2009 Hyundai Genesis: The Ice Breaker

Weirdly, I get alot more comments on my Civic SI than my 2008 Legacy GT. I think the Legacy is a sharp looker but not overtly begging for questions.

I get questions about my SI from 20-35 year old (attractive) women, and 18-22 year old guys.

Both of which signify to me that I have outgrown this car....

ha ha ha grandpa joe, maybe you need to move up to what all Si drivers aspire to, an M3 of some type.

I have gotten questions and positive comments on my bright red G8 GT, but not often.

How is the orange peel on the LT Genesis? I ask because I was at a Hyundai dealership checking it out and the one on their floor had about the worst paint I have ever seen. It was on a loaded v8 w/tech model too. Ouch!

Once about my Protege...askin' if it was a good first car for his teenage daughter *sigh*

The problem is, this is just initial curiosity for a new model Hyundai that people were aware of, but haven't seen before in person. Seven years after purchasing my '02 Z06, people still ask me about it, and compliment me on it. I didn't buy it for those reasons, but it's nice to hear anyway.

Seven years from now, NOBODY will be asking about the Genesis, and very few, if any, will be complimenting you on it.

That's the difference between a merely nice car, and a great car.

:) Had a MINI Back in 2002 (Early 2003 model) and it was a rolling circus sometimes. "What is THAT?"

I had a girl asking me about my old Talon a few years back; turns out she had a nearly identical (her FWD to my AWD) model of her own.

I agree with Stingray though, once the novelty wears off, it'll be just another car on the road. I doubt anyone ever gets asked about their camry.

stingray454: I'd say that more the difference between a great 4 door sedan and a sports car with a cult following.

Both vehicle are really great at what they do, but the Corvette was designed to attract attention.

People ask me about my XJR all the time, but mostly its people over 35. So i guess i bought a car thats not for my age group. Thats what i love about it though. Its a rocket ship in disgues, comfy and gets about 26 MPG on road trips. Not bad for a supercharged V8.

I went to a Ford dealership to check out a Flex. The salesman wouldn't stop going on about how much he loved my S4 Avant. Not really a good sales pitch, lol. :)

I often get questions and comments about my Dodge Magnum. At least around me, there aren't very many of them on the road now that they stopped making them.

I get quite a lot of positive comments about my 05 Roush Mustang GT from women. From college girls to rich housewives - I've had it all.

Frankly I don't care what men say about it.

"How is the orange peel on the LT Genesis? I ask because I was at a Hyundai dealership checking it out and the one on their floor had about the worst paint I have ever seen."

Actually, pretty much all cars have this orange peel. I've seen tons of $100K+ 7 series proudly wearing it. In dealerships no less.

"but the Corvette was designed to attract attention."

Completely disagree with this statement. This maybe true regarding the first or the second generations but lately vettes have been all about honest performance for the money. The C5 and C6 are far from attractive looking cars. Badass? Yes. But badass does not appeal to the widest audience. Genesis on the other hand is supposed to attract as many potential vanilla customers as possible.

"Does anybody ask you about your car? I doubt it."

I was asked a lot about my last 4 cars:

2004 VW Golf TDI - most questions about diesel

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer - What IS that? Mitsubishi makes CARS?

2008 MINI Cooper - general comments and love.

2010 Kia Soul - questions about fuel economy and Kia as a reliable/decent car brand

Who goes 55mph on the freeway at 5 a.m.? haha

What I get asked about the cars I have had:

1999 Saab 9-3 Viggen: "What does Viggen mean?"
"Is it fast?"

2002 GMC Envoy: "I never knew they made a Denali Version of the Envoy" (Aftermarket Grill)
"Hows the Gas Mileage?" (Thats when i run)

2004 BMW 3-Series: About as common as a Taurus in the 90's- Nothing.

2009 Audi A5: "Is that the car in the Transporter?"
"Woah, that things like $150,000" (Mistaken for the R8)

Cars with two seats or unusual shapes – sports cars and xB-like cars – get a lot of questions by people who think it’s interesting that someone would actually buy one. The person asking might secretly want one, but they think they’re too practical to do it. I was like that once… I asked my friend about his Miata, never thinking I would be stupid enough to buy a two-seater, but then I drove his and liked it so much I bought one.

