Will luxury car buyers take a Hyundai seriously? According to Consumer Reports they should.
The company named the 2009 Hyundai Genesis its top upscale sedan in comparison testing, narrowly beating out the Lexus ES. "Spacious and well appointed," CR writes, "The rear-wheel-drive Genesis offers good value and is a compelling alternative to luxury vehicles costing thousands more. We tested the six-cylinder version, which offers more than adequate performance." Beating out Lexus for the first time, CR says, "Solidifies [Hyundai's] reputation as a builder of high-quality vehicles in several diverse automotive segments."
Jalopnik comments, "The Genesis easily satisfies the needs of entry-level luxury buyers if they're willing to look past the badge snobbery."
And that image problem is precisely the challenge for Hyundai. In our analysis, dozens of reviewers have found the Genesis to be competitive with vehicles from the most respected luxury automakers -- but it bears a badge many Americans associate with budget cars. Hyundai was self-conscious enough about that reputation to leave the badge off the front of the car entirely. But recognition like this should help ease buyers' concerns.
Besides, if you lose your job, you can return your new Genesis and walk away.
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