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Used 2012 Hyundai Genesis Consumer Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
77 reviews

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5 out of 5 stars

What an amazing car

mheib, 01/19/2013
2012 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 R-Spec 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 8A)
5 of 8 people found this review helpful

After owning everything from BMW, Lexus, Porsche, and Jags I must admit this is one of the finest of them all. Power, poise, comfort, and value.

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3 out of 5 stars

Nice try Hyundai!

Christopher Ramirez, 08/30/2016
2012 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl 8A)
11 of 20 people found this review helpful

The Genesis is a car that lacks origin and by definition, the car should have strong roots. I owned the car for a little over a year and drove about 30K miles before I threw in the towel of defeat. I initially purchased the car because of its spacious interior and amazing 3.8L engine, which produces 333 horsepower. However, the buck stopped there. While this was only the base model, the car didn't hold up to my standards of what a "luxury car" should be in terms of ride, handling, and amenities. I owned a black/black Genesis with the base radio, which apparently, the optional upgrades really only involve a Lexicon radio and some sun visors in the rear, not so luxury in my opinion. The relationship started as a loving as the honeymoon stage can get but quickly turned into a bitter divorce towards the end and the Genesis took the house and furniture in the divorce, figuratively speaking of course. My initial expectation of the Genesis was a nicely appointed and comfortable ride with a small hint of Euro feel. What I received was stiff rear springs and shocks and cushy front springs and shocks that made for an awkward drive in the city and over large bumps in the road. I spoke to my local dealer and this was the proper setup for the car, which really didn't make sense to me but I lived with it. The next thing that bothered me was the lack of front seat support and the feeling of driving a 1995 Crown Victoria while making a turn and sliding to the passenger seat to have a close conversation with your passenger. Again, this was something I could deal with, although, the fact that it took about a day each time the car was started to connect the Bluetooth, and the fact that the Bluetooth has such weak sound compared to other cars I have driven really brought my feelings for the car down. The faux wood felt more like plastic, which if pressed, you could see the plastic flex and the seats lacked any real support, which lead to my tail bone and back to hurt at all times. The car may grow on you as you see the depreciation drop harder than the economy in 2007, but it will be only because you are underwater and no one will except the car as a trade. Yes, I could have opted for the loaded Genesis but spending 35-40K on a used Hyundai Genesis only to have a Lexicon sound system and a navigation system that no one uses because we all have phones that have Google Maps and Waze, seemed ridiculous to me. Therefore, my recommendation if you are in the market for a full-size luxury car, keep your mind open to manufactures that are used to building luxury cars such as, Mercedes, BMW, Infinity, Lexus, Jaguar, etc. While this car is wonderfully priced, the car depreciates like a Hyundai and parts are very rare so insurance payment will be larger than expected.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
1 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
2 out of 5 stars
Comfort
2 out of 5 stars
Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

You MUST own this car!

holywow, 02/20/2012
2012 Hyundai Genesis 4.6 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 8A)
7 of 13 people found this review helpful

Do two things: 1) Take an Avatar DVD, throw it in the player, tune to chapter 6 and crank the surround sound; 2) Settle into the leather seats, drive the car on the freeway, and wait five minutes until Mr. Highway Patrolman apprehends you for 'slightly' aggressive driving. If these two experience don't convince you that this car is AWESOME, then you have no pulse. I own the 4.6...because the R-Spec doesn't come in red.

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5 out of 5 stars

Awesome Car

jenniferkay, 05/09/2012
2012 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 R-Spec 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 8A)
13 of 27 people found this review helpful

I drove this car for the first time and it is amazing....I LOVE IT....