For a normal-looking sedan to attract a lot of questions is a big deal! It means that people have heard of the Genesis… it has buzz. It’ll go away in a few years but only because the car will have been accepted by the public!

@stingray454:

"That's the difference between a nice sedan, and a low volume sports car."

FTFY

I got asked questions about my first car all the time, a 1975 Dart....and this was in 2002. Although as a sixteen year old, fielding questions from a bunch of 40something men isn't exactly what I wanted.

I used to get a lot of questions about my 2007 Yaris hatchback when it was pretty new on the road--about roominess, fuel economy, etc. I really much don't get any questions about my Kia Soul. Maybe people who don't know cars still don't know what it is yet? Is the design that inoffensive? Oh well.

Even after 3 years since it's introduction, Hyundai's Azera is still a rare occurrence on roadways. Even these days I get asked whether my Azera is a 'new Lexus'. When they learn it's a Hyundai, the usual reaction is 'It's a Hyundai??!!'

Sigh.

Don't get too many about my Ranger, but that's not really surprising. I have gotten a few "That's the cleanest Ranger I've ever seen!" My truck is very rarely dirty and abused looking like most Rangers. Then there was the "Is that brand new?" I took it as a compliment, but Ford should feel shame as I got that recently on my 2001. Goes to show you how much has changed on that truck... My least favorite of course is "How's the gas mileage?" It's got a 4.0L V6, 4WD, and I'm heavy-footed. You tell me.

I was at a stoplight looking for a highway and a couple of guys pulled up next to me in a mint VW Corrado VR6. I had my windows down already and got their attention. The passenger was like "we don't know where the road your looking for is." I replied, "Thanks for your help. That Corrado looks great." Instantly they changed their tune and said "You going to I95? Follow us." Which is where I was going, so I did. Then they honked twice and took off at full throttle once we we merged on.

I was at a stoplight looking for a highway and a couple of guys pulled up next to me in a mint VW Corrado VR6. I had my windows down already and got their attention. The passenger was like "we don't know where the road your looking for is." I replied, "Thanks for your help. That Corrado looks great." Instantly they changed their tune and said "You going to I95? Follow us." Which is where I was going, so I did. Then they honked twice and took off at full throttle once we we merged on.

The most questions either my wife or I have been solicited about any of our vehicles have been with our two Hyundais (2006 Sonata and 2007 Santa Fe). The curious were those soon to be purchasing a new vehicle and had taken notice of Hyundai as a viable product in comparison to the competition. I think many of these individuals may have read good things about Hyundai, but wanted to hear an actual account of owner satisfaction. Word of mouth amongst friends, family and coworkers has led to at least six Hyundai vehicles being purchased. Maybe more by the strangers that asked us about them.

StingRay...I've noticed EVERY post of yours has some sort of comparison to your 02 Z06...or it ends up in the discussion. Enough already. We see and hear how much you love that car. I can't wait till Edmunds gets a Tata Nano so we can hear you talk about how much your Z06 is better than a $2,000 econo car.

Personally, I could never drive a car that has an interior with plastics that Fisher-Price would be ashamed to use in their toy models of the corvette.

And before you think that "I'm just jealous", please note that I drive an 04 M3 and an 08 CLK63 AMG Black series.

Want attention? Drive Der Wienermobile or a BMW Isetta.

@ thedream

which one is your daily driver?

3 cars I've owned have elicited comments, but not very many as people are used to interesting cars in southern California.

My first post-college car was a '95 Mustang GTS, laser red with chrome cobra wheels.

I haven't had it to drive in a while as it's getting painted, but my '56 Chevy Nomad got lots of thumbs up and questions. I'm always the youngest at classic car shows, though.

My current car is a VW CC. People double-take it because they are still pretty uncommon, but I'm beginning to see more of them now.

