SSANGYONG consumer reviews

Eamon, County Londonderry on the SsangYong Actyon

I found this car to be very narrow in the cockpit area, which left me feeling cramped and uncomfortable when driving long distances. I also feel a vehicle of this size should come as a standard 4x4 as you are paying the same amount of road tax as them and due to its inability to drive in snow due to the back wheel drive this leaves you very vunerable to hazard, due to the size and structure of it. I also found that this car has not been designed to be a family car due to the lack of space, both in the boot and in the back passanger seats. I was very disappointed with the engine power also, as it has no turbo, which made over-taking difficult, especially when carrying passengers.

Karen, Northumberland on the SsangYong Kyron

What can I say? Comfort, style, luxury, quality, excellent value for money, very responsive, first car I’ve had with 4wd and it’s amazing, not too bad on fuel either, mine being the 2l diesel. Wow. The only fault I have with this car is the clock on the dash, I hate it being split in two, but that is my only issue, but it’s neither here nor there. Everywhere you go it attracts attention and turns heads, the amount of friends and strangers that have also complimented me on this amazing vehicle is unbelievable. I am well impressed and will recommend this amazing vehicle to all I come into contact with. If you are after a new car, don’t decide yet until you test drive one for yourself, then I guarentee you will be hooked!!! I PROMISE!!!

Annmarie, County Londonderry on the SsangYong Actyon

Does any one else have a problem with their Actyon pulling to the left? Since I bought her, brand new, she has been pullin to the left and the indicator stays on also. I brought her in for her annual service and they are going to see if she is covered. A second Actyon has come in with the same issue. There is also rust under both seats and the esp light comes on quite often!!!

Ali, Oman on the SsangYong Actyon

I also bought a Ssangyong Actyon, it’s a good car infact especially when you compare the price. My only complain is fuel consumption sucks, otherwise it’s a good car.

Neil, Staffordshire on the SsangYong Rodius

The Rodius is the worst car I have ever owned the the car is 15mths old and the list of faults is endless. 2 sets of discs front suspension, 2 rear windows, 3 radios, which they have now given up on saying they can’t get the radio any better, the air con and heating system doesn’t work properly, the paint on the unused roof bars has peeled off, airbag light on, the list goes on. I cannot get anybody from Ssangyong to stand up to their responsibilities and the garage I bought the car from (Platts of Longton) are even worse. Do not buy this model you will live to regret it!!

Ismael, Panama on the SsangYong Rexton

Exellent car, I bought My Rexton with diesel engine in April 2009. I love the way this car handles in the street. I have around 70,000 kms on the odometer. I have only spent in changing oil and filtesr when it need maintenance. I Always use the best Castrol Oil. I also use it to pull a trailer with 2 jetski without any problems. The engine has plenty of power. I recommend the Rexton to anyone who wants to have a exellent car with the feel of a expensive 4X4!

Naren, Singapore on the SsangYong Actyon

It’s got that love it or hate it looks and ... I bought one hah! And what a presence it has any where with that luscious snout and the don’t mess with me look. The old Merc 230 powerplant is quiet even when pushed. It isn’t a quick car but I’m 46...so what do I care for quick pick ups anyway? There is a fair bit of pitch and roll (duh)...its an SUV. Its stable and at 130km/h, you’re firmly planted. You don’t buy an Actyon to throw it around bends and corners you’d want a Type R Civic or Bimmer for that. The build quality isn’t Merc or Lexus but I dare say comparable with the CRVs, Tucsons, X Trails and Sante Fes.

Sefik, Turkey on the SsangYong Kyron

I have 2008 Kyron. It’s great, a reliable and very solid car with lots of luxuries. It’s also relatively silent. The only problem I had was a transmission speed sensor failure. The service guys cleaned up the wire connectors. I’m still checking the car, but so far nothing has happend and I hope will not again.

