Kia Optima Brand Reputation: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Kia doesn't have the best reputation, though I get the sense that it's slowly improving. Speaking personally, I would have laughed at the idea of buying/leasing anything from Kia even three years ago. However, in that time, I've had two: a 2011 Kia Sportage EX and, now, a 2013 Kia Optima SX Limited. The mediocre brand image is a unfortunate, because if you slapped another make's emblem on this car, people would probably be absolutely gushing over it. As I said, I don't think their image is improving, though. see full Kia Optima review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
poor trade in value but intend to keep long time due to great warranty; Kia discounting cars in USA to gain brand penetration; much better priced here than in Europe for the same car. see full Kia Optima review |
Subaru Outback Brand Reputation: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
Lived up to reputation, one year 20,000 miles no repairs. see full Subaru Outback review |
2012 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
This is our 3rd Outback and 10th Subaru with ours and our kids. We love Subaru's. Safety was the reason we purchased our first Subie, a '95 Legacy, for our daughter. All wheel drive and the other safety features of Subaru sold us. We still feel like our Subaru's give us an edge in any unexpected unpleasant situation on the road. When Subaru came to the U.S., it was known for quirky fun vehicles. The Subaru's of today remain fun, but a lot of the quirkiness is gone. In design and execution, they seem more mainstream now. Our Subaru's have been reliable. The all wheel drive system seems bullet proof and with one exception the engines have been the same. Our '99 Outback has had an overheating gremlin. With normal maintenance a Subaru can be trouble free. see full Subaru Outback review |
2011 | 4dr Wagon 256-horsepower 3.6L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Most Subaru owners go back again when changing their cars see full Subaru Outback review |
2010 | 4dr Wagon 256-horsepower 3.6L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
It has engendered fierce owner loyalty. I wanted to understand that better after owning many other vehicles over 4 decades. see full Subaru Outback review |
2010 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
After reading the excellent reviews on Conumer Reports, and talking to Subaru owners I beagn to like the product. After seeing the bank for my buck value and then driving one I was sold! see full Subaru Outback review |
2010 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
Very durable and GREAT in the snow. see full Subaru Outback review |
2009 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Many independent reviewers gave it high ratings, and current owners we s/w gave it high ratings for performance & satisfaction. see full Subaru Outback review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
sturdey, reliable, lasts for ever. see full Subaru Outback review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD |
I take care of my own vehicle maintenance, and I like the reputation for longevity that the drive-train, engine components, and suspensions have. I do regular oil changes with Mobil 1 synthetic, and get 200K miles out of my cars. see full Subaru Outback review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Again, these cars are everywhere in the Northwest. This leads to wide availability of quality independent mechanics. see full Subaru Outback review |