Thread: First 24 Hour Impressions of my new 2013 Kia Soul +

Of course owning a car for only 24 hours is not a long time at all. But first impressions are important in most things in life. So I figured I'd write up a small review of my first impressions after owning my new car for 24 hours.

First, let me say my previous 3 cars were a 93 Honda Civic, 97 Nissan Altima, and 06 Mazda6, so going to a Kia Soul is a bit of a jump for me. I liked the car as soon as I sat it in, prior to buying it. Once I took one for a test drive I knew it was made for me. I got it in the Moss color which is a unique shade you don't see very often, even on other Souls, which I like. Everyone around here drives white, black, or silver, which is so boring.

I think the car drives very nicely. I've heard complaints about round noise...and I personally think it's very quiet. The ride is smooth, visibility is fantastic, and it handles very nicely. For a boxy car that looks like it could topple over from making tight turns, its grip on the road is very nice. I was never a fan of the boxy car look, but when the Soul came out in 2010 I was a bit curious about it. Over time the looks grew on me and now I absolutely love it. So far I don't regret my purchase one single bit! The seats are comfortable, the sound system is pretty good, and although cargo space is a bit small, it's adequate for what I use it for. I just really could not be happier with the car I bought! With each car I've owned before it, I was a bit regretful after purchasing them as they weren't really what I wanted but couldn't be too picky as they were all used, and the first two were bought for me. This 2013 Kia Soul is my first brand new car purchase and I cannot find one single thing I dislike about it. Having Satellite Radio is awesome, Bluetooth works perfectly, and the car I got has the Eco Package with Idle Stop & Go, which I admit I was hesitant about at first but after seeing it in action it's actually a pretty cool feature!

All in all, this car was the perfect car purchase for me. Admittedly it's not for everyone, but one more thing I must say, is this car is an absolute PLEASURE to drive. I actually enjoy driving for once. Maybe in about 6 months I will repost with 6 month impressions, but I have never had such great things to say about any previous car I've owned and it feels fantastic knowing my biggest purchase of my life this far has been with zero regret!

Originally Posted by evoxpisces

All in all, this car was the perfect car purchase for me. Admittedly it's not for everyone, but one more thing I must say, is this car is an absolute PLEASURE to drive. I actually enjoy driving for once. Maybe in about 6 months I will repost with 6 month impressions, but I have never had such great things to say about any previous car I've owned and it feels fantastic knowing my biggest purchase of my life this far has been with zero regret!

I've had my 2013 Soul+ for almost exactly 6 months, and still enjoy driving it to work every day. Haven't had any issues with it so far, and have added the auto-dimming mirror with compass, splashguards, hood deflector, and an SSD strut tower brace. Oh yeah, and I also ordered a real spare tire to arrive tomorrow - I drive 30+_miles each way to work and I don't like the thought of not having a spare tire.

We still enjoy taking our 2012 Soul! Out for drive. As to that square top might tip over thing let me say that my Soul passed the best test in the SF Bay Area with flying colors. It drove the world's worst banked curves on squiggly Highway CA-17 from San Jose (where I-880 ends) over the coastal range to Santa Cruz. I aware the curves on that road are engineered backwards. My whole life there have been deadly auto accidents & trucks tipping over than any other hwy I know of. Took the road just fine & never felt like we were loosing control.

Enjoy your Soul!!! Get out & drive!


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Originally Posted by evoxpisces

and although cargo space is a bit small, it's adequate for what I use it for.

I presume you know about the under floor cargo storage

14 months on mine and no problems.

Congrats, pisces. I was checking out Souls for about nine months before I finally popped for one. The seating, storage, and drivability made the deal. I was also looking at Fortes but the Soul is a more compelling package in many ways.

Enjoy your ownership experience.

I have been driving my Soul + since Aug. I try to find excuses just to go for a drive. My husband still can not believe how much I wash it. Love it, love it !!!!!

It's fun to drive, especially when Active Eco is off :P

Gonna hit a year old in 10 days on my '12 Soul+. I have put on 30,000 miles on it and thoroughly enjoy driving it today just as much as I did the day I turned out of the dealership's driveway with it.

Nothing better than cruising in the summer with the sunroof open, some metal blaring, and the open road ahead.

Yep I know about the extra cargo space underneath. Just saying compared to an SUV it's got a small cargo area. But I'm completely fine with it, I wanted a small car. I love everything about the Soul. Even my parents and girlfriend love it. Funny considering them were all opposed to me getting it because it looked too small and was "ugly" but they love it! Ha!

that's happened to me, some people that I mention what I bought have no idea what it is from the name, but when they see it they know, but many think its way too small, till you get them to sit in the front and back seats and then you see them change there mind - "wow, can't believe how much head and foot room there is for such a small car" - then you get the usual questions, how is on gas? how comfortable is it? how much cargo space?
I show them the UVO with back-up camera which impresses a lot of people and when I turn on the radio and they hear the sound from the the 8 speakers Usually can't get over how much equipment it has and when I tell them it has heated seats standard, many like that. Had a guy who owned a high end BMW telling me how much he liked my 18" alloys.