The Works- Coupon!

Happy Humpday! Are you in need of The Works? Oil Change, Tire Rotation, and Courtesy Wash for only $49.99. Check out the coupon here! http://on.fb.me/1bpbQcA

 

Clean the interior, too!

Vacuum and sponge your interior every time you wash your car. Dirt particles are abrasive, and spilled liquids, such as soda, can be corrosive. Vacuum your interior thoroughly with a powerful vacuum (small cordless models are generally too weak). Use the appropriate wand heads when vacuuming. The bare metal wand can mar and scratch surfaces. Sponge vinyl surfaces clean with a solution of mild detergent and water.

Courtesy of Reader’s Digest

KIA MOTORS AMERICA EXTENDS PARTNERSHIP WITH DONORSCHOOSE.ORG TO BENEFIT PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS NATIONWIDE IN 2013

Automaker’s National Philanthropic Program Aims for a Two-Year Total of More than $5 Million for School Supplies and Educational Resources 

• To date, Kia’s match offer has enlisted the support of more than 21,000 “citizen philanthropists” and benefitted nearly 500,000 public school students and the teachers that inspire them

• Kia will help raise awareness for DonorsChoose.org in a variety of co-promotions including a prominent placement on the No. 36 Kia Racing Optima Turbo competing this weekend in the Pirelli World Challenge race at Lime Rock Park in Connecticut

 After providing educational resources to nearly 500,000 public school students across America last year, Kia Motors America (KMA) today announces a significant extension of its philanthropic partnership with DonorsChoose.org, the online charity that makes it easy for anyone to help students in need.  As part of the continuing relationship, Kia is launching a major funding campaign in 2013 that will raise the company’s total impact to $5 million in just two years.  To date, Kia has matched the support of 21,000 citizen philanthropists to collectively deliver more than $2.1 million in resources to classrooms nationwide.

“Kia Motors America (KMA) has grown to become the eighth largest brand in the U.S. by volume, and as we grow, our culture and core values compel us to give back to the communities that we call home and contribute to a better future for all,” said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia.  “The overwhelming response to last year’s collaboration with DonorsChoose.org was truly inspiring, and we are determined to help even more children – and teachers – in need in 2013.”

“Kia’s support has helped bring books, chess sets, butterfly gardens, guitars, basketballs, microscopes, and many more resources to America’s high-need classrooms,” said Charles Best, founder and CEO of DonorsChoose.org.  “DonorsChoose.org is grateful for Kia’s renewed commitment to helping thousands of students access the materials they need and the quality education they deserve.”

The announcement coincides with the unveiling of a new racing livery for the No. 36 Kia Racing Optima featuring DonorsChoose.org at a VIP “Stars and Cars” promotional event in New York City.  Kia will match consumer donations to classroom projects at public schools near Kia’s network of more than 765 retail showrooms across the country as well as the company’s U.S. headquarters in Irvine, Calif., and assembly plant in West Point, Ga.  Earlier this year, Kia highlighted the valuable work of DonorsChoose.org in a marketing integration with NBC’s hit show “The Voice” and made a substantial contribution to the charity’s efforts to rebuild 60 Oklahoma classrooms destroyed by tornadoes.

Kia:  One of the World’s Fastest Moving Global Automotive Brands
Kia Motors America is one of only three auto brands to increase U.S. sales in each of the past four years, and in 2012 the company surpassed the 500,000 unit mark for the first time.  With a full line of fun-to-drive cars and CUVs, Kia is advancing value to new levels of sophistication by combining European-influenced styling – under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer – with cutting-edge technologies, premium amenities, affordable pricing and the lowest cost of ownership in the industry.  Kia recently joined the exclusive ranks of Interbrand’s “Top 100 Best Global Brands,” and is poised to continue its momentum with seven all-new or significantly redesigned vehicles scheduled to arrive in showrooms in 2013.  Over the past decade Kia Motors has invested more than $1.4 billion in the U.S., including the company’s first U.S. assembly plant in West Point, Georgia – Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia – which is responsible for the creation of more than 11,000 plant and supplier jobs.  The success of the U.S.-built¹ Optima and Sorento in two of the industry’s largest segments has fueled Kia’s rapid growth and is complemented by Kia’s comprehensive lineup which includes the Cadenza flagship sedan, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Sportage compact CUV, Optima Hybrid, the Forte sedan, 5-door and Koup compacts, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and the Sedona minivan.