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5 out of 5 stars

Changed my perspective of Hyundai

Jim, 11/04/2015
2012 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl 8A)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful

This is the first Hyundai I have ever owned. I've been driving a couple of Mitsubishi Lancers and a Chrysler 300. So vehicles that stand out compared to the original smo joe car. I work at a dealership and this car came in well priced. Had to jump on it! Beautifully designed and amazing comfort. 0 complaints

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

2012 Genesis R-Spec 5.0

bheitert, 07/07/2013
2012 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 R-Spec 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 8A)
4 of 8 people found this review helpful

Great car, blast to drive! Good looking car, most of the time no-one can figure out who makes the car. When I tell them it's a Hyundai they're dumbfounded. Took it to a 4th of July car show and won 3rd place in the Import Car class! Not bad for a 4 door.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

But for 1 thing...

flippy_boy, 02/12/2012
2012 Hyundai Genesis 4.6 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 8A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Bought this car over the summer and absolutely loved it for about six months. Then winter came. Had to switch up vehicles after I got stuck in relatively small amounts of snow for the third time. This car goes from absolutely fabulous to virtually useless in snow and ice, particularly in hilly conditions. Apparently everyone in the world knows this about rear wheel drive vehicles except for former Florida boys. It pained me to part with the car but it had to be done. If you live in areas without snow, I would recommend this car without hesitation. However, if you deal with winter driving at all, I would definitely look elsewhere, at least until 2014 when the AWD Genesis and Equus are due.

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5 out of 5 stars

Happy buyer!

George Scott, 01/30/2018
2012 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl 8A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

If you're looking for a luxurious ride without the luxury price tag, this is the car for you. I love it!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Fast Car

Laura W, 04/03/2018
2012 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 R-Spec 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 8A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

This car is a great weekend car but gets poor gas mileage since it's a V8 which we knew when we bought it. Do not buy if you have a far distance to work or driving a lot of miles every day. This is a great weekend car!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

What car did they drive!

John Landry, 01/26/2016
updated 01/29/2018
2012 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 R-Spec 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 8A)
5 of 11 people found this review helpful

Ok, after living with it a few years, my review is less than stellar as revised. I started having issues with the drivetrain. I can hear and feel a thump between first and second gear. Also, the car has cut its power after the last dealer software update. They won’t admit it, but I know it’s just not the same car. I suspect they cut the motor power to make it in line with the newer 5.0 motor’s reduced power. I sold this car and purchased a Chrysler 300 hemi instead. I just feel like the hemi power is an established product and the Genesis is a one off project with questionable durability. A good car, but get ready for major repair bills. I drove the Mercedes e350 and s550, the BWM 550 and 328i, the Lexus 460, the Cadillac CTS 3.6 platinum, Infinity M, and the Lincoln mkX. I was looking for a powerful, quiet, competent, and good handling replacement for my DTS Cadillac. I have recently owned a BMW z4 and 330i. No matter what the reviews say, I get nearly 30MPG highway (28-29). I replaced the stock continental tires with Michelins and the car got even quieter. I measured it with the spl meter on the iphone. It is now just as quiet as a Lexus, but with way more guts and glory. it does not have the intuitively rewarding handling that the e/s Mercedes or the BMWs, but is you are looking for something between the BMW 550 or S550 and the Lexus with a much better stereo and no stigma, this is it! Note - the new (2015) Cadillac CTS 3.6 was amazing - I looked at my wife during the test drive and I quickly deduced I would have to fight to drive it, It is a very appealing and great performing car with the best stereo ever devised in an automobile. Check it out...way to go Bose/Cadillac. Lexus Mark Levinson pales in comparison! By the way, the caddy is my favorite car of all I drove and mentioned, but the dealer was way overpriced on these. They wanted nearly $40k for a used one. I bought this my second favorite/second place Genesis R Spec for 26K with only 25k miles! It is a steal!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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3.88 out of 5 stars

So Noisy. OMG!

rumbling, 10/23/2011
2012 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 R-Spec 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 8A)
15 of 41 people found this review helpful

What is all this raving reviews about the car being so quiet! Both the regular v-8 and the R-Spec have unacceptable road/tire/wind noise, especially on the driver side. Changing tires from Michellin to Continental did not help. It is a constant hum/rumbling which should not be there, if Hyundai wants to compete in the "luxury" car market.

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4 out of 5 stars

Genesis 4.6 Rocks My World

3xhyundai, 03/25/2013
2012 Hyundai Genesis 4.6 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 8A)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful

Third Hyundai I have bought. First a Sonata GLS, then a Santa Fe Limited for the wife, now it was time to upgrade to the Genesis 4.6L. This car is what I call an "upper-middle class" luxury car. It has all the options that the top German and Japanese automakers offer, but for much, much less. Granted, I have only had the car for 12 days, but it is everything I dreamed it would be. I look for excuses to go out of the house just so I can drive it. Great power, great interior features, looks like a million bucks and will turn some heads. Had four State Troopers stop and check it out in the parking lot at lunch last week. I don't think they knew what it was.

