"But add a few bumps and the Genesis takes a turn for the worse. Unlike any of the other sedans, the Hyundai falls completely to pieces on twisty,bumpy back roads. Push it hard and pavement irregularities send the Genesis heaving and wallowing down the road with the traction control light flashing and the steering wheel shuddering. When you're hustling with a car full of passengers, its soft rear suspension crashes onto its bump stops over moderately rough roads." - Automobile Magazine: October, 2008

I knew the hype would fade once the honeymoon period all brand new 'aspirational' cars get as a free bonus waned.

I test drove one about 10 days ago out of curiosity. The thing bounded and wallowed on uneven pavement at highway speeds like a blindfolded dolphin.

The front suspension also bottomed out several times over rough pavement at least twice in a 1o minute test drive.

What is it about Hyundai that makes it nearly impossible to get suspensions 'right?'

 

I think the Genesis is the step where Hyundai proves they can provide cars that look as nice as much more expensive competitors at discount prices. Truthfully, just the looks alone will go a long way toward improving public perceptions.

Though, due to these discount prices, something has to suck, and in this case, it's the suspension. Plus, sadly, most drivers are so uninformed that they will see the wallowing, terrible suspension as a feature - they'll think it has a luxurious, soft ride - like an old Cadillac. Though, once Hyundai figures out how to set up a competent suspension, BMW, Mercedes, and Infiniti will really have their hands full.

 

saw one a few days ago, definitely a nice looking car.
bummer about the suspension though!!!

 

It will get better. Just keep the negative feedbacks flowing. Criticisms make the Koreans stronger. They just need to recruit some ex-BMW suspension engineers and put them on the payroll.

 

wonder if the coupe will fall to the same issues since it is built off the Genesis base.

 

I think that's a possibility. They're their first ever RWD cars. I, for one, can't expect them to get them right the first time around.

 

They should probably just hire some Japanese engineers.

 

true enough. Their track record shows just as much with the next gen tiburons... the 2003 was the redesigned model which was the first eyar for the V6 engine and it had a terrible transmission. In fact there is a civil suit against Hyundai because of how bad the clutch in that car was. And since it was the clutch, the wonderful 100k powertrain warranty doesnt cover it.

I know about this first hand as i was the proud owner of an `03 tibby and my clutch went to **** at just under 21,500... aside from that, the car was great! Very torquey engine and a pretty significant aftermarket for the car surprisingly enough. Could take that little 2.7L V6 and crank it to over 400hp and over 350 torque. That delta engine hyundai did right... the clutch/flywheel... not so right.

Ah well, hopefully the suit goes through and i will eventually recoupe my losses. if not, ce la vie. love my 8!

 

I found the problem

 

It is even circled to identify where the problem is.

 

I DD an 04' hyundai elantra. It's really quite an un-enjoyable car to drive. The suspension is super soft and just gets on your nerves after a while. Any amount of wind on the highway and you are fighting to keep the car moving straight. The Tiburon, which is the same chassis as the elantra, just sports stiffer springs. WTF!

Never buy a newish hyundai. Buy one that is like 6-8 years old for dirt cheap.

 

To be fair, the car targets the Toyota Avalon, Buick, Caddy DeVille, and Lexus ES/LS crowd so it definitely does not have a sport suspension. I think the biggest problem this car faces is that its sold at Hyundai dealership.

 

Give Hyundai a break, look how far they came from the Excel. They do have the main components of the suspension right, full independent, multi-link rear. But they seem to have focused a lot of their efforts on making it better than Buick. If they thought Americans cared about handling they would have focused more on it, but unfortunately, most Americans don't care about backroads when they have a cushy freeway to ride.

 

yeah i really like the tib...my GF has an 06 auto...the 05-06 tib are the best looking hyundai made to date..including upcoming Genesis coupe...
i often think what coud have been if it were RWD

 

I read MT and C&D on the new Genesis and they were more complimentary than Automobile. Hyundai makes some good cars. They certainly have done well in comparison tests.