Faults:

Gas guage quit working at about 2000 miles. Took it in twice to have it fixed. They fixed the gas guage, but then something in the fuel line broke. I left the dealership and got about ten miles down the road - with gas pouring out of my car - watching the newly fixed gas guage go from full to completely empty. The dealership would not come get me or the car, they made me call a tow truck and tow it in, then get my own ride back to work. I was told that if I would give the dealership all 10's on the customer survey, they would give me a free oil change. Right...

Have had to put four new tires on the car twice in 2 1/2 years.

Factory recall to address some problems with the heat sensors in the engine (causing stalling).

Rain strips in the roof keep blowing out.

There was a second factory recall to fix the fuel distribution system.

Now, for the REAL problem. My car is 2 1/2 years old and has 60,005 miles on it. It needs a whole new engine because it has a "knock in the lower engine compartment". The service department cannot tell me what is causing the knock, what went wrong, or whose fault it is, just that I need a new engine. However, KIA is refusing to honor the warranty because I did not keep my oil change receipts. Without these receipts, they do not have to honor the warranty ("as clearly stated on page 17 paragraph 2 of your owners manual, therefore, KIA is legally covered and does not have to honor this warranty"). The cost to replace my engine? $3310.00! for a car that's only worth about fifty bucks now.

General Comments:

The reason I bought this car was the warranty. I, too, am a single mom on a very tight budget. I cannot afford to have a car in for repairs all the time. I was told at the dealership that if anything ever went wrong, the engine and transmission would be completely covered for 100,000 miles. No on ever disclosed to me that without receipts, the warranty would be void. Furthermore, what kind of cheap piece of junk car can blow an engine at 60,000 miles?!

Faults:

Rear defrost inoperative, switch removed before I bought the car.

Original tires have a soft sidewall, which can puncture easily.

General Comments:

This has been a great car.

It is economical, dependable, basic transportation.

I drive it daily, and on the interstate generally run from 70 to 80 MPH.

If you exceed 80, the rear end begins to feels loose and unstable. I plan to buy some nice gas shocks to correct this issue.

A set of lower profile tires would also greatly improve handling.

I have had no problems with the this car at all.

The acceleration is but smooth, but I wish that 5th gear was a little higher for I often try to shift for a higher gear.

I use Mobil 1 for oil and plan to have this car for many years and miles.

I am 6 feet tall and am very comfortable driving this car.

My car gets a respectable 34MPG even with the higher speeds I drive at. I have got almost 37MPG if I drive the car slower.