Faults:

Timing belt went out first.

02 sensors went next.

Exhaust system replaced.

Coil and electrical wiring.

Valve job.

Now have a running issue; the engine starts, but if you give it gas it dies.

Faults:

Upon purchase, the hatchback did not close right, dealer staff told me to put more muscle into it.

Replaced OC Sensor; then the 4x4 Solenoid, this I had to fight the dealer and Kia on. I purchased this vehicle 4 months prior to the 100K warranty, this happened just under powertrain warranty exp. I had taken it to the dealer several times with this issue (a loud banging noise in the front end on occasion). Initially they wanted to charge me an insane amount of $$. After I don't know how many calls, I got them to replace the part (which shouldn't have gone bad). I paid about $ 100 bucks so they could warranty the new parts for 1 year.

The 4wheel went one Christmas; the Kia had to be pulled by a Ford! Anyway it was an issue with the vacuums.

Then the hubs had to be rebuilt like a year later, and on more that one occasion I found myself driving in snow storms in the northern tri-state in a rear wheel vehicle. Here is what I learned about the 4 wheel drive system in my Kia, which is a 2000; they used the 4 wheel drive system from the 93-97 Ford Ranger. Ford learned it wasn't a great system so they reviewed it and sold the left over parts to Kia. You can buy just the bearing from Napa for $7 bucks; that is what we got them for, and rebuilt the existing hubs instead of buying new for over $300, I believe from Ford no less.

All in all, I am still driving it mostly because I own it and it has over 96K, but here we go again, she is running hot on me now. I was really hopping to get another few months out of this thing, but it's not looking good.

For about $5k more you can get a Honda or Toyota, and you know you will get well over 100K in mileage and better resale/trade in value.

I don't know what to do with this Kia in good conscious; how do I sell it to someone... thought about donating it, but first I have to know they will some how get cash for it and use it for something someone can actually use...

Almost forgot, the heat shield rattles and continues to rattle... don't park on any leaves in the fall.

Val in Jersey.

General Comments:

Handles pretty well considering... sluggish up hills, and must turn the A/C off in the summer.

Faults:

Everything... I have had this car for three years. For the past six months, it has been sitting in my driveway waiting for me to pay it off, so I can junk it, because the entire top half of the engine needs to be replaced.

The brakes have been a problem since a week after I purchased the car; very soft and the brake light came off and on all the time. On multiple occasions the brakes went completly out on me, almost causing numerous accidents.

I had another situation where the brakes were acting up. I took the car to a mechanic and was told that the wheel bearing where shot so bad that I would have to replace my entire drivers side front spindle; cost me almost $1000.

I have had to replace the the master cylinder.

I have had to replace my entire exhaust system because it rusted out.

The stiching in the seats came out causing a large hole in both front seats.

I had to replace the powersteering pump TWICE!

And now the Big ONE; Kia's have what is called an "interference" engine. At 100000 miles my timing belt slipped, and because of this "interference engine" my valves stayed open while my pistons slammed into them, bending all of my valves. I was told by multiple mechanics that it would cost more to fix the car than it is worth. And I still owe $1000 on the damn thing.

So many other problems have occured with this car since I have had it, that I cannot remember them all. The fact of the matter is that this vehicle is a waste of money.

General Comments:

This is the first Kia I have owned, and I will NEVER own another.

Don't take one of these cars if it is given to you. I have just had one problem after another. And on top of a poorly designed interior and a shaky ride, this SUV isn't worth a dime.

I owned a chevy before I bought my Camaro, and I between my wife and I, I own three Chevys now... I think I'll stick with American made cars!