As you know, I am a fan of the big Hyundai, the XG 350. So I couldn't wait to see what Kia (owned by Hyundai) would do, using the same platform. The formula is the same: make a car as big and as luxurious as you can, for the price of a regular mid-size car. There's nothing wrong with that.

The only thing wrong with the XG350 is the old fashion, dated design. It just looks like a previous generation Japanese car.

But WAIT!!! If you thought the Hyundai was old fashion, just take a look at this! The Kia goes so far into that concept, that its looks are truly offensive.

This huge obnoxious chrome grill tries to copy Mercedes or Jaguar. It turns out to be just plain vulgar.

The rear view is another copy. But this time, the Lincoln Town car is the victim.

The design of this car is just a horrible mess. It looks like 58 people worked on it, without ever talking to each other. Meanwhile, the main goal being: "Look expensive". It is truly a 3rd world view of what luxury is.

But it will be much better next time. The next 2005 Hyundai Sonata and 2006 XG380 look like Audis ! Let's hope Kia will follow...

The interior, looks like a smaller version of the huge Hyundai Equus. A model sold only in Korea. So, nothing new there either...

Now for the good stuff. It actually does drive like a luxury car. It is pretty soft, but not clumbsy. And very quiet. That is until you really push the engine. That's when you can tell the difference with a really smooth Japanese engine. But for most people, this will do just fine. And the interior in perfectly finished. With expensive looking materials. The rear seat seems roomier than the large Hyundai XG.

But the main draw for this car is the price. Or at least, it is supposed to be. But it starts at around $24000, and tops near $30000!!! NOT THAT CHEAP!!!

What is the point???

Why would anyone get this over an Avalon? Well, the Avalon still goes for a bit more. And, without a doubt, the Kia will be heavily discounted very soon. So there will still be a few thousand dollars difference in actual transaction prices.

But unless, you must have this car, anything else is more modern. After all, we passed 2000 a few years ago! And don't forget: what you think you save now, you will lose in resale value...