Overview:
This is the 2017 Hyundai Genesis G80. Surely it is one of my favorite cars and one that I could see myself buying. Does that sound odd since the world makes many great cars. European cars like Mercedes, BMW and Audi and American cars like Cadillac and Buick are all sought after luxury brands. Those are all well-known names and we assume they have to be good cars or why would they be so popular, right? They are great companies and cars – So why am I so bullish on Korean made cars like this Genesis?
Many will remember the 1960s when Japanese cars were little known in the US. The Japanese were hungry and dedicated to rebuilding their country after World War II. They did do some dishonest things like renaming one city in Japan to USA (ooosa) to fool people to buy products so marked thinking they were made in America. Overshadowing such marketing moves was the passionate work ethic of the common people who were the workers that would resurrect the “Rising Sun”. Soon that dedication would allow the Japanese to shake off the image of “Cheaply Made” products in the early days.
They got into the ‘big leagues’ and managed to put out exceptional cars that would be sold in America (the largest car market in the world). All the while the “Big Three” in America – GM, Ford and Chrysler were arrogant fat cats who were slumbering while the Japanese were working. It would be a second sneak attack, but this time an economic bombardment on the mainland of America in the form of automobiles. I met with some in Japanese industry folks in the late 1950s in Japan and was impressed, so much so, I would buy one of the first imports to America – Datsun. Japan had put Capitalist principles to work in rebuilding and they never looked back.
Well, today, there is a new kid on the block – Korean industry is on the move. Hyundai may well take the lead away from Japan by producing new passionately built cars. They have earned the accolades as many have found Hyundai and Kia (sister companies) to be exceptional cars. Like Japan was in the 1960s, the Korean’s are driven.
I can’t help but make the observation that South Korea is a perfect example of how Capitalism, that brought Japan out of the ashes has also made Korea superstar industrialists. One only need look north of the 38th Parallel to see the contrast between the south and the Socialist North Korean wacko government.
Now in the early 21st Century I have had the great opportunity to meet with Korean business leaders who have embraced the same economic principles that made America the exceptional industrial nation it is. What I took away from the most recent meeting with Hyundai was they are Good People. They are industrious, they are friendly and they are serious about earning their place in the world market.
Let’s face it, it is not the common folks, but corrupt governments that ruin it all for “We The People”. It has always been the hard working people who have made Capitalism work so well in all of history, in all the world.
General Information: It is assembled in Ulsan, Korea; Parts – US/Canadian 2%, Korea 88%; Engine & Transmission – Korea; Classification is Large Cars. Cars from Hyundai: Accent, Azera, Elantra, Elantra Coupe, Elantra GT, Equus,Genesis, Genesis Coupe, Santa Fe, Sonata, Sonata Hybrid, Sonata Plug-in Hybrid, Tucson and Veloster.
Handling & Performance:
Genesis delivers a smooth, comfortable, powerful ride.
Styling:
b
Fit and Finish:
Excellent.
Cost:
As equipped it is a great value.
Conveniences and comfort:
This Genesis has top of the line features that satisfy nearly all things I look for. But you can expand (non-essentials in my view) with options that can add nearly $10,000 to the price. Such features include a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, sunshades and larger touchscreens, for example.
Consumer Recommendations:
I’m impressed with the MSRP on this model considering all the standard equipment. Therefore, I’m not interested in the options, but others will. I suspect if I wanted to upgrade I may want to consider a move to the Equus (top of the Hyundai line) but then the price jumps over $20,000 more. Look but I think the Genesis is a lot of luxury for the money.
If Equus and Genesis don’t fit your budget, you may want to look at the Sonata that is about $10,000 less than the Genesis. Nice.
Recognized Competition:
Hyundai Genesis $44,000, Buick LaCrosse $41,000, Chrysler 300C $44,000, Toyota Avalon $41,000, Dodge Charger $35,000, Chevrolet Impala $31,000.
Good News:
Affordable luxury level, great group of safety and comfort features, powerful and a super comfortable ride.
Bad News:
n/a
Standard Equipment:
3.8 liter 311 hp V6 engine, 8-speed automatic transmission with shift-tronic, drive modes: Eco, Normal, sport & Snow mode, 18” Alloy wheels, stability management, stability control and traction controls, 9 airbags including driver knee airbag, emergency braking, blindspot detection and rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist and lane departure warning, smart cruise with start / stop, Xenon lights with high beam assist, leather heated seating, climate control, heated power 12-way front seats with power lumbar support, memory settings for driver seat, side mirrors and steering column, leather wrapped heated power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, 8” touchscreem navigation and rearview camera, Andriod auto and Apple car play, 4.3” color multi info display, Bluetooth hands free phone, system, AM/FM HD radio, CD, MP3, audio system with 7 speakers, SiriusXM radio, hands free smart trunk.
Gas Stats:
$2.56 / Gal avg. November 26, 2016
for more information.
16 City and 25 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $43,900.
