Forget Hyundai, what about Kia?! (manual transmission, air conditioning, sedan, coupe)

[MissShona]

Ok, so yesterday I was coming out of the drugstore, and I saw this in the parking lot:

http://car-news.roadfly.com/wp-conte...kia-amanti.jpg

Now I thought for sure it was a new Benz; but thought it was weird that there was no emblem in the front. Then I saw the wheels....KIA?!?!?!?!

(Now I know that Hyundai & Kia are "affiliated" somehow...but I'm not sure in what way...)

Uh-oh, the Japanese better watch out!

[Drover]

The affiliation is this: Hyundai owns Kia outright. And that is one of the ugliest cars I've ever seen, precisely because it's not only such a blatant M-B ripoff but a cartoonish one at that. Asian carmakers have been borrowing design elements from American and (more recently) European designs since at least the end of WWII, but this one is such a farce that i can barely keep a straight face looking at it.

Fortunately they've managed to recruit some actual talent into their design studios since then. The forthcoming new Hyundai Genesis is a pretty sharp sedan even if they borrow (tastefully this time) from the Lexus IS and the Nissan Maxima. It also promises to be an asskicker of a car too, some 375HP. Kia is supposedly getting its own version too. The Genesis Coupe (probably replacing the Tiburon) looks even better.

[MissShona]

Originally Posted by Drover

The affiliation is this: Hyundai owns Kia outright. And that is one of the ugliest cars I've ever seen, precisely because it's not only such a blatant M-B ripoff but a cartoonish one at that.

Well I have to respectfully disagree with you on that one. I personally have a long list of cars that are "uglier" than this one -- including (but certainly not limited to) the Pontiac Aztec, the Ford Aspire, the Honda Element, that Toyota FJ Cruiser, hahaha, the PT Cruiser, the Scion XB/XD, the Smart car, etc. etc.

[metro223]

LOL the Kia Amani or whatever that barge is called is soooo generic and tacky! I wouldn't even buy it if it was a "real" lux car.

Now, don't get me wrong, I love what Kia/Hyundai have been doing in the past 5-6 years, but this thing makes me laugh whenever I see it driving down the road. I guess I never thought of someone finding it impressive though, to each is own I guess.

[MissShona]

Originally Posted by metro223

Now, don't get me wrong, I love what Kia/Hyundai have been doing in the past 5-6 years, but this thing makes me laugh whenever I see it driving down the road. I guess I never thought of someone finding it impressive though, to each is own I guess.

Oh just to clarify...I would not say that I am impressed with the car in comparison to all automobiles in general. It's just that the last time I saw a Kia (where I distinctly said, "Oh that's a Kia"), they looked like P.O.S.s -- somewhere a step above Daewoos. All I'm saying is that they have moved up -- in comparison to where they were -- appearance-wise.

[Crew Chief]

Sorry, but my military background always makes me think of the abbreviation for "Killed in Action" (KIA) when I see the car with that name. Probably shouldn't but I do...

[momof2dfw]

UGH! When I first saw that thing on the road, "WTH!". The front end actually is trying to look like a Bentley. YEAH RIGHT!
Bentley Motors: Bentley Motors Website

They are UGLY. Besides, I REFUSE to buy ANYTHING from anyone that has to scream as loud as they can on their commercials. And that other one they have w/ the dude doing the striper-like dance, GROSS! NO THANK YOU!

Someone was telling us they were looking for a cheap knock-around car and went to visit the Kia dealership based on what their ad said to get this car for $6K. So he went and the car for $6K had NO AIR CONDITIONING (hello, we are IN Texas), manual transmission, no power windows or door locks. It was basically a shell of a car w/ a steering wheel. Don't go for trickery in advertising either.

[austinsmom]

I bought a Kia Sorento in May and I LOVE it! I got a lot more car for my money than had I bought a 4 Runner or Pilot and it runs great! My husband didn't want to look at them b/c of the "old" stereotype but once he saw them, he loved them too! Not everyone wants to spend tons of money on a name to drive and Kia gives a very viable option for attractive vehicles at reasonable prices.

BTW, anyone who really believes they can buy a BRAND NEW vehicle in the year 2008 for $6000 is an idiot. If we all believed every ad we heard or saw, we'd think drinking certain sodas could make us look like a supermodel. Yeah right.

[RoaminRed]

I could never drive a KIA because I just can't get past the name.

[desertsun41]

Originally Posted by austinsmom

I bought a Kia Sorento in May and I LOVE it! I got a lot more car for my money than had I bought a 4 Runner or Pilot and it runs great! My husband didn't want to look at them b/c of the "old" stereotype but once he saw them, he loved them too! Not everyone wants to spend tons of money on a name to drive and Kia gives a very viable option for attractive vehicles at reasonable prices.

BTW, anyone who really believes they can buy a BRAND NEW vehicle in the year 2008 for $6000 is an idiot. If we all believed every ad we heard or saw, we'd think drinking certain sodas could make us look like a supermodel. Yeah right.

You might be bragging how cheap that junk box is but like anything in life, you get what you pay for. I personally feel my life is too valuble to take chances driving that dangerous junk box.

Using your theory......those new Chinese junk boxes now for sale in most Walmarts for $2995.00 should be a good buy?

I would fear being next to one of those little death mobiles just as much as I would driving next to an 18 wheeler. The only difference is the 18 wheeler could kill me but if any unforseen incident happened in front of me and I hit one of those little tin can junk boxes then I would be responsible for a death.

But........as long as people see no problem supporting China by shopping Walmart then I dont see any reason why they shoiuld feel bad for buying Korean either.

Anyway...Girl I wish you safe travels. Be carefull with that thing.