Are Kias Good Cars? What To Know
If you’ve looked into new car options, you’ve heard of the Kia brand. This company is Korea’s oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles, founded in May of 1944. When Kia entered the United States car industry in 1992, it became a success. A question remains - are Kias good cars, or should you stay away from the brand?
Read on to learn more about the quality of the Kia brand. We’ll talk about the best things that come with their vehicles and a few of the worst. Are Kias good cars? Let’s find out.
Why Are Kias Good Cars?
It’s no secret that Kias have a fanbase. But, are Kias good cars, or do individuals invest in them because they look cool? Several reasons support their quality as a brand.
Kias are excellent for interested drivers because they are:
- Affordable
- Safe
- Reliable
- Stylish
- Affordable to maintain
These qualities are present in an excellent vehicle, sure to satisfy any driver.
Let’s dive into each of these items to give you a better idea of what to expect. If you’ve been interested in a Kia model, these are a few of the best reasons to invest in one.
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Affordability
For many drivers, the affordability of a vehicle is the most critical part of the car. Kia provides many models that can fit within most budgets without sacrificing unique features that make driving fun.
According to parkwayfamilykia.com, a few of the most affordable Kia models include the following:
- Kia Soul
- Kia Rio
- Kia Niro
- Kia Sedona
- Kia Sportage
These provide a quality ownership experience without destroying your bank account in one fell swoop.
Affordability matters to the average driver, and Kia ensures they address this factor in their designs. They are also in Seoul, South Korea. This location allows them to pay fewer taxes, which permits their car prices to drop further below the average cost.
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Safety
Kia works hard to put plenty of safety features in their models, designed to help customers feel safe and comfortable on the road. Even in the worst situations, these features help the driver push on safely.
According to kia.com, some of the best safety features that come with Kia include:
- Airbags
- Seatbelt pretensioner
- Pedestrian bumper systems
- Collision-avoidance assistance
- Emergency stop signal
These will keep drivers, passengers, and pedestrians safe outside.
For many, safety features are some of the most vital parts of a car. Kia doesn’t fall short in this department. Every aspect added makes Kia one of the best car producers in the market today.
Reliability
Kia has set a standard for reliability. According to vehiclefreak.com, they offer a seven-year warranty, while most other manufacturers only permit three years for their customers. They’re meant to last many miles, though they can’t quite keep up compared to more expensive brands. Still, that’s the necessary sacrifice for affordability.
When Kia first launched, it didn’t make much of an impact on the American market with its reliability. Individuals found the cars to be lackluster compared to competitors. Since then, they have upped their game tremendously. It’s known as one of the most reliable brands and is sure to satisfy any interested driver. With proper maintenance, it can run for about ten years.
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Style
Over the years, Kia has produced a few of the most interesting vehicles. Whether good or bad, models that come from Kia are some of the most unique out there. Even the most classic car has distinct features that drivers can easily define as belonging to Kia.
If you want a sleek car that stands apart from the crowd, Kia is an excellent place to look. Their lineup is tailored to appeal to those who love the outdoors, as well as those who want to drive in the city.
Low Cost of Maintenance
Although there are a few Kia models that are expensive to maintain, most Kias have repair costs that fall below the average cost. According to motor1.com, the average is about $450, with the outliers falling closer to $600-$700. If you want to keep your Kia alive, you don’t have to spend a fortune on maintenance multiple times a year.
Lower maintenance cost combined with the already low initial price means a lot of potential to save money. Most people can benefit from a little extra cash in their pocket, and Kia can help you do that with one of the biggest purchases in the average life.
Are There Poor Kia Qualities?
As with any car, there are a few poor qualities that appear often in Kia models. These are critical to understand before purchasing a vehicle for yourself. You will need to put the good and the bad next to each other to see if the car fits your priorities.
According to hotcars.com, the worst things reported with Kias include:
- Engine troubles
- Malfunctioning electronics
- Exterior lighting faults
These aren’t enough to stay away from the Kia, but they can be inconvenient for any driver.
Kias are affordable and stylish, ready to keep you safe on the road while providing a low cost of maintenance. However, they also have a few technical troubles the brand has yet to master across decades of vehicles. Ultimately, the choice is yours.
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Final Thoughts on Kia Cars
If you want to purchase a car, it’s critical to know the manufacturer’s quality. Are Kias good cars? Absolutely. They’re an affordable option that doesn’t skip out on style and safety features. They’re not expensive to maintain, and any driver can rely on them. Although there are cons, there’s more to love about the Kia.
With a new vehicle, it’s critical to understand the brand you’re giving money to for this vehicle. Kia started slow, but over thirty years, it’s proven to be one of the strongest in the industry. You won’t be disappointed if you purchase a Kia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Kia cars reliable now?
A: Kia has made significant strides in reliability, establishing itself among the top 10 most reliable car brands as rated by trustworthy sources such as Consumer Reports. It has come a long from its previous reputation as makers of cheap, low-quality vehicles during the 90s. Nowadays, Kia is known as a brand that manufactures high-quality vehicles focused on value.
Q: How do Kia cars perform in safety tests?
A: Kia’s lineup, including standouts like the Telluride, Sorento, and Forte, regularly earns top marks for safety, receiving accolades from key industry watchdogs such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These models are particularly praised for their robust safety features and their impressive performance in crash tests, showcasing Kia’s commitment to passenger protection.
Q: What makes Kia warranty one of the best?
A: Kia provides one of the best factory warranties in the industry, including a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, along with roadside assistance and anti-perforation warranties for the same duration.
Q: Are used Kias worth the money?
A: RepairPal says Kia is the third most reliable car brand, which thankfully translates well to their used vehicles. Kia’s design strategy has seen a significant revamp since 2006 under the guidance of Peter Schreyer, which brought excellent results including appealing and better-performing cars.
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