2004 Kia Magentis LX V6 from North America

Summary:

Superb to drive!

Faults:

Nothing gone wrong at all since I have owned it. I have had the timing belt changed, even though it was not worn out that badly. The only slight annoyance, the hub caps have lost their sheen, so I will try and give them a really good cleanse this spring.

General Comments:

This car is great to drive, has wicked acceleration, and it's smooth to the touch. The interior is extremely comfy, very stylish and remains in fine condition, even for being just under 10 years old. The color is very unique, cream colored, and that gets people's attention.

The car maybe a little difficult to get into if a person was very tall, as it is low to the ground, but that is not a problem for me.

As the car had very low kilometers when I purchased it from a used car dealer in Duncan, BC, Canada, I hope to continue to enjoy this vehicle for many years. Wonder why Kia stopped producing it?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th February, 2014

11th Feb 2014, 12:35

Because it was replaced by the new Optima.

13th Feb 2014, 22:03

It is the Optima.

2004 Kia Magentis EX-V6 2.7L V6 from North America

Summary:

Near luxury for a fraction of the price

Faults:

Defective driver's seat heater when initially purchased. Dealer replaced under warranty, but took more than 6 months to obtain the part.

Premature wear of brake pads (approx 30K KMs) and scoring of front rotors. Replacement not covered under warranty. Kia parts much more expensive than generic replacements.

General Comments:

Let's begin with a little perspective...

Kia's target audience for this car is the mid-sized sedan shopper. And for thousands less than its direct competition, (Accord, Camry, Altima or Mazda6, etc.) the Kia Magentis appeals to buyers' wallets. Indeed, most reviews I've read about the Magentis make reference to it as a value vehicle, a car to be considered by the bargain hunters and to be overlooked by more affluent buyers.

How ironic then that the most favourable looks and comments on my Magentis have come from owners of luxury cars like Lexus, BMW and Mercedes! Dressed in dark green with abundant chrome trim and butterscotch leather interior, my EX-V6 seems to catch the attention of drivers who spent tens of thousands of dollars MORE for their cars than I did. There is a subtlety about the Magentis' styling that is lacking in its immediate competition.

This is no sporty-looking vehicle; it has the sophisticated lines of a classic European sedan (Jaguar leaps to mind) and a well-appointed cabin to match. Comfort and functionality replace trendy and flashy in the Magentis. The heated front seats are a welcome luxury and the controls are simple, elegant and convenient. This cabin is anything but commonplace.

Looks alone can be deceiving. The 2.7L V6, while not a powerhouse, is responsive, quiet and confident. Handling is that of a small sedan: tending toward comfortable and controlled, rather than harsh or aggressive. More interactive drivers will enjoy the Steptronic shifter, but the 4 speed transmission is both smooth and dependable when set to automatic. While this is no sports car, the Magentis is nimble in curves and corners and very happy on the highway.

This is an above-average auto at any price; factor in the reasonable price, the exceptional warranty, and the appreciative nods from passengers and it's much more than I'd "bargained" for.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th November, 2007

2004 Kia Magentis LE 2.0 litre petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A lovely if old fashioned car

Faults:

Nothing, as yet.

General Comments:

This is a very comfortable, easy to drive car that is quiet, well made and infinitely better than my previous car.

It has a beautiful bonnet to drive behind.

It is a cheap alternative luxury car. Not a car to race around in, but an excellent cruisemobile.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th October, 2007

2004 Kia Magentis LE 2.0 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

One very well built car; I'm impressed

General Comments:

Have had this newer KIA 9 months now.

Love this car.

Love the Auto/Slap stick.

Engine power is acceptable above 4500, good pickup.

A/C, E/W, P/S, P/B, E/BootLid, Childproof Door locks, E/Ant.

Nice bit of power.

Done 125mph @ 5000 and still climbing. I bet 130/6000.

Ruby Red - Nice colour when WAXED.

Comfortable on distance drives; even my lower back.

Steering nice and controllable at any speed.

Braking seems OK, have not needed emergency stops yet.

Filters all seem clean and engine breathing nice.

Fluids remain topped, no leaks.

************

2000 KIA Shuma LE Auto -Bought from Yes Car Credit.

Y.C.C sucked and now closed. Under new name now.

Was dissapointed in Y.C.C took it out on car.

Only put in fuel and air.

Left front tire began to show wear after 2 years.

Car never brokedown and kept on going and going and.

Impressed with KIA SHUMA after 2 years of neglect.

Contract at 25 payment allowed me to get rid of it.

KIA SHUMA NEVER had a big problem and never let me down.

Faults-

Sore back "Lumbar" after any distance drives.

Fuel consumption not bad, but not good either.

Used to V8 being from Canada. 2.2 is spunkie, just not good enough for me.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th September, 2007