Overview & Reviews

Kia Motors is a South Korean automaker that's relatively new to the United States. In its early years, Kia largely catered to budget-minded consumers with well-equipped vehicles priced below competing models. More recently, this growing brand has kept value a priority while also emphasizing technology and sportiness.

Founded in Korea in 1944, Kia started as a producer of steel tubing and bicycle parts. The company's name has its roots in the Chinese language, and means "to arise, to come up out of Asia." By the early 1950s, the company had produced Korea's first bicycle; by the latter part of the decade, Kia had branched out into motor scooters, with the rollout of the C100.

The 1960s saw Kia expanding its lineup to include motorcycles and three-wheeled cargo vehicles. Naturally, the next logical step was automobile production, and the company began moving in this direction in the early 1970s. By 1973, Kia had built a facility designed to make its automotive dreams a reality; its Sohari plant held the distinction of being Korea's first fully integrated automobile production facility, and went on to spawn Korea's first internal-combustion gasoline engine. A year later, Kia unveiled the Brisa, Korea's first passenger car. By the end of the decade, Kia's technology was being used to manufacture vehicles like the Peugeot 604 and the Fiat 132.

By the late '80s, Kia's lineup included new models like the Concord, Capital, Potentia and Pride. In 1987, Ford brought the Pride to U.S. shores, rebadging it as the Ford Festiva. Seven years later, Ford dealers got a replacement for the entry-level, subcompact Festiva in the form of another Kia constructed product, the Aspire.

Kia finally began selling vehicles in the U.S. under its own name in the early '90s, trumpeting its presence with the introduction of the compact Sephia. The car's rollout was gradual; in the early days of its production, the Sephia was only available in select Western states. By the mid-'90s, SUVs had emerged as a phenomenally popular and profitable vehicle segment. Kia responded with the 1995 Sportage, a compact SUV. By the end of the '90s, Kia's nationwide rollout was nearly complete.

Financial difficulties in the late '90s prevented Kia from expanding its lineup beyond those two models. Hyundai, South Korea's other major automaker, acquired the company in a merger in 1998.

Kia has been on a major upswing since its purchase by Hyundai, with improvements in build quality, performance and overall refinement. Reliability, previously a weak point, has also improved markedly and consumers' confidence was further bolstered by Kia's substantial warranty program. Today, Kia is on a dramatic upswing and offers a broad lineup of well-built coupes, sedans and crossovers that stand out for their value, performance and sporty styling.

User Reviews:

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  A gamble that is still paying off - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By 1st time van owner - November 22 - 2:00 am

  We bought the Sedona because it was about $10K less than what I was going to pay for an Odyssey. People warned me about poor build quality and other things. The build quality is pretty good. You simply get a very good car for the price. Its engine is powerful enough if you dont go over 85 mph very often. The handling sucks, it feel like the suspension is well too soft or the van is too heavy. Still, we have not experienced a single problem, so I guess the gambling is paying off.

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  Fez Kia Review - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By theredfez - November 22 - 2:00 am

  We bought this vehicle just over a week ago and we love it. We have owned Jeeps and Minivans and this by far is the best for the price and best for safety. All the little nice features add up to make one great vehicle. Kia has thought of everything. Even the back seats recline to make your ride very comfortable.

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  Great Van - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By mmguard - November 22 - 2:00 am

  This is truly a pleasure to drive. We compared a lot of mini-vans before we bought and this one has the most interior room and a great warranty. The EX feels very luxurious and very solid. I recommend this mini-van 100% for quality and price.

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  Gas Mileage - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By rbiggs - November 22 - 2:00 am

  This is the second KIA that my family owns. We bought a 2003 Sedona Van and love both of them. Regarding the gas mileage,I found that the Ford Explorer with a V6 engine gets the same mileage as the Sedona and Sorento. The Chevrolet Trail Blazer also gets the same, so I feel the 15 to 20 miles a gallon is about average for a V6. also the V6 in the KIA is a larger V6 than most.

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  2004 Sorento EX - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By donjw - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Had doubts about the name KIA and after putting on over 8,000 miles on a trip we have no doubts about the name. The vehicle has performed better than expected. Only a few minor design changes would make this vehicle a perfect "10".

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  I Realy Admire my Kia - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Francis St.Jacques J - November 22 - 2:00 am

  The Sorento has gone thru one of the worst winters we have had in New England, I always made it thru the large amounts of snow with only one modification (snow tires). I needed to use 4 wheel one time but was very glad to have it when the time came. The ride quality for such an inexpensive vehicle is amazing. I have several customers that have driven my vehicle and comented on its ride,power and comfort(several Lexus drivers too)

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  I Love My KIA - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Bnkr627 - November 22 - 2:00 am

  We decided to consider purchasing SUV after using 2003 KIA as rental car for 3 weeks, while current auto, 96 Taurus SHO being repaired. Reviewed several SUVs, chose 2004 KIA EX for its style, good looks, road handling, and roominess. Much easier to get children in and out of car seats. Very affordable!

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  KIA SEDONA - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By ELVIS JIMENEZ - November 20 - 10:00 am

  THE PRICE IS RIGHT AND THE QUALITY IS ON THE MONEY

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  GSX rules - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By J. Schroer - November 20 - 10:00 am

  I have had no problems with window seals or handling with my Kia GSX it took a while to get what I wanted and I still was not able to get the ABS that I wanted.My Kia looks sharp and gets good mileage. I also have lots of room in the trunk which is a major plus. I also like the warranty that comes with it! Thank you Kia!

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  Enjoying the Ride - 2007 Kia Sorento
  By tennisfan - November 20 - 8:26 am

  Well after 2 years of ownership, I have to say its been a fun suv. The only issue ive had has been a change of the rotors at 3k miles, which was covered by the warranty. Ive had my oil changed and the 2yr service completed. Installed a pioneer head unit because I wanted ipod and bluetooth support. Sounds great with the factory speakers. Looking forward to the 2011 Sorento.