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3 out of 5 stars

Good but no cigar better options out there

Steve, 12/29/2015
updated 06/29/2016
2012 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl 8A)
4 of 10 people found this review helpful

Hyundai is trying to build a luxury brand, but, I think maybe they are 5 - 10 years away. I have had several major problems with my vehicle and Hyundai seems to like stating owner problem can not be duplicated and leave it at that. I had problems with the dash lights flickering from night time brightness to daytime brightness and Hyundai could not duplicate. I also had problems with the power windows and locks been driving vehicles with this equipment since the 1990's with not problems. The service experience needs to be addressed if this is truly a luxury vehicle should I be in the same service line as an Accent? All of my service has been done by the dealer, very expensive and my car had been returned with greasy hand prints on the interior, come on Hyundai up your game. Every time something needs to be repaired the parts are never on-hand and must be ordered. The vehicle rides like a truck the ride is harsh and punishing. The high points of the vehicle is the engine is very powerful for a V6 gas mileage is OK but not great, the A/C is powerful, the trunk is large but no fold down rear seats. The low points besides the harsh ride, there is a lag in acceleration which is dangerous and annoying, the vehicle at times can seem like the power steering is not there, the warranty assistance from Hyundai, I called their Corporate Headquarters to deal with my problems the person I spoke with was less then helpful and surly . The resale value sucks, you save on the purchase end but boom get stomped on the resale value. Would I purchase another Genesis no, I will part company with Hyundai and go with a more main stream brand

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
2 out of 5 stars
Value
2 out of 5 stars
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4.88 out of 5 stars

Nice Car for the Money

dowpwr, 04/19/2014
2012 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl 8A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I can honestly say I'm glad I stopped at the dealership to test drive this car. I test drove the Azera, but once you're in a Genesis, there is no going back. Besides being dead silent on the hwy, it has an amazing stereo (I have the tech package), and plenty of other features that make this car a joy to drive. The cooled seats are a must in the summer, and ride is very smooth and comfortable. The tech is a little behind, but if you plug in your iPod or put a CD in, you will not hear a better sound in any other vehicle on the road. I would stick with the 3.6. It is plenty fast, and the super smooth transmission doesn't shift quickly enough to significantly improve your 0-60 time.

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5 out of 5 stars

Totally love the Genesis.

Steve Barlow, 12/25/2015
updated 07/02/2018
2012 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl 8A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I have read reviews that say 30MPG on highway, i have gotten up to 34.5 I have had MBZ 500s and the Genesis is a lot more car, I probably will not go back to MBZ There IS a surprise, if you are second owner the warranty is only 5 yrs 50,000 miles NOT 10 Year. after 5 years you are on your own. I didn't find this out until I had purchased the car. This was the only negative thing I would say. I can find no reason for the big drop in pricing for 3 years..if you are thinking of buying one DO IT you will not be disappointed!!!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

All my friends think it's a new car.

TerryTheR , 05/15/2024
2012 Hyundai Genesis 4.6 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 8A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Never had a car that held up so well. 12 years old now. Only repair was a defective alternator. Still looks new because I wash it weekly instead and out at car wash with ceramic wax.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Great Car - Has Aged Into A Very Reliable Car

scbob1, 10/07/2014
updated 10/10/2017
2012 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl 8A)
2 of 5 people found this review helpful

Update to my previous review that follows - my 2012 Genesis continues to run rock solid reliable at 73,000 miles and 5+ years - I am definitely happy with this car - a keeper. This is an update review after owning my Genesis for almost five years. Initially quality issues frustrated me and they heavily influenced my initial reviews / perceptions - my reviews were not flattering - I pretty much said I would NEVER buy another one. Issues were minor but frustrating. A body squeak / pop took a year plus and multiple trips to my Hyundai dealer to find and fix. Well, now all that is behind us - the car is now reliable and has been a great car for the last several years! It is by far my favorite road car - powerful with fast acceleration, stable at high speeds, minimal road noise, tracks like it is on rails, great sound system, 30+ mpg gas mileage, wonderfully comfortable seats. Only thing missing is new technology such as blind side monitoring which was new technology not available when I purchased it. I now like my Genesis better than any new car I am aware of and as long as it stays reliable, I plan to keep it. It still looks like new inside and out and drives like new. I like the styling better than new cars. So why not? Well, maybe that new Equs / G90 will eventually tempt me away from my wonderful Genesis?