Nomal, Sri Lanka on the SsangYong Kyron

My motoring life started with a brand new Honda Civic back in the mid 80’s when I was just out of university & working my first business. Back then Honda was decisively ahead in the driving pleasure from other Japanese cars or in the price category. Back then Honda was nick named ’The Japanese BMW’ & I saw why. The next two opportunities would have it that I will end up owning used BMW. From there it would take me to Ssangyong Kyron which seemed an odd one to move on to from what I was driving. Due more to my wife’s liking of SUV’s rather than my decisiveness on the choice, here I was, with a Korean SUV, older Mercedes technology at a price of a car. Though i am more a car person for reasons of driving pleasure & handling, Sri Lankan roading does seem to suit more off road type vehicles. Few weeks on and the Kyron is growing on me. Two years and 35,000km later the vehicle has grown on me to the extent it has become my toy. The firm feel, rolling over the bumpy roads, the leathery soft feel of the 2 lire turbo diesel motor with the help of a X1R additives in the engine oil & the fuel makes the vehicle as desirable to drive as any mass produced vehicle that is on the roads of Sri Lanka today. Kyron to me means motoring pleasure without the financial extravagance & the pleasures of driving enhanced with space technology of the worlds best motor additive to make dreams come true.

Adem, Turkey on the SsangYong Rexton

The Ssangyong Rexton 4X4 is very comfortable with great safety elements. I am a Ssangyong fanatic!

Brian, Blaenau Gwent on the SsangYong Rexton II

Have absolutely no problems with this car at all!! For a big thumper it is very smooth to drive and surprisingly nippy in lower gears. Cruises effortlessly at 90+ while still offering reasonable mpg, (30+). Smooth and comfortable as a soft off-roader it also pulls my touring caravan with ease - almost as if nothing is there. I strongly recommend this wagon for anyone who wants the feel of a much more expensive 4X4.

Nigel, Cheshire on the SsangYong Rodius

When this vehicle arrived for test drive, it did look even worse than I imagined. It has a loft extension on the rear and sits on 4 skateboard wheels. That said, the inside is very roomy, I soon realised why, when I picked my first passenger, they immediately lay on the floor to avoid detection by anyone they know. I appreciate this car is cheap, but, and more importantly, the resale value of this vehicle, I truly believe would be less than 4 figures.

Steve, Herefordshire on the SsangYong Rexton II

I love mine and had no problems at all, great value for money and done 30k in a year.

Alan, Hertfordshire on the SsangYong Rexton II

18 months of total satisfaction. We have just returned from Switzerland, experiencing the heaviest snow conditions of the last ten years. The car never put a foot wrong. On the motorway it will cruise effortlessly at 90 to 100 and still return superb economy, 33 to the gallon, two up and the kitchen sink! There might be a lot of Merc technology in this vehicle but Ssangyong should be given credit for its design and build quality. I feel sorry for those who need to pay thousands extra for a star.

James, Yorkshire on the SsangYong Rodius

Can’t believe how much car you get for your money, an absolute bargain. I’ve only had mine for 3 months but it continues to impress me and so far it can do no wrong. Yes the materials used on the interior may not be up to the standard of other MPV’s on the market and there might not be as many extras fitted as standard but look at the price you’re paying and you’ll realise that you’re saving a HUGE sum of money for a car that performs well.

Sandra, Cumberland on the SsangYong Rodius

I've seen some terrible things written about this car and I have to say I think they’re very unfair. This is a brilliant car and having 4 children ranging from teenager to toddler in ages this car offers absolutely bags of space and a lot of car for your money. I've seen it being called ’hideous’ because of it’s shape but I rather like having something that looks a little different, but by all means spend another £5K on a boring Ford! Really, don’t be put off by anything you read and at least give one a test drive before making up your mind otherwise you could be passing up a real gem!

