2011 Kia Soul Base $13,300

[Dave424]

Just picked one up for $13,300 plus $500 factory rebate for financing with KIA. So far very happy with my purchase.

This base model comes with:
1.6L Port injected (2012 will come with DI)
5 speed manual transmission
AC, Power windows, doors, cd/mp3/aux in/usb/3 months of free satellite radio.
Traction control, Stability control, 4 wheel disc brakes, ABS.

Ride is very good compared to the higher end models due to the 195/65 tires and road noise is much better than my 04 Civic with Michelin MXV4 tires. Interior materials have quality feel to the touch and nothing squeaks or rattles. (civic did from day one =/ I am averaging 30 mpg with 50hwy/50city driving and with AC on in 100F heat. I'm 6'4" and still have about 5-6in of head room. And when I slide my seat all the way to the back, on the back seat there is still enough leg room for an adult. So far I am very happy with the car and don't have anything major to complain about other than I don't really understand why left the cruise control out.

 

[Lead Shoes]

That's a nice econobox I am sure it will give years of reliable and safe transport.

 

[addyguy]

Very, very nice buy.

 

[Hokiefyd]

Congratulations on the new car. Looking forward to a longer-term review as you pile the miles on.

 

[Spazdog]

I parked the PT next to one the other day. I was suprised at how "big" it was. (big being relative to the PT. Certainly wouldn't be big compared to...let's say a Buick Roadmaster wagon)

It's hard to believe that it would be able to get out of it's own way with just a 1.6 when the N/A PTs and HHRs are so sluggish with 2.4 and 2.2 engines.(the PT-GT and HHR-SS are different stories entirely) But everyone I've ever talked to with a "Seoul" has been pleased with the acceleration.

I hated the way they looked when they first came out. But like the Scion xB did, it's growing on me.

Nice purchase

 

[Dave424]

Thanks =)

I have to agree on that. This little car feels more spacious than the 06 CRV we have in our family. Trunk is smaller but taller.
1.6L has about 124hp I think and weighing just 2500lb it has no problem getting to hwy speeds. My 04 civic ex had 127hp and felt the same power wise.

I am planning to dump factory fill before 1000 miles.
Manual says I can use bot 5w-20/30 depending on temps.
3750/7500 severe/normal OCI.

Oh and did I mention the 10yr/100k powertrain warranty =)

 

[Chris Meutsch]

I rented one of these last year and absolutely LOVED it. Did highway miles on it and it was great. Comfy, decent pep, and certainly roomy. Love the cloth on the seats.

 

[wallyuwl]

Congrats on the new ride. We looked at them when they first came out, but wanted an automatic and those are only a 4 speed. This is one engine that needs at least a 5 speed (as the manual is).

 

[BigBuck]

Great vehicle. Take care of it and it'll take care of you.

Trying to get my dad to get one. His Lexus has issues and he likes the Soul.

 

[SuperDave456]

I was about to ask "How tall are you?" But I see you answered the question.

Good to know about head room

A few years ago at the Tx State Fair I went and looked and sat in every car I could find.

All the Scions and the Small Nissan's were too small. I am 6'1" and my knees would touch or brush the dash, with the seats all the way back, and my short crew cut hair would brush the ceiling. They were very uncomfortable at the time.

I'm glad they fixed that as the way things are going my next car will have to be something in this price range if not much much cheaper.
Thank you for the review... I will have to go check them out eventually.

 

[Maximus1966]

Are you satisfied with the MPG? I'm only asking because our 2011 Honda Accord with MT is averaging 30.2mpg with about 60% city driving and is a much larger car. It's used for business, so we log every fill up.

 

[Dave424]

You may want to wait for the 2012 versions. They will have the same engines except with direct injection. They will also get 6 speed manual transmissions and the 2.0L will get an optional 6 speed A/T. I think they also get LED tail lights.

I really wanted to wait for the 6sp manual with 1.6L but since I don't want to deal with valve deposits down the road I went ahead and got the 2011 with port injection and I don't really care much about LEDs.

Also, notice that there is a $2000 difference between the base and the next trim up. 1.6L is only about 20hp down but 300lb lighter. 2.0L uses an iron block with a timing belt while 1.6L is aluminum block with a timing chain. 1.6/2.0 = 21/19 = lb/hp. So the difference is not that noticeable.

Check manufacturers website. If you drive a Soul competitor like XB, Fit etc... they will give you $750 rebate, if you finance with them that's $500 rebate.

 

[Dave424]

I have to agree that given the weight and size of the car I should be getting better fuel economy. Sticker is rated at 26/34. However, my 50% city driving is downtown Sacramento, CA. Speeds rarely exceed 25mph, and there are traffic lights/stops every 100ft or so. The car has an mpg meter and it shows 24-28mpg city and ~40mpg hwy at 60mph. I think the boxy profile of the car isn't helping it.

 

[Bill in Utah]

When these came out I really laughed at them. But the more I see them out there and now have test drove one I'm impressed.

I'd bet the MPG WILL increase once you get some miles on the rig.

For the $$ GREAT vehicle. I'd PASS on anything with the DI if possible.

Enjoy the new ride.

Bill

 

[dishdude]

I test drove these when I was shopping for my Terrain. I thought it was a great package for the money and I really liked it.

 

[dwcopple]

30mpg from a box...imagine if it was aerodynamic!!!

 

[odie]

Congrats . We test drove the manual when it arrived here . Did like it . Found the manual to be a bit notchy . Anyone else encounter that ? Maybe a better gear oil such as a GL-4 from REDLINE or AMSOIL would improve that . Enjoy your new car and please keep us updated on gas mileage , etc..

 

[CROWNVIC4LIFE]

When the Soul came out I only saw the 16-20 year olds driving them around Miami Beach..In the last few weeks I see some 80-100 year olds driving them..It seems strange seeing the 80-100 year olds driving the Souls.

 

[odie]

" It seems strange seeing the 80-100 year olds driving the Souls "

Didn't know hamsters live that long .

 

[CROWNVIC4LIFE]

I have to say odie the Kia Soul has the best commercials.