2010 Kia Soul from North America

Summary:

Best car I've owned so far!

Faults:

Nothing, absolutely nothing!

General Comments:

I bought my Soul in spring of 2010 in exchange for a Mazda LX that was well over 12 years old. I was tired of climbing down into the car. The ads on TV for the KIA SOUL made it look like a fun car to drive; I'm now 57 and I still think it's fun to drive. I slide ride over to the seat, no more lower back aches, and she fires up for me every time.

Got two car seats in the back for my grandchildren, and I feel perfectly safe with them in my car. Love the hatch back; no more bending over for groceries.

Any issues with the car have come from the manufacturer for preventive care. I have never had such a close relationship with a dealer like I do with KIA. It's bright red, easy to clean, and shines so much people assume it's brand new. 5 stars from me.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th September, 2015

2010 Kia Soul Basic rental car spec 1.8 petrol? from North America

Summary:

An underwhelming driving experience

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

This was a car I rented when I visited the USA in 2010.

It had adequate performance with just my girlfriend and me on board. On the odd occasions we had 4 adults on board, it struggled. I didn't mind beating on it to get a move on, but it got noisy if I worked it hard.

The boot was tiny; we had to fold down the rear seat to get our cases in.

The fuel tank was also too small, 200 miles and I'd be looking for a gas station, although fuel consumption was OK.

We both agreed it was one of the ugliest cars we had ever seen.

It was OK for comfort, the A/C keeping drinks cold in the glove box was a neat touch.

It had a fairly comfortable ride on good roads; Texas country roads exposed some shortcomings though.

We didn't like the small windows, restricting vision more than on a lot of older cars.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 21st November, 2011

9th Jul 2012, 14:13

You make me laugh a lot. Ugly car, the Kia Soul? You'd better check the Nissan Cube, wow, that is a really ugly car.

14th Aug 2012, 14:59

This is actually a very accurate review. I purchased a 2011 Soul new, and had nearly the same thoughts. However I did not like the quality of the interior, the door panels would stain from rain water. I traded my Soul 8 months after purchase due to the poor quality of materials on the interior, rearward blind spots, and lack of power. I felt the fuel economy versus quality was not worth it, and my wife did not feel safe driving it. I do see the draw to the Soul; it does have some good qualities, but its charm does run out quick though.

2010 Kia Soul Plus diesel 1.6 turbo diesel from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

I am very happy with this car

Faults:

I bought this car new with only delivery kilometres, and nothing has gone wrong with it yet. I bought it only 7 months ago. Very well presented on delivery.

General Comments:

This is the second new Kia I have owned, the previous one being a 2005 Cerato diesel manual, which I had for a few years and then traded in to get this new model. I bought this second Kia, as the first had been so good and so reliable.

The diesel motor on these cars impresses me very much, as I like the way it pulls away from rest. It is not that it has sparkling performance, far from it, but it is more than enough power to do well around town, and is surprisingly smooth and quiet on the open road. Indeed it gets me from place to place in very good time, with a minimum of effort.

Comfort is not a great strength, as the suspension is quite hard, but I am hoping it will soften as it gets more use. As I am not tall, I enjoy the high seating position. Seats are a little hard, but generally comfortable for a long trip. It may not handle like sports car, but I do not drive like that.

The car is 'distinctive' in appearance. I like it, but not everyone will. Visibility is generally very good, but there are quite large rear pillars. Reversing is assisted with sensors, which work very well.

Economy. Both of my Kias have consistently been less economical than the publicity would suggest. Maybe that is because I do mostly city driving. Nevertheless, I do get an average of 7.4 l/100 (13.3 k/l), with which I am satisfied. I think this Soul would do better economy with a 2 litre motor, which would also enhance the performance. The auto transmission, which I like, seems to take rather much of the power for the car also to be very economical. The car is quite large, and the motor a little small (1.6l), to be very economical

There are not many Kia Soul cars on the road, but my experience is very positive, and I recommend Kias generally, and the Soul in particular, very highly.

I have owned many different makes of car, and find that my Kia performs satisfactorily in all areas. I am delighted with the purchase.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd May, 2011

21st Jul 2011, 02:58

I wrote the original review and these are some up-date comments.

I have now had two annoying but not very important problems. First, at 9,000 k the starter motor was replaced under warranty. It had developed an occasional fault, not turning the engine over when the ignition key was turned.

And then at 10,000 k, occasionally none of the brake warning lights would extinguish when the car was started and the handbrake released. This was diagnosed as a faulty ABS pump. It was 'reset' for me with advice to keep an eye on it and return should the fault recur. At this stage, the ABS pump would be replaced. In each case, all costs were covered under warranty, with no questions asked.

In reply to 21st Jul 2011, 02:58

3rd Oct 2011, 23:17

Same writer again as did the original review, and I am commenting now on the first annual check. There were no problems to report. The check was done, the car has a clean bill of health, and I will be back in twelve months all being well.

The ABS light problem has not completely resolved, but has become very spasmodic. The valve was reset again, and it will be replaced under warranty if necessary. The cost of the annual survey was a little under NZ$300. The dealership continues to give great service.

In general I feel that I could be driving something with a bit more character, rather more comfortable and with a bit better fuel consumption, but I really can't complain. Fuel consumption for the first year was 7.7 l/100, and I spent $1151.27 on fuel. I do mostly city driving.