*Courtesy of Kia Media

Take a look at this 2014 Kia Sorento quick take from Consumer Reports! What do you think?

KELLEY BLUE BOOK’s KBB.COM NAMES 2013 KIA SOUL TO LIST OF COOLEST NEW CARS UNDER $18,000

 

Soul Picked Based on its Fun-to-Drive and Fun-to-Own Personality

•  The Soul stays cool with its fun design and technology
• Soul’s extensive list of standard features makes it a superb value

IRVINE, Calif., June 20, 2013 – Kia Motors America’s (KMA) top-selling urban passenger vehicle, the 2013 Soul, was named to Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com list of the 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000. Chosen by the site’s editors, the 2013 Soul was celebrated for its fun and bold design, high-tech offerings and roominess.

“The Soul, which paved the way for Kia’s design led transformation with its fun and funky personality, quickly established a reputation as the spunkiest car in the Kia lineup, and now KBB has recognized it as one of the coolest vehicles on the market,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. “Kia has always strived to provide customers with value, style and substance, and the Soul fulfills that promise with an extensive roster of standard features and unique design that has become iconic.”

The Soul placed third on Kelley Blue Book’s annual list of the coolest cars. Editors at Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com looked for new cars that were fun to own and drive. The Soul’s one-of-a-kind look and feel stood out amongst its competition.

“Born in 2010 and significantly updated in 2012, the Kia Soul has managed to keep its cool the whole time,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com. “Like a small cargo van with bold lines and high tech, the Soul’s impressive standard equipment list includes Bluetooth^®1 phone connectivity, an auxiliary audio input and iPod^®2 integration.”

About the 2013 SoulRefreshed for the 2013 model year, the Soul features technology and styling upgrades, bringing a new level of cool with enhanced power and efficiency. New for 2013 are power-folding side mirrors, darkened chrome around the signature grille, upgraded leather on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, standard Bluetooth^® wireless technology with steering wheel-mounted controls, standard steering wheel-mounted audio controls, and cruise control. The Soul also offers Idle Stop and Go (ISG) technology as part of the Eco Package, which senses when the vehicle is stopped and shuts off the engine to maximize efficiency and results in reduced engine load and less fuel consumption.

*Courtesy of Kia Media

2013 Kia Soul

$0 Down
$139 Month for 36 Months

Check out our website for more details! http://bit.ly/16eqD61

The Kia Forte Techathlete Games

The Kia Forte Techathlete Games: a tongue-in-cheek test of tech talent where players compete in a series of games to prove that they're worthy of the futuristic Forte. Check it out! 

2013 Kia Optima And Sportage Earn AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards

Two of Kia Motors America's (KMA) most popular models were recently named to AutoPacific's annual Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSA).  The 2013 Optima sedan was named most satisfying Mid-Size Car and the sporty 2013 Sportage was heralded as the most satisfying Compact Crossover SUV by the trusted automotive marketing and product-consulting firm.  The 17^th annual survey based the results on responses from more than 52,000 new-vehicle owners.

"There is no doubt that competition is stronger than ever and winning the AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards is further proof that Kia is offering a strong product lineup for today's car buyers," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing & communications, KMA.  "The Optima's combination of stunning design and tremendous value continue to resonate with customers while the Sportage continues to set the bar very high for the compact crossover segment in terms of packaging, performance and style."

AutoPacific's VSA identify the most satisfying vehicles for sale in the U.S. market and assist new-car buyers in making informed vehicle purchase decisions.  The survey measures owner satisfaction with 51 separate attributes ranging from interior comfort and convenience to fuel economy and performance. 

"Vehicles that score highest in the Vehicle Satisfaction Awards are delivering value and satisfaction across a wide range of attributes," noted president of AutoPacific, George Peterson. With 294 models and 33 brands from which to choose a new vehicle, AutoPacific's VSA helps buyers sort through the increasingly complicated selection of products on the market.  "The VSA clearly shows buyers which vehicles are at the top of the class they are considering," continued Peterson.

