I picked up my 99 Carnival just under $4000 nearly 2 years ago and despite the car getting a lot bad reviews I am realy pleased with the way drives, handles, etc. The motor in this car is fantastic as it's economy is still very good and is also very reliable after 11 years and 146,000kms. I've had late model Falcons less reliable than this van, so i think i will be holding onto it for sometime. I always say if you treat the car well it will treat you well.
Plenty of space, good economy fuel wise, very easy to drive.
Little awkward to see out the rear, engine sometimes revs a little high.

kia ripped us all off - class action launching VERY SOON
to register go to www.kiacarnivaldisaster.com or email [email protected]
makes a great cubbyhouse for the kids
useless as a car as the engine keeps exploding

The Kia carnival is fairly simple to drive, albiet with a wide turning circle. The engine is powerful enough for the cars size (besides a slight decrease in acceleration when fully loaded).
However don't buy one, kia carnival engines can crack within a few thousand Ks causing them to have engine oil in the coolant water ad water throughout the engine.
Layout, fairly large leg room, quiet engine, nice to drive... however
Majority of kia carnival 2001-2003 models have an engine defect that causes the engine to die within a few thousand kms. This fault is widely known but is not reported to kia carnival drivers. Kia motors australia does not take responsibility easily

We got this as a family car, not being able to afford the more popular brands such as the toyota. This car spent more time at our mechanics then it did with us, as my dad likes to joke we probably funded the mechanic a few good holidays that year. It was very unreliable, always breaking down. We travelled to QLD from NSW and it broke down on the way home and we had to catch a plane back home. We spent way more repairing this car then it was even worth and in the end we had to trade it in as there was no way of selling it privately, you wouldn't wish it upon anyone!

Very good car, nice and solid, sits well on the road, good price compared to others at the time and car always look good in traffic.High seating helps you to see ahead in the traffic, bit like a 4wd hight .Lots of room, easy to take away on trips.
Lots of room, feels solid, good to drive, sit up high, every thing inside you need
can be a big car, but you do get use to it

thankyou for all the honest reviews on here.
i was going to buY a 2nd hand newer model carnival as the dealership(& a few friends)have said hyundai now make the carnival motors(& i havnt had a problem with my 04 hyundai @ 80,000kms yet)so i was just asuming that the new kia motors would be the same.
so glad i googled first you have all made my mind up for me.
NO KIAS EVER,ID RATHER SQUASH THE 4 KIDS IN MY 4WD 4 EVER THAN HAVE A CHEAP KOREAN PIECE OF CRAP!)
i cant believe they have got away with ripping off so many people & now they are trying to bring down hyundai with them.
i hope more people camplain so fair trade listen.
good luck every1!
the look of the new model grand

Just 12mths after purchasing a 2001 kia carnival the engine needs replacing. Was told when purchased it had just had a new engine.
Not impressed as this seems to be a problem experianced by many who have purchased this car. Do not buy a kia carnival!!!
room

Kia Carnival 1999 model - just reached about 100 000 kms and sterted developing engine troubles. Engine repairs (water mixing with oil) had cost me over R50 000 in repairs already and is still broken. Car is good enough for a bond fire. My moral principles do not allow me to sell the car to anyone else. I doubt that the scrap yard would want it. I would rather spend more when buying the car and have peace of mind motoring. Kia - never ever again. Biggest rubbish you can ever buy.

theese cars are total rubbish! brought 2000 model in 2009 for 11,000 yes riped off! only to find out that they have problem arter problem, 2 motor in it. it did not suit me. I spent a whole day going to car dealers getting offered only $3.000 or laughed at they wont touch them! i'm now stuck with it. My advice to anyone looking at buying one DONT! run run away fast!
there are no pros to a kia carnival 2000
dislike everything

unless you want to be left with a big bill and no car, run as fast as you can away from a kia!
lots of space
the motors blows up, Kia dont care!

This is the 3rd Carnival we have owned starting from 200 up until now. Each Carnival has had its problems from Throttle to the latest which has had the "diff" replaced just short of the expiry of the warranty. Each time we have brought it to the attention of Kia (bendigo) and it has been fixed without hassle. Basically you get what you pay for. I am happy that i got what I paid for and what I got suited my needs and budget. I can't afford $50,000 + for a Tarago that does the same thing. I feel for those who have had major problems but I believe they are improving as time goes on.
Spacious, Cheap to buy, good ride, good towing, comfortable
Tyre wear. Build Quality

KIA - NEVER AGAIN and would NEVER recommend to others. Can't even onsell if we want to sleep at night!!!!!!
Size and initial cost.
ENGINE! Absolute crap! Don't have any confidence when driving this vehicle. Had Tribunal fight with car yard. Never ending problems with engine (replaced not even one year into vehicle purchase - 2nd hand); now gear box playing up and all sorts of ongoing hassles. FAMILY CAR my foot!

These cars are one fat RIP OFF, leaves our family without a car so I wonder how my kids are gonna get to day care or school!!!
Space inside for my family of 6
OIL MIXED WITH COOLANT AFTER JUST 90,000KMS!