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First Generation Hyundai Genesis Sedan - A Look Back

We are taking a quick look back at the first-generation Hyundai Genesis sedan. The 2008-2014 Hyundai Genesis model helped put the brand on the map and started this new trend towards high-quality vehicles that we see from Hyundai today.

Hyundai Genesis Intro

The 2008 Hyundai Genesis was a huge turning point for the Hyundai brand. This car was the first step towards real quality and trying to rival Lexus and other luxury brands. I reviewed the 2009 Hyundai Genesis with the 4.6l V8, and you can see my review down below.

Hyundai Genesis Drive

It was an epic driving experience, and I could not believe how well the vehicle drove with about 77,000 miles on it and after nearly a decade of aging. Hyundai had a substantial investment of almost $500 Billion to produce the Genesis. It is safe to say, Hyundai was not messing around.

I’ve driven pretty much every single Lexus, new and used, and this Hyundai Genesis rivals, if not exceeds some of those Lexus products. I’m not just talking about driving, but also how the car has aged. Hyundai’s goal for Genesis was to be the size of BMW’s 5-series, while having the interior quality of a 7-series, with the price of a 3-series. That is a heck of a goal, and it is crazy, but Hyundai has pretty much hit those targets.

Hyundai Genesis Side

I am not trying to hype the Genesis up in any way, it is merely a car where you need to let your brand biases rest at bay and drive this car for what it is. The 2009 Hyundai Genesis I drove handled far superior to any Lexus ES and is on par if not slightly better than a 2013 Lexus GS. The thrust from the 4.6l V8 was sensational, and the six-speed auto was perfect. The only real cons I found with this car and the Hyundai Equus I tested were slightly higher than average road noise. Other than that, these Hyundai luxury cars ride beautifully and are incredibly satisfying to drive, even in the long term.

Hyundai Genesis Perception

Because in the United States, we value brands and symbols more than anything, Hyundai’s luxury cars all tank in value. You can get a first-generation Hyundai Genesis dirt cheap with far fewer miles than a Lexus, and due to the age and miles, you can even get warranties from a dealership. This method is the best way to purchase this car, and you can enjoy it with peace of mind as well.

Hyundai Genesis RearHyundai Genesis Conclusion

I would like to hear your thoughts below about the Hyundai Genesis. If you are an owner, please let us know how it has held up for you and if you agree with these thoughts. It is a phenomenal car for anyone looking for a great daily driver at an excellent price.

Read about the Hyundai Equus here.

Kevin Meyn is an automotive journalist for Torque News concentrating on Hyundai content. Kevin is the founder of Exhaust Sports Auto Youtube channel, where he does professional car reviews on new and used vehicles. Through the use of various resources and extended Automotive expertise, Kevin documents the latest in automotive news revolving around Hyundai. Kevin graduated from NC State University studying Supply Chain Management but has had a passion for cars since he was a child. Follow Kevin on Twitter and Instagram @exhaustsports.

Comments

Evan Hughes (not verified)    August 6, 2020 - 2:00PM

I have a 2010 Genesis with the 4.6L engine. The car is flawless mechanically and runs like a champ. So very pleased with the car and plan to continue to drive the fantastic automobile for many more years to come.

Chris Bolden (not verified)    March 13, 2021 - 10:48PM

I have a 2014 Genesis with the 4.6 engine. I love it and everything else about the car.I have 70000 miles on it and it runs and drives like new.And I must say to be 7 years old it is still one good looking car.

Mary Poteat (not verified)    March 29, 2021 - 5:03PM

I have a 2013 Genesis and love it. It has exceeded my expectations and has excellent performance.

Roy (not verified)    April 3, 2021 - 8:55AM

My 2009 Genesis has performed better than any car I have owned in 50 years. No mechanical or body repairs have been needed in 65,000 miles other than a couple recalls that Hyundai covered the costs. I would disagree with the comment regarding road noise. Every person that rides with me comments on how quiet it is. I think the better comment is that passengers can converse at the same level as if they were home in their living room. I did find that the factory tires created road noise that was not present in new tires - perhaps that is what you heard.

