Faults:

This vehicle was excellent at first. Now it has developed a serious problem. It will not go over 55 miles per hour. It has very little power and cannot accelerate so I am afraid to take it on the highway.

General Comments:

This car was the best model they had, loaded with features. It has been carefully maintained since new.

At this point it has a serious problem which the dealer refuses to repair in spite of the fact that it came with a 100,000 mile warranty. The dealer states that at 35,000 miles the vehicle requires a $1700. maintenance program. In addition the same maintenance has be be done at 70,000 miles. At this point they state that the timing belt and numerous other parts must be replaced to maintain the warranty. There was no mention of this during the purchase of this vehicle. The dealer states that all Kias require the same program at 35,000 miles, not much economy there. Since there is only 1 dealer in the state I have no other choice, but to deal with them.

It is obvious the warranty is worthless and it will cost a fortune to get this fixed. It may be a minor problem, but independent mechanics don't want to touch this little SUV.

You would be wise to avoid this make and model. Don't be fooled by the generous warranty it is filled with loop holes so dealer's don't have to honor it.

Faults:

First My power window were off balance had replaced twice in Gilroy, CA and replaced once in Harlingen, Tx Big hassle because it was three seperate times I had to get them fixed.

Second my clutch was replaced in Gilroy, CA then Again in Harlingen, Tx.

Third My whole exaust system went bad not fixed.

General Comments:

The car is OK when it's running.

I had no problems taking in the car or had any problems with owning the car.

I have a problem with Kia dealerships and customer service.

Faults:

Exhaust has rotted out past muffler at less than 50K miles.

Rear window wiper is broken.

Front brakes went at 30K miles, rotors OK though.

Vacuum pump for front hubs died first winter owned.

It'll need a new clutch in another 5 to 7 thousand miles.

Rattling noise from the front, possibly the fan clutch or idler pulley bearing.

General Comments:

Overall no major complaints. I bought the last one on the lot in December, it's a 5spd and no one wanted it. They had to move several cars just to let me test drive it, it'd never been driven before. Interior is good, cloth seats, electric windows and door locks all work fine. Cruise works great.

I get 26MPG in the summer, mostly highway driving at 80 to 85 miles a day, 5 days a week - long commute to work. Winter mileage drops off a bit, down to maybe 22 or 23MPG.

The dealership I bought it from all, but refused to work on it, each time I contacted them about any service, they recommended I call another dealership as they had a waiting list of several weeks. Dealership that actually has done service work was pretty good, they replaced not only the front hubs and vacuum pump, they replaced both front half shafts. They want WAY TOO MUCH MONEY for basic service, wanted $125 to change fluids in diffs, trans and transfer case. The local shop that does my maintenance charges $99 for that AND an oil change.

Take note, you do get what you pay for. I paid less than 15 grand for my truck new (finance charges add up to about another 3 grand) and if anyone paid more for a new one you paid too much.

You wouldn't want this for your primary transportation unless you're pretty young and it's all you can afford. If you're expecting top notch quality in a mini SUV, stick with Honda or Toyota - and you'll pay the difference.