Stephen, England on the SsangYong Kyron

Hi from South Africa, Ssangyong, not a very popular vehicle in SA, it has however attracted me by the relatively cheaper price in comparison to other SUV’s. The extras are excellent, diesel power is always a better option, seeing the price of petrol in SA. 4X4 power is excellent for trekking off road in the SA bush. Very comfortable, very spacious with enormous amount of space in the boot. Definitely not a car that you see often on the road but then again, why would you want to drive the same old same old as everybody else - Service history all in order - Recommend BIG TIME!!!!!! (Had to select England - SA not available).

Robert, South Africa on the SsangYong Rexton II

First service had to change front disc pads. Changed turbo at 30,000. Endless problems with dashboard lights coming on. Dealers in SA keep saying no problems. 50,000 had to change all 4 shocks and back springs 80,000 dashboard light - "CHECK ENGINE" keeps coming on. Dealers do not know what the problem is...

Chris, Australia on the SsangYong Actyon

Found the Actyon to be a very striking car with "many what exactly is that mate?" comments. A sound quite ride and although not quick from standing start certainly happy to cruise the highways with plenty to spare. Let’s call it the poor man’s luxury car and put the savings into a boat.

Jo, Essex on the SsangYong Rexton

I bought my 07 Ssangyong Rexton 2.7 from a car dealership seven months ago. I was really pleased with it until recently when I discovered the automatic transmission was faulty. Subsequently I had to have the fault rectified which cost £2,200. I could not believe that a vehicle with a Mercedes engine and gear box with only 39,000 miles on the clock would have such a problem. The vehicle was out of warrenty and the manufacturers did not want to know. Also the whole exhaust system is knackered and needs replacing, I cannot get the system anywhere except from a Ssangyong dealer at a whopping cost of £1,260.00. Fortunately I am having a stainless steel exhaust system fitted which is a lot cheaper than the dealer quoted me. I am also very disappointed at how long it takes to get spare parts for this car. I have lost faith in this vehicle and worried about what will go wrong next. I would not buy this car again!

Lisa, Ireland on the SsangYong Rodius

I have been the proud owner of this car from new and loved the space. It has the full service history from the Ssangyong dealer. I noticed it was leaking ’something’ (could see it on the drive) and garage kept saying they couldn’t find anything. Well they just found it! It’s leaking transmission fluid and I was given a quote of $290.00 (just brought the car over to Australia). Not bad.  Then I got a phone call that the plugs are forced in and will break when they try to take them out. This is going to cost $1500.00 to repair. Also the switch for switching from sport to winter is not working and wih cost $1900.00 for the part alone plus $600.00 for labour. The leak was there for the last two full services. I’ve had previous problems with lights appearing on the dash and was just told they are over sensitive. I was also told by the dealer that they had plenty of them back with engines burning out without any warning. Loved the car for its space, but would I not recommend it.

Richard, Cheshire on the SsangYong Rexton

Well where do I start? The first time I drove a Rexton I thought great this is just what I want, it had all the luxuries that I wanted and also the power to pull horse boxes and stuff like that. I also think it’s a great looking car. The dealer back up and SsangYong’s back up is terrible; from the very beginng I have had faults such as a knocking noise on the nearside front suspension, which just went away, I found that a little worrying but what was more worrying was that the dealer had no idea what it was and that’s a big problem with SsangYong the dealers know nothing about the cars and are very reluctant to do warranty work. The major faults came after two years; Track rods worn and had to wait 3 weeks for parts the drive shaft waited 2 weeks for parts, the prop shaft only waited a week for part but my shock absorbers are knackered and I am still waiting for the parts after FIVE WEEKS and also due to the shocks having gone and that’s all of them the steering rack is faulty as well. There have been many other minor things as well. I don’t blame the dealers, there is nothing they can do it is SsangYong who is to blame. I know cars go wrong but you don’t expect to wait weeks and weeks for the parts. At this point in time I wish I had never purchased a SsangYong because of all the hassle it has given me; I have owned many cars and have never had this amount of trouble getting them fixed sure they have gone wrong but parts have always been readily available.