2013 Kia Optima
Every 2013 Optima, available in LX, EX, SX and the Limited trim, comes well equipped with a generous roster of standard features, with the LX trim offering dual exhaust with chrome tips, solar glass, exterior mirror turn-signal indicators, front fog lights, exterior heated mirrors, chrome accented exterior door handles and 16-inch alloy wheels fitted with 205/65R16 tires and a six-speed automatic transmission. The volume-leading EX trim offers larger 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with 215/55R17 tires. Moving to the SX trim, consumers will find stylish 18-inch polished alloy wheels with 225/45R18 tires, unique front and rear lower bumpers and side sills, a rear lip spoiler, aero wiper blades and HID headlights with auto leveling. Elevating to the top-of-the-line Limited trim brings Optima to another level of sporty refinement, adding unique and luxurious 18-inch chrome wheels, daytime running lights, red brake calipers, chrome accented side sills, chromed side mirrors and rear spoiler.  Pricing for the 2013 Optima begins at $21,350[2], excluding destination charges of $800.

2013 Kia Sportage
Starting with the base trim, Sportage offers numerous standard exterior features, including 16-inch alloy wheels matched with 215/70R16 low-rolling-resistance silica tires, body-color door handles, body-color and electronically adjustable side mirrors and a six-speed manual transmission. Moving to the LX adds standard 17-inch alloy wheels, LED turn signals on the outside mirrors, keyless entry with folding key, six-speed electronically controlled Sportmatic^™ automatic transmission, solar glass, privacy glass, and LED accent lighting along the headlamps for a sportier, more upscale appearance.  The popularly-equipped EX trim offers stylish 18-inch alloy wheels mated with 235/55R18 tires, high-performance dampers, LED daytime running lights, roof rails, a rear spoiler, fog lamps and chrome body trim and door handles. The top-of-the-line Sportage SX adds a powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI engine producing 260-horsepower, unique 18-inch alloy wheels, dual exhaust, sculpted side sill moldings and unique SX grille.  The starting price of the 2013 Sportage is $19,000[3] excluding destination charges of $850.

Kia:  One of the World's Fastest Moving Global Automotive Brands Kia Motors America is one of only three auto brands to increase U.S. sales in each of the past four years, and in 2012 the company surpassed the 500,000 unit mark for the first time.  With a full line of fun-to-drive cars and CUVs, Kia is advancing value to new levels of sophistication by combining European-influenced styling – under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer – with cutting-edge technologies, premium amenities, affordable pricing and the lowest cost of ownership in the industry.  Kia recently joined the exclusive ranks of Interbrand's "Top 100 Best Global Brands," and is poised to continue its momentum with seven all-new or significantly redesigned vehicles scheduled to arrive in showrooms in 2013.  Over the past decade Kia Motors has invested more than $1.4 billion in the U.S., including the company's first U.S. assembly plant in West Point, Georgia – Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia – which is responsible for the creation of more than 11,000 plant and supplier jobs.  The success of the U.S.-built* Optima and Sorento in two of the industry's largest segments has fueled Kia's rapid growth and is complemented by Kia's comprehensive lineup which includes the Cadenza flagship sedan, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Sportage compact CUV, Optima Hybrid, the Forte sedan, 5-door and Koup compacts, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and the Sedona minivan.

*Courtesy of heraldonline

Read more here: http://www.heraldonline.com/2013/06/10/4933755/2013-kia-optima-and-sportage-earn.html#storylink=cpy

Replace the Filter!

Just as a colander separates cooked pasta from water, the oil filter traps dirt that would otherwise harm your engine. Today's best oil filters trap particles just 10 microns in diameter, a rate not possible 10 years ago and far superior to that of budget filters. Replace your filter every time you change your oil, lest old oil get mixed with the pristine stuff.

Kia Maniacs!

Throwback Thursday! Check out the Kia Salespeople who are MANIACS on the floor! 

2011 Kia Optima LX

Check out this pre-owned 2011 Kia Optima LX! Whether you're looking for something new or used, check out our website to find what you're looking for! Click here! 

Kia Cadenza- Impossible to Ignore

Watch what happens when this woman drives through the streets of New York and returns to her high school reunion. Let's just say that, like the Kia Cadenza, she's impossible to ignore. 

How to Safely Cross a Flooded Road!

Do not drive in water higher than the air intake, which is typically on the front side fender. Pick an area where the flow of water is slow and enter at an angle to cut down on the surface area of the vehicle being pushed against by the stream. Enter gently but with enough speed to cause a bow wave, which pushes the water forward, creating a shallower area, and ford at a constant speed.

