In the UK, they tend to rate highly in terms of reliability. They can’t be that differently made to the US?

For example [1], [2]

[1] https://www.warrantydirect.co.uk/blog/most-reliable-used-car...

[2] https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/guides/most-reliable-car-brands...

Our Hyundai is extremely reliable. I can only remember a single issue with it. The adaptive cruise seemed to get overwhelmed in Chicago and disabled itself.

By contrast, I have some electrical gremlin with my 2021 Ford nearly every day. Back up sensor fails to work, main screen doesn’t turn on, digital odometer doesn’t turn on, power train throws errors, mirrors don’t unfold, etc, etc. it all tends to resolve itself quickly and isn’t more than an annoyance, but it sure kills my confidence in that vehicle.

I would buy a Kia or Hyundai because I get the same level of reliability as an American car, but with more creature comforts and at a lower price point.

Because they offer better quality at lower prices for the things car buyers care about than Japanese and American manufacturers. Long term maintenance and 50k mile warranty isn't that big of a deal for people leasing cars for 3 years.

Say you want to buy a hybrid or PEV with modern creature comforts (heated steering wheel, heated/ventilated seats, car play, wireless charging, etc). If you want a Japanese car with those features you're paying for middle trim Acura or Lexus. There are not many Toyotas or Hondas that fit the bill, and the ones that do cost 5-10k more than Kia and Hyundai.

And with interest rates where they are right now, if you're leasing or financing a car that's under 5 years old you get a lot more for your money with a new Hyundai or Kia than you do Toyota or Honda.

Our 2020 Hyundai is the best vehicle we’ve owned - hands down.

Most vehicles have recalls. My 2021 Ford literally needs its entire axle replaced because the hub bolt sheers off.

As the owner of a 2017 Tucson that drinks a qt of oil every 600 miles or so, I agree. So many stories in the Hyundai / Kia Engine Failures FB group. That’s not even mentioning the downright dangerous DCT (transmission)

That's been every Honda I ever owned (88,96,01,07). I was paying minimum $2000 a year in parts for my 07 Accord when I got rid of it. It was plagued with little gremlins.

My neighbor was a mechanic and he said Honda had transition to a modular design and you could no longer replace a piece of the suspension or electrical system that was bad, you had to purchase an assembly. Which is why even minor repairs like a bad relay were $2000 repairs.

Isn't the recall a good reason for buying one of their cars?

What informs this opinion?

The biggest thing would probably be the fact that a large amount of them could be stolen with a usb-shaped dongle because the cars didn't come with immobilizers.

Okay. They underestimated the ease of theft, but that doesn’t make the car bottom tier by any means.

You must not know many people. Korean car manufacturers have high sales numbers.

https://www.goodcarbadcar.net/2023-us-vehicle-sales-figures-...

Maybe it’s a case of “nobody goes to that restaurant anymore because it’s always crowded” :)