Wojtek, Poland on the SsangYong Kyron

Perfect family vehicle. Relaxed drive, nice comfort and huge boot. Have had it for 3 years already, only minor problems. Mine is off-road tuned with skid-plates, suspension lift and bigger O/R tires, quite capable off-road in comparison to moder SUVs. Would buy again.

Kelvin, Trinidad and Tobago on the SsangYong Kyron

I have a 2006 model Kyron and after 120000km I experienced numerous problems: AC fail, air bag fail, had to replace glow plugs as well as injectors; one glow plug was stuck in the engine. The differential fails; it seem that the Sangyong may have a defect with the differential. At this time I have to repair the engine. The service is very poor and Ssangyong agents are no help.

Marie, Derbyshire on the SsangYong Rexton

Hi! The car looks great, I have had the car for a year and had nothing but trouble with it and no one can fix it, it,s a joke! I have to take it to the specialist every time and even they can’t do anything, they can’t get the parts. Twice it’s been in now and I have found the parts for them. I have just been waiting 6 weeks now for a water pump and had enough so I tried finding the part myself; took 10 mins looking to find it, I can have it the following week, it’s a joke! Also, I noticed a few people with the knocking noise coming from the front of the car, I also have the same problem and no one can find it, has anyone found out what it is? In the last year its had more than £3500 spent on it, I took out 2 year warranty out on it, it’s a good job I did!

Ruth, Ireland on the SsangYong

I bought a 2006 rodius in December 08 with 57k km on the clock. In December 2009 I had to replace all 5 injectors at a cost of 2000 euro. Bad weather and the quality of diesel sold in Ireland and the UK was blamed. Within hours of getting the van back I was told I had major engine failure. there is 147k km on the clock. It’s out of warranty by 11 months, SSangyong won’t entertain me and won’t explain why an engine would blow just like that even when i have full service history. I’m being told my cheapest option is to replace the engine with a second hand one at a cost of approx 5000 euro. The whole saga is a farce. Beware anyone thinking of getting one of these!!!!!

Mrs, County Fermanagh on the SsangYong Rexton

This was a great car until last month when the engine went with 4 months warranty and 30,000 miles on the clock. The garage say that oil starvation caused the problem - NO WAY - we did our oil every couple of weeks and the oil light NEVER illuminated. The garage also noted this in their report to Ssangyong BUT they will not do repairs because of missing service which would of made no difference as it obviously is a fault with this car. If anyone has any advice it would be appreciated. PS The garage is looking for £3,700 to repair the damage!

Ian, Neath Port Talbot on the SsangYong Rexton

I own a Rexton 2.7, 06 plate I bought from new with 28,766 on the clock. There is a noise coming from the nearside front wheel and the car feels like its got a puncture. When I try to brake the pedal feels like there is a stone in the pads and the esp warning light and buzzer sounds. I have taken it to a local garage but nothing comes up on the diagnostic machine. The noise is not there all the time, it varies. Does anybody know what it could be as the car has been a good tow car and that is the only problem I’ve had?

Wayne, Australia on the SsangYong Rexton

I bought my Rexton-II LTD in 2006 and have only done 61,000km but have had zero issues with it. Indeed I yesterday returned from an 8,000km trip in extremely hot temperatures (up to 45C travelling at 120kph across the Nullabor). My only "extras" are air bag assistance on the rear suspension to stop it bottoming with a load on and fitment of aftermarket shock absorbers as the front and rear suspension damping was a bit out of phase. I usually change vehicles every 18 months but I like this one too much. As an asked I also have a Musso Sports I bought new in 2007 (as a runout special) and it too has been trouble free and extremely comfortable. I belong to the Australian Ssangyong Club Forum ( http://tinyurl.com/292lb6 ) and there is no incidence of engine failure on Rextons here in Australia.