J.S. Horne (not verified)    April 4, 2021 - 1:00PM

I had a 2009 Genesis that I had handed down to my daughter, who is in college. Unfortunately the car ended up being totaled in a hit & run. The Genesis had 170K and still drove and ran flawlessly. I was fortunate to find a 2014 Genesis as a replacement, which only had 70K miles and is literally like a new car. I have a 2015 Lexus ES and have had several over the years, but was torn on whether I'd keep the Genesis for myself. Ultimately I decided to stick with my Lexus and go forward with giving the Genesis to my daughter. As you can see I feel those first generation Genesis are great!

Steve Wellendorf (not verified)    April 6, 2021 - 1:13PM

Until 2020 I was a diehard German car fan. I still have it for the quattro(my Genesis is rear wheel drive---it's only drawback) I found a 2010 Genesis with the 4.6l and ended up purchasing it. It now has 115k on it. I am completely enamored with it. The ride is excellent. You cannot hear the engine run while inside. And when you need the power boy howdy is it there. I would live to drive one with the V-8 for comparison. If I were lose my lead foot it would be getting upwards of 20mpg in the city. As it is I get 14mpg. Can't complain. I truly love this car. Hyundai has achieved their goal. Kudos to them. Steve.

Kevin R (not verified)    April 8, 2021 - 9:18AM

Own a 2009 4.6L, that I bought used with 55k miles, now a hair under 112k. I've only changed pads, rotors, filters, fluids and one set of plugs. I thought road node was due to needing wheel bearings, but it turned out to be the tires. Definitely the most reliable car I've ever owned.

Glenn (not verified)    April 27, 2021 - 4:40AM

I own a 2009 4.6 sedan with 203,000 miles on it, and it incredibly still runs like brand new. I've always changed oil with full synthetic every 7500 miles. It now consumes about a half quart between changes. I had an issue around 140,000 miles with running rough and dying on me. Local Hyundai service couldn't figure out the problem and said it was probably the variable valve control and likely gunked up due to my extended oil change intervals and offered engine replacement as my only option. Took it to my cousin's shop and he opened it up and said clean as a whistle inside, discovered defective solenoid valves, replaced, and ran like new again. The only other issue was the transmission was starting to make some noise occasionally at sometimes lag or bump when starting off. Took to transmission shop and was showing no codes so they recommended against tearing into it to look or change the fluid. Then I ran over road debris that cracked the fluid pan, so same repair shop had to replace the pan, and inspected then, found no metal shavings, all looked good, replaced fluid and pan, and drove like new again from then until now. That also occurred around 140K mileage. Aside from those issues that were figured out and remedied, this car has performed flawlessly and I expect to put another 200,000 plus miles on it. It's now 12 years old and still looks new. Paint is flawless, interior leather not faded or stretched out. It does have one hairline crack that developed in the dash cover.

Vacinta (not verified)    May 3, 2021 - 7:23AM

I had a 2011 Genesis 3.6. It was hit on 2/14/21 and was totaled and that experience has been emotional for me. I absolutely loved my car and eventually will get another Genesis. It had 175k miles and ran GREAT!! My heart is still broken and I still cry when I see one on the road. Everyone complimented me and I felt privileged to own it. I had never heard of the car when I purchased it, but fell in love with the pictures and drove over 100 miles to test drive it and immediately bought it.

Eric Montgomery (not verified)    May 9, 2021 - 2:15PM

We bought a 2013 Genesis in 2015. It had about 10,000 miles on the clock. Now it has around 130,000. I have changed the battery once, and bought new tires as needed. That's it! The car has been thoroughly solid. Zero problems.

Irvin (not verified)    July 2, 2021 - 2:46PM

I'm the proud owner of a 2010 Hyundai Genesis 3.8,v6 I love the car, had an elantra and still have a 2004 Hyundai XG350 Hyundai first luxury 226.000 miles, my Genesis runs flawlessly 114.000 miles my only downside it's built cheap for exampe the dashboard is cracked across in three places, even the great shifter is built cheaper than the xg350 the speakers are going out, shortly after I got it driver's side front door speaker start to give distorted sounds then now the passenger side and it's not a daily driver.Overall I love it, don't regret buying it.