2014 Kia Sorento SX: Long-Term Introduction

Following back-to-back long-term tests in a Volvo S60 and BMW 328i, which coincided with the birth and shockingly fast growth of my first child, I figured it was only logical that I graduate to a larger and more versatile crossover to match my family's growing needs. Enter the 2014 Kia Sorento, the newest guest in AutoTrader's long-term garage.

What's New?
Though the previous-generation Sorento garnered a strong following thanks to its updated styling and gutsier powertrain, the 2014 model introduced over 80 percent new or redesigned parts -- most of which were disguised behind relatively minor changes to the front and rear fascias. Among the alterations, a new direct-injected 290-horsepower V6 replaces its 276-hp predecessor, while the base 4-cylinder engine also gains direct injection.

Kia says the Sorento's all-new chassis offers both stiffer and smoother riding, with better handling, to boot. Perhaps the most easily recognized improvements, however, are to the Sorento's interior, which sees a redesigned instrument panel, a next-generation UVO eServices multimedia system with an available touchscreen that's bigger than its predecessor and more upscale materials.

Why We Chose the SX V6
Until relatively recently, Kia was pigeonholed as a bargain basement brand with substandard build quality and uninspiring offerings. But radical improvements to its design and engineering have helped make Kia one of the most upwardly mobile brands on the market, moving the Korean automaker from wannabe to wunderkind.

Since the Sorento is a key player in Kia's bid to move upmarket, this crossover comes in a broad array of trim levels, from the front-drive $24,100 LX all the way up to the 4-wheel-drive $39,700 Limited model. Hoping to experience as many of Kia's new bells and whistles as possible, we opted for the highest trim level available at the time: a $36,800 SX model with all-wheel drive. Before balking at the SX's starting price, consider its lengthy equipment list, which includes leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, rearview camera and parking sensors and Kia's first ever power lift gate. The Sorento SX's only major option is a $1,200 third-row package, which boosted our tester's MSRP to $38,000.

Our test car was delivered with 2,838 clicks on the odometer, and we plan to pile on the miles with a wide variety of day-to-day driving, from around-town errands with plenty of kid seat action to road trips and long-distance drives. We've also got a big move coming up, which will help us evaluate this crossover's ability to fold down its rear seats and act as a makeshift moving van. But most of all, we look forward to finding out if this upscale ride can live up to the expectations set by its surprisingly elevated price point -- which might prove to be the Kia Sorento's toughest test of all.

Stay tuned for our upcoming long-term reports on the 2014 Kia Sorento SX.

*Courtesy of AutoTrader

Check Your Tires

Tires are one of the most overlooked parts of a car. According the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA), only one out of 10 drivers checks his or her tire pressure correctly, compared with almost seven out of 10 who wash their cars regularly [source: RMA]. But the truth is that an under-inflated, over-inflated, worn down or misaligned tire can be extremely dangerous, particularly in hot summer weather.

Tire pressure changes with the rising temperatures -- approximately one to two PSI (pounds per square inch) for every 10-degree increase in outside air temperature [source: RMA]. Consult your owner's manual or the sidewall of your tire to see what your tire pressure should be and check it with a hand pressure gauge or just let the guys at the service shop do it for you.

An under-inflated tire bulges outward and puts undo pressure on the sidewalls of the tire. With enough heat and pressure, that tire eventually will blow. An over-inflated tire, on the other hand, makes less contact with the road and can lead to hydroplaning in wet conditions.

Use the penny trick to see if you still have enough tread on your tires. Stick a penny in the tread, and if Lincoln's head disappears, you're good [source: CBS News]. Your local service shop or specialty tire store can also check your tires for proper alignment and balance.

And don't forget about your spare! There's no point in having a spare tire if your spare is in worse condition than the rest. Make sure the spare is properly inflated and has ample tread depth.

*Courtesy of How Stuff Works 

Preview: 2014 Kia Cadenza Brand-new premium sedan touted as "most technologically-advanced" Kia ever in the North American market

Just about every automaker that established its reputation with value-priced vehicles has expanded into the premium-sedan realm lately. Kia, one of two South Korean companies that market cars in the U.S., is the latest to make that move, with the 2014 Cadenza. 

This isn't the first time Kia has reached beyond the compact/midsize sedan market, having introduced the larger Amanti for the 2004 model year. That one lasted into 2009, but no successor was launched. 