I like cars that stand out some, but don't attract TOO much attention.

tcd223- neither really. I am lucky in that I can carpool to work with my wife. She drives an 06 Lexus GS430 and we usually take that on errands and such. However I drive the M3 much more than the CLK (it only has 7,500 miles on it).

thedream,

man that was harsh. Can't help but think about pricks in expensive cars.

ctpax - +1

Now what was it Clarkson was saying about people who drive BMWs...?

"By thedream21479 on August 17, 2009 1:12 PM
StingRay...I've noticed EVERY post of yours has some sort of comparison to your 02 Z06...or it ends up in the discussion. Enough already. We see and hear how much you love that car. "

Yeah, and I've noticed you're a tool. Don't like my posts? THEN DON'T READ THEM. Are you THAT dumb?

"Personally, I could never drive a car that has an interior with plastics that Fisher-Price would be ashamed to use in their toy models of the corvette."

Was that supposed to be an insult? Try again. I guess you ARE that dumb.

"And before you think that "I'm just jealous", please note that I drive an 04 M3 and an 08 CLK63 AMG Black series."

Let me know when and where punk. I would be more than happy to show you how fast my Fisher-Price plastic interior can go. A lot faster than your crayon smelling German plastic... including your cute little black car.

My six and a half year old Neon still has a lot of people asking me about it. Just last week after I got out of a class a fellow classmate asked to see under the hood and people at gas stations still talk to me about it. And whenever I outrun M3's, Corvettes, STI's, and the like there are usually more questions. I've gotta agree that this is a lot about the fact that the Genesis is a new car and therefore will always attract a lot of attention and will lose a lot of it soon.

I get questions about my 09 Fit from my peers (40+ years old) such as, "What's that?" and "What's your gas mileage?" Once folks ride in it, they usually comment that it's pretty neat for a small car, and they wish their car got 30+ mpg. Only one other friend has a Fit, and he got it before I did.

However, none of my other friends or peers have traded in their trucks or SUVs...

StingRay454..sure name the time and place.

At everyone else...I'm just sick of him bringing up that god damn Z06 in every post. I know it's a fantastic car, we don't need to be reminded in every single post. My only beef with any of the American manufacturers has BEEN the fit-and-finish and interior quality. Heck, Ford's improved the 2010 Mustang enough to make me WANT to buy a GT with the track package. And I seriously have considered purchasing a G8 as a daily driver for myself. It's a very, very sharp looking car.

"A lot faster than your crayon smelling German plastic... including your cute little black car."

If thedream21479 really has the CLK63 AMB Black Series then I doubt how much faster your Z06 would be, if any.

On the other hand since this is internet so whatevers...

thedream & stingray-- You know, one guy shot and killed his room mate because of a fight over toilet paper.

I've had my Genesis now for 4 months and not a day goes by that somebody comments on my automobile. I've got wings on hood, trunk and wheels and several occasions people thought it was "a baby Bentley" not to mention a MB, BMW, or a Lexus. Most people are simply impressed when they found out it was made by Hyundai. The Genesis is a name changer for Hyundai plan and simple. It's the moment Hyundai been waiting for with all of its past investment and vision. I wish the US car industry had the same during the last 10 years instead of milking the cow and not feeding it.

@toye

Do you live in Torrance, CA by any chance because there is one silver Genesis with wings on the hood and trunk park on the street near where I live.

altimadude00

I wouldn't worry about it too much. To be like the room mates you mentioned, one of them would have to be old enough to own a gun.

Maybe they could meet up at a mall and hit each other with their skateboards.

"Want attention? Drive Der Wienermobile or a BMW Isetta."

True story: Years ago, my company had an event where the Wienermobile showed up to serve refreshments. My friend was the coordinator of the event, and afterward he got to take a ride in the hot dog-shaped vehicle.

When they stopped at a red light, he popped his head up through a hatch in the roof. Just then a convertible pulled up beside them. My friend in the Wienermobile caught the other driver's eye and said, "Pardon me...would you have any Grey Poupon?"

