test drive : KIA Soul ...

[smokey1]

with the 1.6 ltr. and 5 speed manual . Liked it very much . Very easy clutch engagement for 1st gear . As for shifting that can be a bit notchy and hard to find certain gears . The second gear was very difficult to slip into on shifts . I would think a good synthetic like REDLINE or AMSOIL would help that situation . Road well , comfortable sitting position , and visibility not as bad as would have thought out the rear . Amazing how many features you get at the price of around $14 grand . Thing is , they get you with the accessories . Such as cargo cover , cargo mat , etc.. Otherwise I would consider 1 of these in a few years . Wait and see how mileage and dependability pan out . Father drives a 2004 RIO with the 1.6 ltr. and 5 speed manual that he bought new for less than $7,000 with tax and hasn't had any serious issues as of yet . Claims to get in the mid > upper 30's . He can be a bit too much on the clutch and does have a lead foot on occasion . Seen it for myself . :- )

 

[daves87rs]

I've only seen one so far...they look cool.

 

[MK2]

Yeah nice looking car. I've seen them yesterday. I wish they're under $12K.

 

[94supraonchrome]

put it up against the Scion xB that Kia copied off of....the xB beats it in every way and it is $16 grand....end of story.

 

[firemachine69]

No xB's in Canada.

And the xB isn't fairing so well in the reliability department...

 

[94supraonchrome]

Originally Posted By: firemachine69
No xB's in Canada.

And the xB isn't fairing so well in the reliability department...


please elaborate.....

 

[94supraonchrome]

didn't think so.......

 

[Dyoel182]

The only thing negative I've seen about the xB is the mileage is lower than stated and that it got a 5/10 from JD Power for predicted reliability while other Kia vehicles got 7/10.

 

[ViragoBry]

The xB and its big brother, the Ford Flex need some character thrown into their designs. I can't think of a more boring, slab-sided design this side of an old Ford panel van.

 

[smokey1]

the ride in the '06 XB we owned was very choppy . Only kept 34 lbs. of pressure in tires and poor city streets or rough roads made it a hemorrhoid sufferer's worst nightmare . :- ) The mileage didn't pan out as we expected . So , traded in for a '07 PRIUS with the PACKAGE 2 . We did like interior space , the all around visibility , the exterior toaster shape , and mostly the handling in poor driving conditions . Did very well on ice or snow with VEHICHLE STABILIY CONTROL and TRACTION CONTROL , the same goes for the '07 PRIUS . Used O.E.M. tires all year and no loss of control . Still drove properly for conditions . As for looks the older XB wins that vote . Close call for newer XBs and the SOUL .

 

[firemachine69]

Originally Posted By: 94supraonchrome
didn't think so.......



Consumer Reports, True Delta... It's all there man. Heck, when JD Powers, of all people, start saying it's only a five out of a possible ten, you know it ain't the greatest Toyota's ever built!

 

[94supraonchrome]

it's all where? please post some info!

 

[Ben99GT]

Originally Posted By: ViragoBry
The xB and its big brother, the Ford Flex need some character thrown into their designs. I can't think of a more boring, slab-sided design this side of an old Ford panel van.


The Flex looks great. Detailing is outstanding on the SEL and Limited models.

I went on a couple hour cruise with a bunch of Mustangs and Corvettes a month or so ago and on the way we passed a Flex. Once everybody sat down together at a restaurant and started talking a bunch of guys were saying, "Man, did you see that Flex on the way over?" I had to laugh.

When a people mover of things can get a bunch of car guys talking, that tells me the Flex did something right. Unlike the xB, the Flex has a good road presence, it looks classy and expensive.

 

[smokey1]

the 1st generation XBs are a CONSUMER REPORTS used car best buy . Seen an '05 with a speed manual for $7,999 , has about 45 thousand miles . Noticed that there may be an oil leak , looked like oil drop on bottom of tranny housing . Not sure if due to dealer or previous owner that could've spilled or not tightened a plug snug . Or a mechanical issue . Stay away from used cars today , too much abuse .

 

[smokey1]

do like the looks of the FLEX , but that's about it . Should make it a hybrid . Or make smaller version , like that of the HUMMER 3 . :- )

 

[Ben99GT]

The Flex looks great, drives great, is as quiet as a bank vault, has outstanding interior quality (not to mention the fact it's extremely usable), and gets equal or better fuel economy than any other full-size 3-row crossover.

The Flex is Ford's people mover, so why would they make it smaller? If you want something smaller, get an Edge or Escapse.

 

[Dyoel182]

Originally Posted By: 94supraonchrome
it's all where? please post some info!


Go look at the JD Power ratings and see for yourself. They did not like the new xB or xD.

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

Sat in second gen xB once. Didn't really like the seating position. Felt like I was in a Chevy Astro. Front of the car looked far. Seemed like it was something bigger than what it really was. Radio and a/c controls are a bit far relative to seating position. It's too round for my taste.

 

[94supraonchrome]

go look here, go look there! Still haven't seen any posts. The 94supraonchrome ratings are very high for the xB and the xD! That's the only rating that matters to me... JD Power also rated Buick over Lexus! That throws up a red flag!
People either love the xB or hate it. I love the 1st gen and the 2nd gen xB. I have owned a 2nd gen since I bought one new in 07. I have 2 friends that have the 1st gen xB and they have been great vehicles so far. It's a great car all around and some people just won't admit it. By the way, the xB has very comfortable seats, you have to adjust them for your personal preference!

 

[mstrjon32]

Originally Posted By: Ben99GT
The Flex looks great, drives great, is as quiet as a bank vault, has outstanding interior quality (not to mention the fact it's extremely usable), and gets equal or better fuel economy than any other full-size 3-row crossover.

The Flex is Ford's people mover, so why would they make it smaller? If you want something smaller, get an Edge or Escapse.


I saw a pearl white Flex on the road a few days ago, it looks really great. I hated it when I saw it on the TV ads, too.

The Soul has grown on me a little, but there's still no way I'd ever want to own either car.