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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2011 Kia Soul

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Kia Soul

Overview

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2011 Kia Soul Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.0

Although the 2011 Kia Soul competes directly with the Nissan Cube and Scion xB, the Soul has a much broader appeal. It enjoys styling that is neither polarizing nor awkward and Kia has a hip ad campaign that turned a common hamster into a bona fide rap star. Brisk sales and rave reviews have helped the Soul get off to a good start, but questions remain about its long-term reliability. Of course, an impressive array of standard features, one of the most original and modern interiors in the segment and a price tag starting well below its competitors make the Kia Soul a tempting morsel indeed. Making our "Top Ten Coolest Cars Under $18,000" list and strong initial resale values doesn't hurt the 2011 Kia Soul, either.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a vehicle that is both versatile and affordable, but you don't want to look like you're driving a car whose only attribute is that it's versatile and affordable, the 2011 Kia Soul is the car for you.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you're looking for rapid acceleration, all-wheel drive or the highest resale value, you'll have to spend more.

What's Significant About This Car?

For 2011, Kia will offer two Special Edition Soul models featuring automatic climate control and unique paint and trim.

Driving the Soul

Driving Impressions The 2011 Kia Soul looks cool, is loaded with features and has room for people, cargo, dogs and gear, but its ride and handling are nowhere near as impressive. The...

base model's 122-horsepower engine loud and makes the car slow. The upper-end models with the larger 142-horsepower 2.0-liter engine do a bit better, although they are also loud. The manual transmission is rubbery and no great joy to use. We say go with the automatic. When not pushed hard, the Soul delivers a comfortable ride. The steering and brakes are more than adequate. The overall feeling is that you're driving a run-of-the-mill economy car, but the experience is not unpleasant and is by no means a deal breaker.

Favorite Features

Comprehensive Audio System
The 2011 Kia Soul base model might be hampered with small steel wheels and the lack of remote keyless entry, but Kia saw fit to make sure every single Soul has a full-featured AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat/Aux/USB audio system.

iPod Bin
The 2011 Kia Soul has the best iPod station we've seen (outside of another Kia or Hyundai): An open bin, in plain view and within easy reach, with readily accessible power and connection ports.

2011 Kia Soul Details

Interior

We give Kia high praise for the Soul's interior. Not only does it feature radical themes, such as an available Hound's Tooth fabric interior and red backlit speaker grilles that pulsate to the music's beat (this feature can be turned on and off), it also is highly functional and just plain fun. Owners who choose the Sport model receive a black and bright red interior including a red dash and glove box. Functional features include front and center iPod bins, a dual-shelf glovebox, fold flush rear seats and a storage bin under the cargo area's floor.

Exterior

From its intricately detailed headlamp housing to its uncommon profile, the 2011 Kia Soul is anything but commonplace. Four differing trim levels – the base Soul, the Soul +, the up-level Soul ! and the Soul sport – offer varying visuals, in addition to their non-standard names. The base car sports black door handles and mirrors, while the others tout body-colored bits. A wide variety of accessories and wheels further distinguish the models. The Soul has 15-inch wheels, the Soul + rides on 16-inch wheels, and 18-inch wheels come on the Soul ! and Soul Sport. True to its hip and cool nature, the Soul also features a number of eye-popping color choices including Molten (deep red), Java (brown), Alien (metallic pea green) and Ignition (a metallic orange vaguely reminiscent of an orange Dreamsicle.)

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The base 2011 Kia Soul comes with a 122-horsepower four-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission. All other Souls feature a 142-horspower four-cylinder, with an optional four-speed automatic transmission. Other standards on the inexpensive base model include air conditioning, power windows and locks and a four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3/satellite radio/USB audio system. All Souls feature six airbags and Electronic Stability Control.

Optional Equipment

Check all the option boxes and your 2011 Kia Soul will include front fog lamps, a moonroof, upgraded audio system including center subwoofer and 315-watt amp, leather-covered steering wheel and shift knob, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, cruise control and Bluetooth phone connectivity. The Soul sport gets a sport-tuned suspension, unique front, rear and side styling elements, metal-finish pedals and interior accents, and a red/black interior color scheme. Options for the sport include heated leather seats and a power moonroof.

Under the Hood

The base model 2011 Kia Soul features a smaller 122-horsepower, 1.6-liter engine that's available only with a five-speed manual transmission. Kia doesn't anticipate selling too many of these. We wouldn't buy it, either. Most 2011 Kia Souls will feature a 142-horsepower, 2.0-liter engine, which is offered with a four-speed automatic or the five-speed manual.

1.6-liter in-line 4
122 horsepower @ 6300 rpm
115 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26/31

2.0-liter in-line 4
142 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
137 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/30

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Kia Soul vehicles for sale near you.

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2011 Kia Soul Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.5

Out of 10

Based on 221 Ratings for the 2010 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.7/10

Quality

8.4/10
Reliability

9.0/10

Performance

8.4/10
Comfort

8.6/10

Styling

8.9/10

Amazing!!!

By SMFB1986 (IA) on Tuesday, July 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 7,200

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Stands out plus a wonderful ride!!!"

