Does Kia/Hyundai still have the stigma they had back in the 90s when they first started here in the US?

[Bornstarch]

I remember back in the late 90s when Kia and Hyundai were looked down on. They had that stigma of being bottom tier, trash vehicles.

Do you think they still have it? They've kinda gone up and up in the world. I know some very good earners that drive Kia or Hyundai vehicles. They look really good now, too.

 

[Osculater]

Yes, thanks to the Kia Boyz that they still considered shite lol

 

[nonoob]

They've both improved immensely since their US inception.

10 year 100,000 mile warranty shows extreme confidence in their product.

 

[cowboyjunkie]

I’m not sure about others opinions.

I’ve had my Hyundai for 12 years now and just about to replace it. I’d get another but the nearest dealer is 2 days drive away. Switching to Honda CRV (I think).

 

[don't ask]

I bought a Kia Rio in... 2004? 2005? And a friend of mine did, too, the year before me, because we were both poor university students. They were both garbage and broke down constantly with every little defect you could find on a vehicle -- we were carpooling because someone's car was likely to be broken. They were like proto-cybertrucks.

I don't know if they got better, but I honestly don't know how they couldn't because there was nowhere to go, but up.

 

[CrimsonFan]

I think if you're gonna buy new and then trade it in when the warranty is up, then why not.

But I wouldn't buy a high mileage used Kia or Hyundai unless the price really made it worth it.

 

[Thepaintbucket]

Kia/Hyundai's were at the bottom with Geo Metros as far as my dad was concerned. These days they have a much, much better reputation.

 

[CrazyN8]

Literally bought a palisades xrt about 3 weeks ago. 24 brand new off the lot.so far I'm loving, ride quality is superb and the self steering is a game changer. Dunno about reliability yet but then again I'll own it outright way before the bumper to bumper expires.

 

[Jesus X]

The new stigma and appropriately earned is that they get stolen very easily.

 

[Jack Reacheround]

No. They make some very decent cars now.
But Diahatsu, yes. Still shitty, if even in existence.

 

[Flower2dPeople]

But Diahatsu, yes. Still shitty, if even in existence.

This is mind boggling. Why can't toyota tell them to get their shit straight.

 

[ThaiSexPills]

Yes. Major engine failures, insanely lax tech resulting in a theft crisis and almost no resale value.

They make a visually appealing vehicle for the most part and the fit and finish is decent now but after all the recent issues and especially with the resale value, no way I am touching one.

 

[RoastBeast]

Nice Kia bro.

- Nobody

 

[Fedorgasm]

I'd buy a Hyundai but I wouldn't buy a kia

 

[TheNinja]

They are good vehicles now. I bought a brand new Kia 2 years ago, basically b/c you can get the 10yr / 100,000 mile warranty and it doesn't cost much to add it. I've had zero issues with mine. My next vehicle might be the Kia K5 GT-line (don't need the full on GT version) and I'll pass my shitty VW Passat to my 16 year old.

 

[Pliny Pete]

I was surprised to see how nice some of the new Kia's look, that Telluride isnt bad looking at all, relatively speaking

 

[Natural Order]

Two most reliable brands on the market now, no?

 

[M4rk]

I have an i30N which is fun to drive.

 

[Only Here for Attachments]

I take it no one here has a Kia Stinger, then?

 

[Oblivian]

Years ago we had a Kia Sorrento and it was one of the highest rated SUVs.