Anyone own a Kia?

thestrangebrew1

Diamond Member
Dec 7, 2011
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We have a supercab f150 and a corolla and wanting to get an SUV. We like the look of the Kia Sorrento (sp?) and wondering if anyone's owned/owns a Kia and their opinions on quality etc. Seem to have a great warranty and I know Korean vehicles have gotten better in quality. Just looking for some personal feedback if anyone's owned one. Thanks!
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,578
982
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I would never buy a vehicle based on the warranty they offer. Warranties are gimmicks used to mask poor quality with a perceived confidence in their product.

I've never owned a Kia and I doubt I ever will.
 

KaChow

Senior member
Nov 21, 2006
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I have a 2016 Sorento SX-L AWD with the turbo 4. For me it was between the Sorento and the Highlander Limited Platinum. The price for the two was about equal but two things won me over with the Sorento: 1) Nicer interior materials/overall quality of interior and 2) the seats are much more comfortable for my bad back than the Highlander.

The Sorento is extremely quiet on the road, the sound system is above average, especially when playing MP3's, and it'll move pretty good when using 'Sport' mode. Mileage isn't all that great, pretty close to sticker. I get about 18 around town and 26-27 on long range road trips and it takes regular unleaded which is nice with the turbo. I thought the Highlander felt more "truck-like" with an overall higher driving position (which I liked) but I don't feel like I'm sitting on the ground in the Sorento. I came from a 2009 Acura TL and I think the Sorento is just as solid and slightly more "luxurious".

Styling, of course, is subjective. Many people think it looks like the Sedona minivan from the front (and I think they're right) but I wasn't looking to turn heads with my family CUV/SUV.
 
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Alienwho

Diamond Member
Apr 22, 2001
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I have a 2011 sorento V6. It's fast, fun to drive, very comfortable. I've had it for 4 years and haven't had to do anything but regular service. Would buy another Kia.
 

MongGrel

Lifer
Dec 3, 2013
38,466
3,067
121
No and I probably will.

The first time I ever saw on in traffic I wondered why anyone would buy a car that said Killed In Action on it from there. Seemed almost like a little joke.

():)

Just kidding a bit maybe, even though I prefer Mazdas. That was still the first thought.
 

Chess

Golden Member
Mar 5, 2001
1,452
7
81
I have a 13 optima hybrid was brand new fully loaded

Got a killer deal plus0% apr is nice
 

Evilviking

Senior member
Jun 2, 2013
330
2
81
I'm hesitant. But I'm Considering buying one for the family. My wife's rav4 got totalled while parked (luckily she was out of it) and she wants the Kia Sedona now. I'm trying to sway her towards the honda odyssey or toyota Sienna tho ;)
 

Kaido

Elite Member & Kitchen Overlord
Feb 14, 2004
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I've had two Souls & both were excellent. Leased my first one & bought my second one. Only traded it in because my wife hates stick & we needed a bigger family car. They are basically modern Saturns...decent, affordable, good warranty, not too expensive to maintain. I'd buy one again for sure.
 

Kaido

Elite Member & Kitchen Overlord
Feb 14, 2004
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I'm hesitant. But I'm Considering buying one for the family. My wife's rav4 got totalled while parked (luckily she was out of it) and she wants the Kia Sedona now. I'm trying to sway her towards the honda odyssey or toyota Sienna tho ;)

I test-drove the new redesigned Kia Sedona and REALLY liked it - you should check it out before you judge it, they did a great job on the updated model (vs. the last model that looked like a tin can...even the styling on the new one is pretty nice!). Almost bought it as my DD, but the van MPG killed the deal for me. Plenty of power, good comfort & visibility, laid out really well for the driver, etc. Plus the price was excellent for the segment (iirc the base was $25k or so & had everything I wanted).
 

thestrangebrew1

Diamond Member
Dec 7, 2011
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Thanks all. We're looking for an SUV to comfortably fit the family, but also utilize the 3rd row for 7 people every now and then. We're split between an Explorer and possibly the Kia because of the price (I think it's a bit smaller though). Might go out and test drive a few this weekend.
 

Kaido

Elite Member & Kitchen Overlord
Feb 14, 2004
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Thanks all. We're looking for an SUV to comfortably fit the family, but also utilize the 3rd row for 7 people every now and then. We're split between an Explorer and possibly the Kia because of the price (I think it's a bit smaller though). Might go out and test drive a few this weekend.

Have you seen the redesigned Pilot? (7 seater with 8 optional) Starts at $30k (a grand less than a new Explorer) with 27 MPG highway, which is amazing on an SUV this size, because that's what my Kia Soul got IRL haha:

http://automobiles.honda.com/pilot/

Excellent safety features, good reviews, and Honda has a terrific track record for reliability & resale value.
 

thestrangebrew1

Diamond Member
Dec 7, 2011
4,038
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Have you seen the redesigned Pilot? (7 seater with 8 optional) Starts at $30k (a grand less than a new Explorer) with 27 MPG highway, which is amazing on an SUV this size, because that's what my Kia Soul got IRL haha:

http://automobiles.honda.com/pilot/

Excellent safety features, good reviews, and Honda has a terrific track record for reliability & resale value.