Cons: "None thus far!!!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"All around amazing vehicle! The bluetooth for handless communication is clear and crisp with no distortion. The fuel efficiency is outstanding. The overall value of the car with its affordable monthly payments is incredible. The initial thing that drew me to it was when I walked on the used car lot all of the cars looked the same, this one however stood out in the crowd. After that first test drive I was completely sold. Before signing anything however I spoke with others who owned a KIA. All had nothing but wonderful feedback about them. Worst thing I was told that in 100,000+ miles the most expensive fix on their vehicle was a new set of tires. 10/10 wonderful crossover."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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GREAT CAR, CHEAPLY MADE

By zoom, no no (NM) on Saturday, July 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "GREAT GAS MILEAGE, CHEAP TO OWN"

Cons: "POOR VISIBILITY, WINDSHIELD, VERY POOR COMFORT"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"BOUGHT THE CAR IN MAY 2013. GREAT CAR. GREAT GAS MILEAGE. COMFORT IS VERY POOR. GREAT COMMUTER CAR. IF YOU TAKE THIS CAR ON A LONG ROAD TRIP, MAKE SURE YOU KNOW A GOOD CHIROPRACTOR WHEN YOU GET BACK. ITS A CHEAP CAR AND THE INTERIOR SHOWS. LOVE THE BLUE TOOTH VIA RADIO. HANDLES VERY WELL WHEN WEATHER IS PERFECT. HANDLES VERY BAD IN HIGH WINDS, DUE TO HOW LIGHT THE CAR IS, NO FAULT OF MAKER. DOES NOT HANDLE WELL AT ALL IN JUST A LITTLE MUD. WE LIKE THE CAR, VISIBILITY IS EXTREMELY POOR. OVERALL, YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR, NO COMPLAINTS. I KNEW WHAT I PAID FOR. JUST SAYING, IF YOU LOOKING FOR A ROAD TRIP CAR, KEEP LOOKING, OR U BE LOOKING FOR A CHIROPRACTOR EVERY TOWN YOU COME TO. VISIBILITY IS SO POOR, THAT YOU HAVE TO TURN YOUR HEAD TO CHANGE LANES, VERY DANGEROUS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. WOULD NOT RECCOMMEND TINTING WINDOWS. WE HAD TO REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD FIRST WEEK WE HAD IT, DUE TO A ROCK. ASAP WINDOW INSTALLER TOLD ME GET USED TO IT, THE WINDSHIELD DESIGN IS NOT WELL BUILT. CARS LIKE THE TOYOTA, NISSAN CUBE, AND OTHER CARS IN THIS CLASS, GO THRU WINDSHIELDS ALOT. OVER ALL I LIKE THE CAR. CHEAP TO OWN, GREAT ON GAS. AS IS STATED, THIS IS NOT A ROAD TRIP CAR FOR LONG TRIPS. I AM SURE IT COULD, BUT YOUR BACK AND LOWER BACK WILL SUFFER FOR IT. ROOMY AND SPACIOUS FOR A CAR THIS SIZE. JUST REMEMBER THIS IS A CHEAP BUT WELL BUILT CAR, NOT A LOT OF BELLS AND WHISTLES OR THRILLS. IT WAS MADE FOR COMMUTING AND THAT IS JUST ABOUT IT."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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space of an suv with economy of a prius

By feast that peace (OK) on Monday, July 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"i have a 6 speed stick shift with a 1.6,its base but i dont need anything fancy. we have a little girl and needed a bigger car. im 6 foot 2 and i sit pretty far back and my broter who is about an inch shorter sits behind me with a good 6 inches of extra leg room! the trunk is deep and holds a ton of stuff. i average 29mpg around town with it with the ac off, and a little over 26 with it on, and on the highway ive gotten 39mpg with the ac not running! this little car is simply perfct for what we needed. it doesnt have cruise control even though its a 2013, or keyless entry, but it has the bluetooth connect to your phone and everything else we could honestly need, with kias warranty i see no reason not to but this car, plus replacement tires are under 100!"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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I have had Tranmission problem and interior

By Bill (CT) on Saturday, July 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 33,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 3/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Like I said it is a fun car. Nice looking"

Cons: "White Stains on seats No Kia Loyalty no Cust. serv"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Interior problem: . The Seats in the car are black but if you get caught in the rain or it is winter your wet cloths turn the seats white like a stain. I have brought this to 4 dealers and they told me that it is normal for the cloth seats to get white on them! One Dealer said all cloths seats do this, I am 55 never happen to me before!! Tranny problems: When you accelerate if you want to pass someone the car does not shift correctly the RPMs go to 5-6 so you have to take your foot of the gas. This happens when you are climbing a hill too. Dealer said that is normal for this car. Other wise I love it Comfortable, alot of space for hauling large thing you purchase I like the Soul wish they stood behind it thou NOTE; Have had a case started awhile ago and still have not heard from KIA CORPORATE. ABOUT THE ISSUES...."

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Excellent car for the money!

By Dale F (NY) on Wednesday, July 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have had the car for just 1 week and I have simply fell in love with it. The gas mileage is great and it is a very easy car to drive. I have the 6 speed manual."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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