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Ain't your Father's Genesis

GS McDermid, 02/13/2018
2012 Hyundai Genesis 4.6 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 8A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

I was a dye hard in the wool Lincoln Town Car Fan, my last couple being a 2004 & 2010. Then they sent us searching elsewhere by discontinuing the Town Car. I was forced to shop elsewhere. It was my 13 year old son who introduced me to the Genesis. A single test drive in a 2012 Genesis 4.6 sedan and half way through I was asking if they had 2! My banker called it the corvette killer! I've actually had a vette, and that's a whole different world - let alone car. That is in no way a slight to my Genny! She is a beast, both a technology wizard, but with the old fashioned gumption to back it up!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Excellent automobile for the price

Mario Rosado, 04/02/2016
2012 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl 8A)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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3 out of 5 stars

My First Genesis Sedan

Tom Ahlstrom, 09/29/2016
updated 10/04/2018
2012 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl 8A)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful

This model was significantly upgraded in 2015. I have very much enjoyed this car except on long rides. I can really feel the bumps in the freeway. I'm very happy with the controls including the stereo. I like the way it's laid out. Vehicle performance has been great. Lots of power and fine steering. Back up camera is great. Warning sensors are great. Good all around car. Update- I ended up selling the car prematurely, after only three years, due to the lack of smoothness while driving. I believe this was fixed in their 2015 and later models.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Great car

edwin vincent, 06/18/2016
2012 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl 8A)
1 of 4 people found this review helpful

Love it

Performance
4 out of 5 stars
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3 out of 5 stars

Caution!

R Peterson, 09/16/2016
2012 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl 8A)
6 of 93 people found this review helpful

After hitting road debris while 50+ miles from home and then hearing disturbing noises while driving, local dealer said ok to bring car in. After more than a 30 minute wait at the dealership, was told they could not look at car that day so I left. Then decided to register a complaint about inconsistent message. After 10 minute+ plus wait, only management available was the controller. I was not nice but really don't think hanging up on a customer is a good idea. Called dealer from whom we bought car and was told they could not look at car for a week. Really glad we spent all that money on the maintenance package! Now feel reluctant to take road trips because can not depend on company to support car in emergency situations. Will never purchase Hyundai again and will discourage anyone else for the same reason.

Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

gen 2012

Joe Iveli, 03/11/2017
updated 04/06/2020
2012 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl 8A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is a very good car for the $$$$.i had this car for 3 years and its ben good to me

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Genesis delivers excellent drivability

Nick C, 03/21/2017
2012 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl 8A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

A fine performer and very reliable. Many exceptional features - e.g. auto hold, adaptive cruise, top notch audio (Lexicon), and lane departure warning. Navigation operation is difficult and expensive to update. A car that has as many good features as this one should also have included blind side and cross traffic sensors.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Incredible amount of technology and power

Mr SixFootSix, 04/23/2021
2012 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 8A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The 2012 Hyundai Genesis has an amazing array of technology that many other cars did not start offering until 2018. In 2021 the idea of Lane Departure Warning and Adaptive Speed control is normal in many vehicle. The Tau 5.0 Liter engine purrs like an angry cat and accelerates the car from zero to sixty in under 5 seconds. The massive disc breaks do an amazing job of stopping the two tons of fun. My 2012 Genesis 5.0 has 106k miles on it and everything works just like new. The only repair has been to the driver seat lower cover which I had recently replaced with a new skin.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Love the girl BUT

MichaelSpehar , 08/29/2022
2012 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl 8A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I Love this car BUT the transmission seems to be bumping between gears at 88,000 and it was serviced at 60,000 with recommended fluid change , if anybody knows something that helps Holla

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Big value awesome vehicle!

Shawn Begley, 05/15/2016
updated 11/16/2016
2012 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 8A)
0 of 4 people found this review helpful

Get one

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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