Paul, England on the SsangYong Rexton

Great car with plenty of room. The suspension is a little bouncy, but I found this to be sorted when I changed to 20" low profile tyres (looked better also).

Rich, Herefordshire on the SsangYong Rodius

I was sorry to hear the problems some people have had as I’ve done over 75,000miles in mine and only had a few minor problems with ’startrek’ Cobra key fobs and the transmission oil leaking back into the drive control box. Let me share with you that the dealership service manager (Neil) came to my house from their base in Northampton with the little parts to set up the key and decoder as new and only charged for the parts - £20. The oil was more troublesome, but it happens to all the same engines/gearboxes at Mercades too. I covered my cost with a transporter to the local dealership after my local garage could fill the transmission box back up with a kit from the web, (Japanese parts on ebay, I think) new seals and plugs at only £50 and another £50 for the second recovery, plus one hour’s labour to check levels and reset the system with the Ssangyong coding machine costing £35. I’ve had it running constantly through France to Spain on a full tank without a hitch, overheat or blip. I scrapped the cd changer as it always jumped and fitted a 5 screen DVD player system with reversing camera and intgrated SD card MP3 system and no-one gets bored on a long journey. I kept the original radio for the sat nav in the front and added speakers and sub base for the rear. An added bonus is being able to take the back seat out when getting  duty free from France - I run out of money before I run out of space! Regarding the queries I read on the 4x4 not ’locking in’, it’s not supposed to, it’s called All Wheel drive, even on winter setting, and switches it in and out of 4x4 as needed. All 4 lock in on low ratio in the snow etc., find a steep muddy field and try it out. With regards to trade in value, what do you want from it? It was cheap at the begining and should be written off at about £3k per year, so in 6 years worth 2.5 tonnes of scrap steel at the end of the day. Get real, it’s still worth more if you broke it down as second hand parts. And finally as to the shape, if you look from the side its an equally geometric set of circles and arches within a ’rectangle’ with the screen taken off the front and no different to the Merc 570/470, which it copies and is equally as ugly. I had Seat Toledo’s before and every taxi company had them. I’ve had an Octavia RS before Skoda became cool and were used by the Police. And It looks like I’ve chosen well again in the Rodius. So my next car will be.... Happy & Safe Driving!

Nunu, Botswana on the SsangYong Rexton

The vehicle is good on the road, but the first few months after purchase the check engine light was continously on. The local dealer couldn’t solve this problem, but I did, the problem was the burnt connecting block cable near the gear box. This year the issue was noise in the front that sounded like damaged CV’s. Both the CV’s were changed, but the noise remained. The dealer suspected the front propeller shaft, but guess what? I later discovered it to be a loose chain in the gear transfer box. which just need to be replaced. This can occur when you have pulled heavey things or having locked the 4x4 several times.

David, England on the SsangYong Rodius

Well, all i can say is we bought this vehicle to travel to and from Spain, it has never let us down and runs perfectly, we are now on 22,000 miles and being fully loaded both ways this car is a true work horse and all the interior plastics are still unmarked and exterior is unmarked. No other car could hold the people and bagagge that this does and I have owned cars costing double the price of this. Never have so many people asked me can thay have a look inside and how they like it, would certainly buy a new one.

Martin, County Fermanagh on the SsangYong Rexton

I can not agree with the report of the person with two Rexton, first of all because I own Ssang Yong Korando, RextonI, RextonII, Kyron and a Rodius/Stavic, all of which are excellent cars. All the aforementioned cars operate in Peru, South America and believe me, road conditions as well as weather conditions are more extreme than any other country! I can compare each of these models to other brands and can only say that no other brand in our market can compete or compare itself to this beautiful and wonderful German technology, all of which is Mercedes-Benz. I have driven with these cars as high as 5,500 metres above sea level at speeds of 170 - 180 km/h where no other machine will hold or endure this kind of treatment. I just think that the person with two Rexton does not know how to take care of his cars, probably due to general ignorance, there is a thing such as service booklet as well as minimal common sense on how to take care of a car!

