Anyone own a Kia?

[thomsbrain]

I'm not against the brand in terms of stigma, but I'd want to see them sort out their suspensions, drivetrain management, build engines that put out the advertised power, and build cars that can achieve the advertised MPG.

 

[OVerLoRDI]

I have heard great things about Kias and I also had the opportunity to drive a 2013 Optima. I was stunned, it drove extremely well, felt well made and was well appointed featured wise. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one if it fit my current need.

 

[boomhower]

I've had a Hyundai but not a Kia. But their is an extremely high likelihood that a 2016 Soul is going to be my next car.

 

[BxgJ]

I have a '10 Kia Forte and use it just for my commute, which is now over 80 miles. 156k miles on it with no issues, just routine maintenance. Heck haven't even had to change the brake pads yet, probably because it spends most of the time on the highway.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy another if it suited my needs at the time.

 

[XavierMace]

Every person I know with a Kia Soul loves it. Test drove several recently with my brother when he was car shopping. Seemed like great cars for the price.

 

[TechBoyJK]

I love my 2013 Forte Koup

I'm selling it though because I don't drive it enough. I have another vehicle now (inherited) and my Kia sits in my garage collecting dust.

It's like a poor man's 3 Series BMW. Pretty quick for a 4 cylinder.

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/5192977712.html

 

[thestrangebrew1]

After numerous discussions with the CFO (wife) we decided to hold off a little longer on any new vehicle purchases. We'll probably wait till beginning of the new year before we decide but I'll definitely keep Kia's in mind when we start shopping.

 

[bamx2]

Me too. However I recent rented a KIA Rio for a few of days for a 900 mi highway trip and was fairly impressed for what it is. My highway MPG was about 32 mpg. I just wonder how long do they stay reliable compared to Honda and Toyota ? Are aftermarket repair parts readily available ?

I'm not against the brand in terms of stigma, but I'd want to see them sort out their suspensions, drivetrain management, build engines that put out the advertised power, and build cars that can achieve the advertised MPG.

 

[Achtung!]

If you want high reliability, KIA cars have been excellent since 2012.

Have a look at this thread for more details:
http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2436915&page=4

KIA ranks at the top both in terms of initial vehicle quality and long-term vehicle reliability.

http://www.jdpower.com/press-releases/2015-uk-vehicle-dependability-study-vds

http://www.jdpower.com/press-releases/2015-us-initial-quality-study-iqs

Korean Brands Lead Industry in Initial Quality, While Japanese Brands Struggle to Keep Up with Pace of Improvement
Porsche Ranks Highest among Nameplates for a Third Consecutive Year
Press Releases: June 17, 2015

 

[yh125d]

No but I totally would. Awhile back when I thought I might have totaled my Focus ST, I was trying to decide between a turbo Optima or a Forte sedan to replace it with

 

[Dankk]

I know Hyundai and KIA both have some leftover stigma from when it was actually deserved a decade or two ago, but nowadays they make great cars. I just recently bought a 2015 KIA Forte5 and I'm in love with it. Solidly built, quiet, performant, with all the bells and whistles I could ever ask for.

 

[Griffinhart]

No but I totally would. Awhile back when I thought I might have totaled my Focus ST, I was trying to decide between a turbo Optima or a Forte sedan to replace it with

Damn, I love the Focus ST. Great car.

As for Kia, I have never driven one, but they are Hyundai. Hyundai has come a long way since their start. Decent, reasonable priced vehicles. Typically a good value considering many of the features you get.

I don't know if it's the same thing with Kia, but the newer Hyundai's I have driven are ok, though there are a lot of quirks that annoy me. Nothing bad, just odd. My Sister's car, for example, The gas pedal is hinged on the floor. It feels a little weird when driving as a result. The Wiper control stock is opposite of what most other brands have. Down to turn on instead of up. The hatchback window tends to distort the rear view more than I would like. None of these things are bad, just quirky.

 

[JEDIYoda]

Warranties are gimmicks used to mask poor quality with a perceived confidence in their product.

not true at all!!