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I can only add what I know first hand. After an accident I rented a 2013 or 14 Hyundai Elantra. I guess it was the base and it was cheap on the inside with spartan fabric, hard plastic everywhere and thin carpets. But it rode and drove well. The radio seemed a little tinny. But I also looked at a 2014 Chevy Cruze and a 2013 Chevy Impala and they were disappointingly cheap as well.
I ended up getting a 2014 Kia Soul and its hands down the most reliable car I've ever owned. For what is an economy car its got good materials, soft touch plastic where its needed, no defects and its been 100% trouble free for almost 4 years. And its held up well with no trim breaking and no wearing of the seats or interior. The worst is a seat belt that doesn't spring up unless its completely untwisted and a small section of door rubber trim that has worn away. Great radio and a great cooling/ heating system as well. The exterior is holding up great as well. So its definitely a great buy and not cheaply made at all. That's the Soul, I never looked at other Kias or Hyundais. Kia does seem to be a value leader and Hyundais are everywhere. Those car companies have gotten more respect and seem to be breathing down the necks of Honda and Toyota.
Kia and Hyundai have really upped their game in the last decade, no longer vehicles to be scoffed at but modern contemporary reliable products on par with most of whats being offered from Asia.
I'm also loving the fit/finish and solid drive dynamics of my new Kia Soul.
Kia is ranked no. 13 on Consumer Reports 2017 owner satisfaction list. Genesis, Hyundai's luxury brand is ranked no. 3, and Hyundai is a disappointing no. 24.
To give you an idea where other mainstream brands rank.
Tesla is the top brand, Subaru is no. 7, Toyota is no. 8, Honda no. 9, Lincoln is no. 10, Chevrolet is no. 14, BMW is no. 15, Ford is no. 17, Lexus is no. 18, Dodge is no. 20, Jeep is no. 21, Mercedes-Benz is no. 22, Volkswagen is no. 23, Cadillac is no. 26, Nissan is no. 29 and Acura ranks dead last at no. 30.
The 2011 Sonata I owned was the most trouble free car I have ever owned. I have had many more expensive brands with problems while the Hyundai was solid.
Newer ones should hold up. I know the 2011-2014 Hyundai /Kia 2.4L and 2.0T have alot of engine failures due to metal shavings from the factors being left in the engine which leads to the bearing being affected an the engine seizes up. There is a 10yr/120 mile warranty on those engines, but outside of that issue, most people I know dont really have much problems with them on the 2012+ models they have. Id say if its 2015+, they would make a great car vs a Toyota.
But the last time I checked a new Kia or Hyundai cost as much or more than a Honda, Toyota or Nissan. These cars are no longer the savings they once used to be, but excellent used car buys.
The 2011 Sonata I owned was the most trouble free car I have ever owned. I have had many more expensive brands with problems while the Hyundai was solid.
You never had the plastic starter lever to break, or the coating peeling off the steering wheel and console? Or what about those cheap brake light switches that would make the car act all wonky?
I purchased a "first generation" Hyundai in the late 80's. I swear it was made with pre rusted steel. It was a hatch back and thank God the rear window was heated so when pushing it in the winter my hands wouldn't get cold.
The have come a loooong way.
I rented a Hyundai Genesis and it was one on the best cars I have ever driven. Would have no problem buying a Kia or Hyundai USED as they still take a big depreciation hit in the first two years.
I currently drive a Hyundai. My next car will be a Kia.
Americans always disgust certain carmakers even if the ideas are unfounded.
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