Kia claims that the 2014 Cadenza "represents the most technologically-advanced [model] ever offered in the U.S. market." Standard and available features include Advanced Smart Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, and a Lane-Departure Warning System. Ready for sale by May 2013, the Cadenza also promises "stunning European-inspired design," according to Kia's marketers. 

Power comes from a 3.3-liter V-6 engine that develops 293 horsepower at 6400 rpm, and 255 pound-feet of torque at 5200 rpm. Only one transmission is available: a six-speed automatic with Sportmatic control. As for fuel economy, the Cadenza gets an estimate of 19 mpg in city driving and 28 mpg on the highway. 

Measuring 195.5 inches long overall, the Cadenza rides a 112-inch wheelbase and stands 58.1 inches tall. Either 18- or 19-inch tires may be mounted. 

Sticker price for the Cadenza is $35,800 (including the $800 destination charge). Luxury and Technology Packages are available, each priced at $3,000. 

*Courtesy of TireKicking Today

2010-2013 Kia Soul: Used Car Review

Dozens of cars compare to the 2010-2013 Kia Soul, but very few can fill its shoes. The reason is that the Soul is more than just an economy-minded box on wheels; it actually exudes a sense of styling and originality so lacking in today's small cars. Kia created the Soul to compete against other 5-door hatchbacks -- namely, the Scion xB, Nissan Cube and, to a lesser degree, highly stylized hatchbacks such as the MINI Cooper and Honda Fit. While the Soul isn't the most powerful vehicle in its class, it does offer two engine and transmission choices, as well as a long list of standard and optional equipment that leaves the competition looking rather soulless.

Why You Want It

If you're looking for inexpensive, fuel-efficient transportation, there are plenty of choices. But, try to find an economy car that turns heads like a show car, offers such cool amenities as pulsing back-lit speaker grilles, houndstooth-pattern cloth seats and a trio of giant dancing rodents as its pitchmen, and there is only one choice: the Kia Soul. The Soul succeeds on a number of fronts. With its generous head and legroom, it can comfortably carry four adults -- though the cargo space with the rear seat in place is rather small. The Soul gets great gas mileage, can be had with a manual or automatic transmission and comes in four unique trims that pop with wild colors both inside and out. Noteworthy features include available 2-tone leather seating, 350-watt Infinity audio system (2012 and newer), Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and a USB/iPod interface. The Soul isn't the quickest, quietest or most fuel-efficient 5-door compact you can buy, but it certainly ranks high in visual appeal, long-term reliability and bang for the buck.

Notable Features & Options

There are four trims for the Soul: base, Plus (+), Exclaim (!) and Sport. What makes the Soul such a catch is its impressive list of standard features, many of which are only offered on its competitors most expensive trim levels. The base Soul includes air conditioning, a tilt steering column, power windows and locks, rear defrost, a cargo area light and an AM/FM/CD stereo with USB/iPod connectivity. The Soul (+) adds cruise control, rear privacy glass, power mirrors, steering wheel controls for audio and Bluetooth and alloy wheels. The Soul (!) ups the ante with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power sunroof, 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, heated side mirrors, sand and black cloth interior with houndstooth print and a 315-watt audio with subwoofer and pulsing speaker lights (changes to 350 watts in 2012). To this, the Sport adds a sport suspension, red and black interior and unique wheels. Options for the Soul (+) include a sunroof, fog lights and the 315-watt audio system. The Soul (!) and Sport can be equipped with heated front seats and leather seating surfaces. There are also a few special edition Souls that vary by year.

Standard safety equipment includes six airbags (front, front side and side curtain), electronic traction and stability control, ABS and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Model Milestones

2011 -- Two special-edition models are offered featuring unique paint and wheels, and automatic climate control.

2012 -- The Soul receives a minor face freshening and a major change under the hood. The improved 2.0-liter engine gains 22 additional horsepower, while the standard 1.6-liter gains Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) technology. Both engines can be mated to a new pair of 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions. The Sport trim is dropped from the lineup.

2013 -- Minor changes include the addition of Bluetooth and steering-wheel controls to the base model. A new ECO package is offered on the Soul (+), adding Idle Stop Go (IDS) and low-rolling-resistance tires.

