type hills, but foothills of Smoky Mtns. hills). Overall a very uncomfortable ride. Mine is very constant and consistent--normal shifting unless I hammer down on the accelerator--then downshift!

I guess that really goes to show how subjective all this really is.

Dan :>)

 

[Disaster]

I disagree with this totally! My boss drives an S80--it rides like a log wagon! He's been in my Genny a few times and has commented that he likes the ride of my car significantly more than his--and I agree (having been in his car several times).

His 6spd. tranny also shifts in very odd places in our terrain (streets have a lot of hills--up and down. Not San Francisco-type hills, but foothills of Smoky Mtns. hills). Overall a very uncomfortable ride. Mine is very constant and consistent--normal shifting unless I hammer down on the accelerator--then downshift!

I guess that really goes to show how subjective all this really is.

Dan :>)

Your comments totally blow me away.

We have some nasty streets here in the Detroit area (poorest city in America...We're number 1!...Yeah.) I drove down the same pothole infested, washboard surface streets with an S80 and the Genesis and the difference is dramatic. Where the S80 clunks and bumps over the road, the Genesis bounces and shimmies...amplifying each bump so that you feel, first the bump, than a smaller reflection of it...then another...like the ripples you see on water.

On the freeway there is a similar effect. Some of the roads are uneven...best described as "buckled"...from section to section. The S80 lets you know when your crossing the sections with a "clunk." The Genesis has a similar...slightly stiffer clunk...then a waver...never really regaining composure before hitting the next one. It is like someone is bouncing on the back of the car...shaking it. I could see how the right frequency of speed and buckled road surface could cause the Genesis to go into almost a resonance condition....causing it to porpoise.