Wow. I had no idea they redesigned the Pilot. We really didn't like the boxy look, but these look sharp. Thanks! I'll have to add the Pilot to my potential vehicle list.
 

gus6464

Golden Member
Nov 10, 2005
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Have you seen the redesigned Pilot? (7 seater with 8 optional) Starts at $30k (a grand less than a new Explorer) with 27 MPG highway, which is amazing on an SUV this size, because that's what my Kia Soul got IRL haha:

http://automobiles.honda.com/pilot/

Excellent safety features, good reviews, and Honda has a terrific track record for reliability & resale value.

Can it tow a 3000lb camper trailer?
 

Kaido

Elite Member & Kitchen Overlord
Feb 14, 2004
51,479
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Wow. I had no idea they redesigned the Pilot. We really didn't like the boxy look, but these look sharp. Thanks! I'll have to add the Pilot to my potential vehicle list.

Yeah, my neighbor has the boxy one, and while the last-gen model is technically appealing (great visibility & massive room due to the square sides), it's not really visually appealing at all. The 2016 model looks like a jumbo CRV, which makes it one of the better-looking larger SUV's out there. It's been getting excellent reviews & people seem to really love it. I'm considering one when my Honda Civic lease ends since it's roomy, can tow, and has acceptable MPG for the size.

The standard Explorer only gets 24 MPG highway, so 27 in the Honda is a pretty nice boost, plus a thousand bucks cheaper starting, and you get a 280 HP V6 stock. The regular 6-speed transmission on the new Pilot sounds better than the 9-speed on the higher-end trims from the reviews I've read. The EX-L has the power liftgate & one-touch 2nd-row button system, plus you can get Honda Sensing starting on the EX model, which has the new safety features plus radar cruise, which to me is now a must-have feature (automatically adjusts your cruise control to match the speed of the person in front of you, it's so nice that its almost like a self-driving car haha).
 

thestrangebrew1

Diamond Member
Dec 7, 2011
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I've never owned a Honda before, but I know they're a good manufacturer. I sent the wife the link Kaido posted and she likes them, except at certain angles it looks like a mini-van to her lol. A co worker has a brother who works at the local Honda dealer here so I may just have to drop by on a lunch break or something and see them in person.
 

gus6464

Golden Member
Nov 10, 2005
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I've never owned a Honda before, but I know they're a good manufacturer. I sent the wife the link Kaido posted and she likes them, except at certain angles it looks like a mini-van to her lol. A co worker has a brother who works at the local Honda dealer here so I may just have to drop by on a lunch break or something and see them in person.

Went to see one at the dealer yesterday and the third row seating is actually quite comfy for an SUV. Not mini-van like but still pretty usable. My brother-in-law has an Armada and his third row is horrible plus it's a much larger car.
 

nakedfrog

No Lifer
Apr 3, 2001
62,742
18,930
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My GF drives around in an '04 Kia Spectra, it's over 100k miles and seems to be a decent car. The exhaust manifold did crack earlier this year, I haven't gotten around to replacing it, but it's gone a few thousand miles since then and hasn't blown up or anything.
 

mmntech

Lifer
Sep 20, 2007
17,501
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The rental company I used to work for had quite a few Sorrentos. Well equipped for the price, nice to drive. I'm not sure what the long term reliability on them is. Make sure to get the V6.
 

thestrangebrew1

Diamond Member
Dec 7, 2011
4,038
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Went to see one at the dealer yesterday and the third row seating is actually quite comfy for an SUV. Not mini-van like but still pretty usable. My brother-in-law has an Armada and his third row is horrible plus it's a much larger car.

Did you happen to notice what kind of room was behind the 3rd seat when in use? Just curious. I'm not sure when we'll have time to go out to the dealer to check them out. I forgot I'll be going camping this weekend for opening day so this weekend is shot. I started to watch a few videos of them and I'm pretty impressed so far. Just need concurrence from the CFO lol
 

Kaido

Elite Member & Kitchen Overlord
Feb 14, 2004
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I've never owned a Honda before, but I know they're a good manufacturer. I sent the wife the link Kaido posted and she likes them, except at certain angles it looks like a mini-van to her lol. A co worker has a brother who works at the local Honda dealer here so I may just have to drop by on a lunch break or something and see them in person.

It's basically a lifted minivan with AWD optional :awe:
 

mmntech

Lifer
Sep 20, 2007
17,501
12
0
Did you happen to notice what kind of room was behind the 3rd seat when in use? Just curious. I'm not sure when we'll have time to go out to the dealer to check them out. I forgot I'll be going camping this weekend for opening day so this weekend is shot. I started to watch a few videos of them and I'm pretty impressed so far. Just need concurrence from the CFO lol

IIRC, not much. At least nowhere near enough to store camping gear. With the back row of seats up, most 7 passenger SUVs have less trunk space than your average compact.