Originally Posted by Goose

I'm not trying to steal anyone's thunder here, but I just drove (and almost bought) a Genesis coupe this afternoon. The only reason I didn't was because they didn't give me what I wanted for my trade. Oh well.

The short answer is that the Genesis coupe is a very impressive effort by Hyundai. The design, fit and finish and ride quality are all impressive; the only letdown was a few somewhat cheap details in the cabin. The designers felt the need, for example, to add chrome details where I thought they didn't belong and the plastics could have been a bit softer to the touch.

EDIT: I guess I'll add more to my little "review" - sorry for the lack of detail before.

The main thing that struck me (and sold the car) was the engine. Regardless of the numbers, the V-6 engine has plenty of oomph for me. Unlike lots of smaller displacement cars, the Genesis V-6 pulls (or should I say pushes due to the rear-wheel drive?) the big Genesis up to the speed limit very smartly. Handling was very nice for such a large car - it's over a foot longer than the 370(!) Although the Genesis is a pretty long car, though, it doesn't feel cumbersome. More of a grand tourer, which is what they intended I assume.

The design of the car was nicely done - clean lines with an aggressive stance. The interior could have been a bit more nicely executed, but when one considers the price, it's not that bad. The wheels look terrific - anything less than the 18" alloys would have looked puny on such a long car. I drove a Grand Touring version, and the brown perforated leather seats were very supportive and I was able to get very comfortable despite the lack of a telescoping wheel (an oversight on a car of this type).

I was also impressed with the visibility from the driver's seat - those little "dips" in the rear windows are there for more than just style. The details were where you could tell that the Genesis is a Hyundai; nothing glaring, but stuff that the big guys do very well. Besides the kinda cheap-feeling interior plastics, the trunk lid, for example, is supported by what looks like a strut from one of Hyundai's hatchbacks. Also, the stereo in the one I drove also revealed a nasty rattle in the passenger door even at very moderate volume with no cheating on the bass control.