Engines and Performance
The base Soul is powered by a 1.6-liter engine that makes a mere 122 hp and 115 lb-ft of torque. Mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, this engine delivers fuel economy estimates of 26 miles per gallon city and 31 mpg highway, regardless of transmission choice. In 2012, Kia improved the 1.6-liter by adding Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) technology, boosting output to 138 hp and 123 lb-ft of torque. However, even with the new 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic, fuel economy drops to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates of 25 miles per gallon city/30 mpg highway. The ECO package increases fuel economy to 26 mpg city/31 mpg highway with the automatic transmission.

The Soul (+), (!) and Sport trims all come with a 2.0-liter engine that makes 142 hp and 137 lb-ft of torque. EPA estimates for this engine are 24 mpg city/30 mpg highway regardless of transmission. In 2012, the 2.0-liter's output increases to 164 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. The same new 6-speed transmissions are offered as on the base, and fuel economy estimates are 24 mpg city/29 mpg highway with the manual and 23 mpg city/28 mpg highway with the automatic. The ECO option ups fuel economy to 24 mpg city/29 mpg highway with the automatic transmission.

Recalls, Safety Ratings and Warranties
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued the following recalls for the 2010-2013 Kia Soul:

2010 -- A recall was issued for a possible defective wiring harness in the back-lit front speaker panels that could short out, potentially leading to a fire.
2010-2011 -- Recalls were issued for a possible defective stop light switch that could cause the brake lights to not illuminate.
Recall repairs are required by law even if the vehicle is out of warranty. Your dealer can check to see if the repairs were performed. If they have not been, your dealer will fix the car at no charge to you.

As for the Soul's safety record, it receives good marks from NHTSA, earning four out of five stars in the front-end crash test, five stars in the side impact test and four stars in the rollover test. The independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the Soul its highest rating of Good in the moderate overlap front crash, side impact and roof strength tests, and lists the 2013 Soul as a Top Safety Pick.

The Soul has a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile transferable powertrain warranty. The 10-year/100,000-mile original powertrain warranty is not transferable and applies only to the original owner. However, it is possible to get a better warranty by buying a certified pre-owned (CPO) car. A Soul sold through Kia's CPO program includes a 150-point inspection, a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty from the original date the car was placed into service (basically giving you the original owner's warranty) and the remainder of the original bumper-to-bumper warranty. Also included in the CPO package is 24-hour roadside assistance, a free CARFAX report and travel breakdown coverage that includes limited reimbursement for hotel, car rental and food.

Word on the Web
A quick check of the Internet shows the Kia Soul to be a likeable vehicle. Consumer Reports gives it good marks in almost every category, except for some less-than-average scores for audio, power equipment, and squeaks and rattles. We can attest to the squeaks and rattles, having found our 2010 and 2011 test cars to be noisy inside -- with one test car having its center console come loose due to not being properly bolted down at the factory. Owners generally like their Soul for its looks, the way it rides and handles and the cool features. However, we did find more than a few complaints about little electrical failures, such as the power mirrors, audio system and other minor bits breaking down. Fortunately, all were covered by the 5/60 warranty, and improvements were made to the 2012 and 2013 models. We also found many manual transmission owners regretting their purchase, as the manual is not very enjoyable, with lots of gear grinding and a sloppy, loose feel when shifting.

Competitive Set
Nissan Cube: The cube offers more interior space, gets slightly better fuel mileage and has better interior quality and build. The Cube's styling, however, is definitely polarizing, and it doesn't offer as many features for the money.

Scion xB: The xB may be a bit bland compared to the Soul, but its build quality is above reproach -- as is its resale and reliability ratings. The xB offers much more interior space, a better ride and better manual transmission. However, the xB can't match the Soul for features and standard equipment, and its standard warranty is only 3 years/36,000 miles.

Honda Fit: The Fit is the odd man out here, but its boxy shape and 5-door configuration make it a viable option. Its fuel economy, resale and reliability ratings are better than the Soul's, and it can be outfitted with navigation -- a feature not offered by Kia.

AutoTrader Recommendations
We think the extra power afforded by the 2012 upgrade is worth the extra money. A nice Soul (+) or (!) would be our choice, as we prefer the 2.0-liter engine to the base model's 1.6-liter unit. Avoid the 18-in wheels, as they make the car's ride harsh. But do try to get one with the cool upgraded audio. The only problem we see is deciding on which color best suits you.

*Courtesy of AutoTrader online

All-New 2014 Kia Forte

The All-New 2014 Kia Forte is designed for those who love technology. What is your favorite feature in the All-New 2014 Kia Forte?