Louiswei...I do indeed own a CLK63 AMG Black...if you guys see a white black series running around north atlanta with "whtblk" on the license plate, it's me!

louiswei,
Right color (silver) wrong city I live in Fort Lauderdale. All the Genesises that I see on the road (12) most have the wings except maybe 1 or 2

I think this car elicits so much interest is because of the fact that it IS a Hyundai. A cool Hyundai, but still a Hyundai. I like the car alot myself, but wonder the obvious. In spite of it's almost too good to be true packaging in this price point, will it hold up over the long haul. Let's face it. We all love a good deal. This car LOOKS like a good deal. What will it look like 4-5 years from now, though?

"By thedream21479 on August 17, 2009 2:35 PM
StingRay454..sure name the time and place. "

You got it. I'm in NY - hopefully you are too, because I'm not driving across the country. Let's start with what kind of race you want - I'm game for anything. Road course fastest lap time? Autocross fastest lap time? Straight out 1/4 mile drag race? Fastest standing mile drag race? Name it.

"At everyone else...I'm just sick of him bringing up that god damn Z06 in every post. I know it's a fantastic car, we don't need to be reminded in every single post."

What's with "at everyone else" and referring to me in the third person? You trying to get some friends to back you up or something? You're not man enough to run this fight on your own? Afraid? It's funny, I haven't seen anyone really backing you up yet.

"By louiswei on August 17, 2009 2:47 PM

If thedream21479 really has the CLK63 AMB Black Series then I doubt how much faster your Z06 would be, if any."

Stock, my car was faster than a CLK63 blackie. Not a lot faster, but definitely faster. 1/4 mile of 12.4 @ 117 versus 12.8 @ 113. Those are average magazine test times. My car isn't stock, and I know what it can do. Let's just say I wouldn't bring a butter knife to a sword fight.

IMHO, this is why the Equus or whatever won't work. many more people can realistically afford a Genesis and are interested in it. of course its ad campaign seemed pretty huge to, showing off its sophistication and speedy powertrain (not many companies can say they are faster than a 5-series and still allow you to ride in roomy cushiness and still cost far south of $40k)

The 4 things you can count on from the IL comments.
1. 1487 will defend the honor of GM
2. stov will back him up
3. stingray will mention his vette
4. kissel will ask about manure

Nope compliance, kissel has morphed to being a jerk.

Her 2005 Odyssey Touring: Had a few last generation Sienna owners and current Chrysler/Kia/GM/Ford minivan owners ask about it as well as people thinking about purchasing there first minivan.

My 2003 Acura CL-S 6MT: A few glances from other CL-S owners but those owners are very rare as there aren't many CL's period, especially with the 6MT. CL-S will be replaced with a Civic Si/Navi sedan or Mada3 Grand Touring 6MT.

My 2002 Honda S2000: Always the same question, "can it really rev to 9000 RPM?" I reply, "why yes it can."

Her 2005 Honda S2000: Always the same question, "can it really rev to 9000 RPM?" I reply, "no, unfortunately it cant as it only revs to 8000".

My 1995 Civic Ex sedan: Its usually "what have you done to it?" I usually reply, "oh... stock motor with a CAI, APEX-i N1 cat-back exhaust and full suspension and Rota rims (if I have them on)."

I NEVER say anything about the 1994 Integra GS-R engine swap, SUPER RARE 1996 JDM Integra Type R LSD equipped 5MT, custom individual throttle bodies from a Toyota 4AG engine, custom velocity stacks, AN-R 4to1 header, Skunk2 stage 1 cams, Skunk2 valvetrain, USDM Integra Type R pistons, Autronic standalone (required for my unusual ITB setup), manual steering rack from Civic DX hatch, a Quaife quick ratio steering kit and countless other performance additions/upgrades because I don't know the person asking the questions. When one starts to give detailed information about a desirable model of car they've spent a lot of money and time on it can "come up missing".

Unfortunately given the arrival of her AP2 S2000, and the fact that the AP1 will be my new project the Civic will see a new owner a soon as he returns from Iraq.

For more public reaction towards the Genesis, go here:

http://genesisowners.com/hyundai-genesis-forum/showthread.php?t=431

genesisowners. com/hyundai-genesis-forum/showthread.php?t=431

for more of the publics reaction towards the Genesis.