Marcus Dillon (not verified)    July 16, 2021 - 10:10AM

I had a 2015 genesis with 214127 miles on it that car ran and drove like a brand new car i had just got it and wrecked it i will love to have another one but i just can't afford one as of now

Dennis Fischer (not verified)    August 1, 2021 - 3:38PM

I’ve been driving the Hyundai brand for work and I put high miles on them (60-80k per year) and they never quit. Have admired The Genesis for several years. Last year, bought a 2015 Genesis with the 3.8 with 40k on it. Was traded at a BMW dealer. Paid under $20,000 and I must say this is, by far, the best purchase of a car we have ever made. It’s my wife’s car and she absolutely loves it. Features galore and way more than we use or understand. Everyone asks what it is when commenting on how nice it is. My dad wanted to buy it from us. With the price going up this past year on used cars, we could actually sell it for more than we paidr, but I couldn’t replace it with half the car for the same money.

Scooter (not verified)    August 16, 2021 - 10:15PM

I have a 2018 G80 5.0 AWD and love it. Tons of effortless power, it just loves cruising. On the highway I can easily get 8.1l/100k, which is about 29MPG, but in the city it does enjoy the gas a lot more - still worth it.

B. Warren Smith (not verified)    September 17, 2021 - 8:01PM

I bought a new 2009 Genesis 4.6 in 2009. I still have it & it is twrrific. I have kept it in my garage & today it is like new, no accidents or problems. I never wanted to sell it as it has been great & no problems. No accidents, it is white & it runs like a top.

Carmelita (not verified)    October 21, 2021 - 3:55PM

I have a 2013 genesis with 217,000 miles and its perfect. I also have a 2016 and its beautiful as well

Gregory Brooks (not verified)    October 22, 2021 - 6:45PM

I own a 2011 Genesis with 107,000 miles and I absolutely love it. I did have to replace the alternator a couple of years ago. I bought the vehicle with 6600 miles on it. No other major issues. They are quality vehicles. I don't concern myself with resale values. I have had this car since November 2011 and will probably the G80 at least that long when I decide to move up. That'll probably be in 2023.

Mel Geiger (not verified)    February 21, 2022 - 3:07PM

I purchased a used 2009 Genesis 3.6 in Dec. 2012 with approx. 42000 mi. I sold it outright to a younger male in 2020 for $6,700 with about 104,000 miles on it. . My experience with the car was absolutely pleasing. Except for one issue with the brake booster, (covered by Hyundai ) I never had anything other than normal maintenance to pay . When I sold it it looked nearly new both inside and outside. Great gas mileage on highway driving (27-29 mpg). Excellent driving characteristics and interior comfort. I sold it to buy a used 2015 Genesis. Many times I wish I had not sold it. Best car I have ever owned (nearly 60 years driving).

Robertson (not verified)    February 26, 2022 - 11:28AM

I bought my 2009 Genesis, November 2008, with 12 miles on it. I still have it with 230000 miles. My children drive this car now.
I hadn't had any major problems. Most issues were covered by warranty.
I had a 2015 Genesis 5.0 and currently drive a G 90 5.0. These are quality cars and the maintenance upkeep is affordable.

John P Grace (not verified)    February 26, 2022 - 9:59PM

My 2010 Genesis is the best car I have ever had! It has 220000 Miles on it and still runs like the day I bought it and I have only changed the plugs every 100,000 miles and that's it !! It is a great Car!!.

Sheryl Diaz (not verified)    April 2, 2022 - 9:07PM

I have a 2009 Hyundai Genesis and I absolutely love it. When I bought it, it had about 110,000 miles and I have put about 60,000 miles on it, but to this day it still drives great. When I bought it I looked it up to see if there were any recalls and there were 0 recalls. This is the first car that I have owned that there is not 1 recall. That is pretty amazing to me. I am also so surprised that I don't see more on the road. It is honestly the best car I have ever owned. It is also very fast. I can't help it but I have a lead foot and I have beaten a Lexus, BMW and there are more. My bf is a mechanic and keeps trying to get me to sell it and get a newer Genesis, but I don't want to. I love the one I have.

Claude (not verified)    April 8, 2022 - 3:43PM

In reply to by Sheryl Diaz (not verified)

Bought my 2012 Genesis sedan new. The3.8 V6 with 333hp on regular gas and 57k miles is plenty fast and the 8 speed is silky smooth. The silver color and brown & black upholstery is a head turner even 10 years later. Still drive on the original Michelins. No major repairs. 35 mpg at 65 mph & cruise control. Very quiet interior due to acoustic glass. Top that if you can with a German car.