Sandra, Wales on the SsangYong Rexton II

The car is only 36 months old and fully serviced but we can’t get the glow plug out! Mileage is only 28,541...

Trish, Cardiff on the SsangYong Rexton

I have had my Rexton 2.7XDI for two years. When I bought it a few people looked at me as if I had lost the plot, but after various discussions about the car I won them round, after having spent ages reading the reviews on them! Okay it’s big and cumbersome to some people but I love it! It was bought to tow my caravan and boy does it do that well. I never worry about my van on the back ’cos the Rexton just does the job. I would recommend any caravanner to get one, as it is as good as any Range/Landrover, is half the price and has a Mercedes engine plus all the gadgets! It’s also a head turner ’cos there aren’t many of them on the road, but I have to say I am seeing a lot more now, perhaps because Ssangyong are setting up more dealerships in the UK? So reliable,I love it big time. Even on a long journey (work 44miles from home) it’s still comfortable. It’s not the quickest of motors to pull away from other quickly driven cars, but once at speed does very well. Love mine to bits!

Harris, Indonesia on the SsangYong Rexton II

Total satisfaction except for problems with the dealer and garage over repairs.

Christine, County Fermanagh on the SsangYong Rodius

I bought this car in March 1998 when it was 8 months old with 13k on it and I’ve had it for 4 years now and I love it! I have 5 kids ranging from 7 to 14 years and I love the space, love the drive and love the look of the car. It has bags of power and a great driving position. My only complaint would be that it is hard on diesel, giving about 30 miles per gallon, which isn’t bad really considering the size of the engine and the car. I’ve never had any problems with the car. It went through it’s first MoT and it did need shocks and a track rod end, but I previously had a SEAT Alhambra and a Ford Galaxy before the Rodius and spent similar money on them. I would definitely buy another Rodius. Love it!

Peter, Lanarkshire on the SsangYong Rexton

The Rexton looks good, there is a new 4x4 on the block. The Hyundai Terrecan is also a great 4x4.

Martin, Nottinghamshire on the SsangYong Kyron

This is a really great car, great to drive and very reasonable to run. Looks good and you’re not likely to see one everytime you turn a corner. Well done Ssang Yong.

Kim, Staffordshire on the SsangYong Rexton 11

Having now given up on Land Rover because of mounting repair costs I needed a car that could tow my horse box and also be a comfortable family car. The Rexton II does this and in style! Don’t be sucked in by a badge name. This is a hidden gem in the 4x4 market. Top marks!!

Tam, England on the SsangYong Rexton

We purchased two Rextons in April 2006 - each engine in both cars has blown up - each vehicle has been serviced every six months at an average cost of £450 - The first car was fixed within warranty by NMG motors Norfolk, but was off the road for six weeks whilst waiting for spare parts - NMG and SSangyoung did not provide a loan vehicle so we hire a vehicle which cost us over £1500. The second vehicles engine has now blown up and SSyangyoung and NMG refuse to fix it landing us with a £10,300 bill for the repair. Their argument is that the vehicle which has done 40K should have been serviced every 6000 miles or every 7 weeks weeks our mileage at an average cost of £450 This is not what the salesman told us - he told us to service every six months, which we already thought was high and this is what we have done. The second vehicle which is now an effective right-off after 14 months is sitting at NMG - Wait for it - We received back the first vehicle with a new engine - I took it to a car wash and in the process the rear spoiler got caught, the window smashed and the spoiler damaged - the vehicle waited 4 WEEKS for a replacement rear window and is currently still with the garage for a further 3 weeks waiting for a spoiler part. Luckily this time the insurance is paying for a car. We have pleaded to SSangyoung UK and they refuse to take responsibility for the engine blowing up We did a ring round of SSangyoung dealers and found that this engine issue in not uncommon. Be very careful if you are considering purchasing this vehicle - We can only regret our decision.

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