The attention the car gets is borderline ridiculous. I have not gone a single day since owning it without someone making comments or going crazy over it.
At Walmart one day last week there were a group of young Marines standing around their Civics (I assume it's a club). I parked about 100' from them. They saw the car and all came over and walked around it while snapping pictures. One yelled out "sick fucking car, bro!". I felt bad because I had no interest in chatting with them, so I said thanks and drove off.
Any time I drive on base when the traffic at the gate isn't bad I get questioned by the MPs about the car.
While sitting in the car at work Friday I had someone walk all around the car trying to figure out what it was (I don't think he knew I was in it). When he got to the front he yelled out "oh my god, Kia!" to his buddy that was behind the car. I actually made a video of this incident and sent it to my wife so she could get a laugh.
Speaking of my wife, she went to a gas station close to the house Saturday and a few people were talking to her about the car. One of the guys said "I don't want to sound creepy but I actually followed you here to see what it was".
Those are just a few incidents over the last few days. Like I said, it's insane! But as for the original question, I've never received a thumbs up.
*Edit: Two more in the last 20 minutes.
Front gate MP: "is that the new Kia Stinger? That is sexy as hell!"
And gas station lady: "What kind of car is that? Those lines are amazing!"