Article Comments - 2010 Kia Soul First Drive and Full Test

70 messages, Last post on Jul 10, 2009 at 2:34 PM

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What is this discussion about? Kia Soul, Future Vehicle, Coupe, Hatchback

2010 Kia Soul First Drive - First Impressions: Finally and quite fittingly, a Kia with some soul. (more)

2010 Kia Soul Full Test and Video - Bottom Line: Fashion sense is everything in a funky hatchback and the Soul has it. But we're more attracted to this box's driving dynamics, which are among the best in this class. (more)

Outline

Messages Page 3 of 8: 1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7; 8; Prev; Next; Last

#18 of 70 Re: Interested but will wait at least a year [cmhj2000] by csandste Jan 13, 2009 (8:31 pm)
Replying to: cmhj2000 (Jan 13, 2009 10:47 am) Have an early 07 Optima-- realize there was an 06.5-- absolutely flawless for two years. Bought an 01 Elantra-- no first year problems there either. Replies to this message: cmhj2000 (Jan 14, 2009 6:30 am)
#19 of 70 Re: Interested but will wait at least a year [csandste] by cmhj2000 Jan 14, 2009 (6:30 am)
Replying to: csandste (Jan 13, 2009 8:31 pm) Had an 06.5 Optima that was one of the worst cars I've ever owned. 07s were fine. I'll still wait at least a year before getting serious about a Soul. Have been involved in the automotive field for almost 40 years. Exceptions are the rule.
#20 of 70 by gearhead1977 Jan 15, 2009 (12:34 pm)
The Soul, from the article, seems to have the "soul" that so many Korean products and lots of Toyotas products lack. Styling is a subjective thing, but does anyone else think it looks like the offspring of a Kia Rio and Dodge Nitro? It's unique and it would be a tough choice between the Soul and Scion Xb. As long as Kia build quality is under control, this vehicle should do OK. About the only thing that would keep me from buying one is that Korean cars depreciate so badly.
#21 of 70 Depreciation should not get in your way of by iluvmysephia1 Jan 16, 2009 (2:21 pm)
buying or not buying a car, IMO. Especially an exciting new Kia offering like the Soul. I have owned two new Kia's and they beat the domestic competition...and in my view they top some of the Japanese offerings, for build and tightness of structure. The Long-Haul Warranty is pretty hard to beat as well. But unless you're gonna sell your Soul in two or three years I wouldn't worry about depreciation of your new Kia. It's the car you're buying, not it's lack of appreciatable value. Right?
#22 of 70 Re: Yet another more comprehensive review [himi1] by cruzdreamer Feb 17, 2009 (8:19 am)
Replying to: himi1 (Nov 12, 2008 2:58 pm) Thanks for the cool pic link and review. I saw this car yesterday at the Chicago Auto Show and I loved it. I like hatches and am a huge Mazda fan but something got me all jazzed up about this car. Now, it won't compare to the drive of a Mazda but all the cool features, price and utility got me. It felt spacious inside and had neat storage bins underneath, cool two tone interiors, cool fun appliques you can add, bluetooth, MP3 jack, lighting options, spoiler, cool rims, interior aplliques...just way cool and I am 43 years old!(female) If it drives with enough pep it may just be my next car.
#23 of 70 Cube/Soul/Scion Test comparison by cmhj2000 Feb 25, 2009 (7:13 am)
http://www.popularmechanics.com/blogs/automotive_news/4306145.html
#24 of 70 Drove one today, Already own an 08 Scion xB by so_cali Mar 05, 2009 (6:05 pm)
I drove a Soul today and looked at five of them. First off, Kia has a winner on their hands EXCEPT, no navigation system and only a four speed automatic make me think twice about being an early adopter. Sunroof is great, though not as far forward as the one on the xB special edition. Speakers light up in red, which is kinda cool and yes you can turn the light off. The stereo is far better than the xB offers and the Soul is lighter though it doesn't feel quite as quick..The wheels don't do it for me on the Soul, but I went aftermarket on the xB too. Resale on the xB is unbeatable, the Kia, well maybe someday. I liked this ride but not sold as yet. One final thought, the red interior on the Sport model is way too annoying. The seats I could deal with but the huge patch of red on the dash would make me sick. Replies to this message: cruzdreamer (Mar 06, 2009 7:47 am) so_cali (Mar 06, 2009 1:59 pm) cruzdreamer (Mar 06, 2009 2:12 pm) and 1 more... jyym (Mar 18, 2009 9:29 am) moontom (Mar 18, 2009 10:53 am) jyym (Mar 18, 2009 9:27 am) joem5 (Apr 02, 2009 8:09 am)
#25 of 70 Re: Drove one today, Already own an 08 Scion xB [so_cali] by cruzdreamer Mar 06, 2009 (7:47 am)
Replying to: so_cali (Mar 05, 2009 6:05 pm) Can you expand on the drive and handling a little more? Is it pretty zippy and have enough power? Does it handle curves and turns pretty tightly? Did you drive a Sport model? I like the Xb too...how did it compare on price? My three choices are the Mazda 3 hatch, the Kia Soul and the Scion Xb. I know Mazda will win out in handling and materials on interior will be up a notch in comparison. Thanks for the post! Replies to this message: so_cali (Mar 06, 2009 1:59 pm) cruzdreamer (Mar 06, 2009 2:12 pm) so_cali (Mar 07, 2009 9:58 am) jyym (Mar 18, 2009 9:29 am) moontom (Mar 18, 2009 10:53 am)
#26 of 70 Re: Drove one today, Already own an 08 Scion xB [cruzdreamer] by so_cali Mar 06, 2009 (1:59 pm)
Replying to: cruzdreamer (Mar 06, 2009 7:47 am) Not as zippy as the xB but solid and very close. The Soul feels tight on the road and much more substantial than it is, when you consider it's smaller and lighter than the xB. Didn't care for the 18" wheels but the 16" ones on the + model seemed okay. Will probably wait to see how the Nissan Cube compares before I decide if I want something else. The Soul seems like a winner though, with the caveats I already mentioned: No navi, poor resale value, four speed automatic. Replies to this message: cruzdreamer (Mar 06, 2009 2:12 pm) so_cali (Mar 07, 2009 9:58 am)
#27 of 70 Re: Drove one today, Already own an 08 Scion xB [so_cali] by cruzdreamer Mar 06, 2009 (2:12 pm)
Replying to: so_cali (Mar 06, 2009 1:59 pm) I got a Nissan Cube brochure today with an interactive 3D cd with it...will have to check it out. I am glad to hear it's pretty decent drive wise...thanks for your input. cube is kinda ugly in a good way...I like cars that look very different..like the rear window how it wraps around to the side. I have an HHR now..had to give up my turbo Mazda CX 7(financial; reasons) and I hate the mooshy steering on my HHR and turn ratio is not too good....I miss my Mazda!! If you have never driven a Mazda you absolutely have to...Zoom Zoom! Oh back to the Kia...i love all the fun mods you can do to it to make so different and more of a reflection of yourself and still be reasonably priced with some utility and good gas mileage! Replies to this message: so_cali (Mar 07, 2009 9:58 am)