Faults:

Front rotors warped within 10000 miles, still driving on them though.

Battery needed replaced.

Seat belts needed replaced, possibly due to unknown accident.

General Comments:

After 80,000 miles, I changed the spark plugs, wires and distributor cap, the air filter, and the PVC valve.

Changed the oil every 3,000 miles.

Changed the front brakes twice, the rotors were really warped, but I couldn't pay the $85 dollars to replace them, but they eventually straightened back out. The brake parts seem unusually high, the rear drums are like $185 a piece, and the shoes are like $50.

Overall, I am really happy with this car, I have put 85,000 miles or so on it, and have had no real problems other than the rotors. Here recently, I took the two air horns off the air box, and it really screams now. I did 115 MPH in the car shortly after I bought it. I know it isn't a Hennessey Viper, but I held my own quite a few times. With all the negative stuff I read, I am not sure what car those people are talking about, but it isn't my KIA. I love that lil Korean import.

Faults:

My dash has started to peal back.

My transmission just went out.

General Comments:

For a car that is as new in the industry, I think that it has done me well.

Faults:

The shifter for changing gears fell out of the car and rested on the exhaust pipes at 107,000 miles. I could still shift with difficulty. This was a cheap to fix.

The weather seals around the windows leak.

Windshield wiper motor makes strange noise.

Seat adjustment does not work. Stuck at angle.

General Comments:

I am a college student who bought this car because it was cheap and affordable. I have not had to fix any major problems or spend a lot of money on it besides regular maintenance like oil, breaks, tires, tune up.

I am actually quite rough on the car and it handles it well. I don't warm it up on freezing days. I turn, accelerate, and brake hard. I am often driving very aggressive and punishing the car.

As far as performance the car does well also. I have competed in my college auto-cross and done quite well. On the street I beat all the comparable cheap cars like Civic, Camry, Accent, Sunfire. Whether this is due to my manual skills or the car is to be questioned.

If your planning on buying a KIA. Do not buy any special features. I have manual everything and no features besides AC. Because of this I have not had any problems. If you do want the special features go with another manufacturer.

The car does have little problems like leaky windows and noisy wiper motors and the seat adjustment does not work, but for a college student the car is good enough.

Faults:

My radiator started leaking at 152,251 miles.

The color on my dashboard started fading away.

General Comments:

The car runs great and it is very comfortable. However, temperature has always been above normal driving in the hot days.

Faults:

Replaced the brake-pads and rotors at 39000 miles. Replaced Oxygen sensor at 48000 miles. Replaced spark-plugs and wires at 48000 miles.

General Comments:

My particular vehicle has been very reliable, requiring the barest of routine maintenance, other than the replacement of the O2 sensor. I consider it a great value for the money, in comparison to other foreign autos, which I don't believe are any better and cost much more. I purchased an after market bumper to bumper extended service contract for 150,000 miles, fearing the worst. What other 3 year old car with the manufacturer's warranty still in effect plus a comprehensive aftermarket extended contract could I have purchased for $5500 total? I must mention that the automatic transmission appears crude at times lurching forward and back at a standstill when accelerating at a stop light. This is an occasional circumstance, but performs well on the road and at highway speeds. Wind noise at highway speeds is rather loud and could have used some improvement. If you want basic transportation, decent gas mileage, and are on a tight budget this may be the car for you.