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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  As named, a Sporty SUV - 2017 Kia Sportage
  By Rus Johnson - February 11 - 10:31 am

  I already have a Sorento so as a commuter vehicle for myself, I wasnt looking for lots of family room. Also, Im not young anymore, but not quite dead yet, so the radical sporty lines on the 17 Sportage were very appealing to me. I just got the EX model, and although I would not challenge any high end power cars out threre, it does zip nicely through traffic and allows for some competitive driving. The suspension is very stiff, lending to excellent road handling. I drive in Europe several times a year and often rent the BMW X3. Ive got to say, the Sportage handles every bit as well. The interior is great looking and ergonomic. I cant speak for reliability as I have not had the vehicle long enough, but you cant beat the long term warranty. For those in my neck of the woods, I have to stick a plug in for Mike at KIA Smithtown NY. He made the purchasing process a pleasure.

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  Smart Shopper - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Smart Shopper - February 8 - 10:00 am

  We have owned our Sedona for 1.5 years and came very close to the Honda Odyssey but in the end went with what would suit our budget best. The van has been reliable and easily fits adults and carseats without crowding. We have had to use the warranty a few times and had to shop for a dealership/service dept who would accomodate the repairs without hassle. If you have time for the occassional repair of a power seat or heater fan then it is well worth the extra effort for the extra savings.

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  Very Pleased - 2004 Kia Optima
  By billnel - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Looked at the Optima as a last resort as a more resonable alternative to the higher priced imports and have been more than pleased with my decision. Excellent price, outstanding warranty, and best dealership support Ive seen. You a get a lot of car for the price. I would recommend this car to anyone looking at the higher priced foreign imports and domestics.

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  Very Happy Soul - 2011 Kia Soul
  By wvjefo - February 7 - 11:31 pm

  Bought my Soul + July 16, 2011 and two weeks later took it on 12 day vacation. Drove to Florida and back. NOT one problem. Soul handled the highway very well, handling, acceleration, steering. We got just under 30 mpg most of the time but our average speed was closer to 70 than 55 & the AC was almost always on. The interior space was great, The Soul swallowed our suitcases. Things did start to get tight at the end of the trip. The girlfriend loves to buy souvenirs. I am still trilled by the bells & whistles, the bluetooth, USB port & radio work perfectly together. The girlfriend is much less of a Honda fan now.

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  Wanted one for years - 2008 Kia Sorento
  By Gary L. - February 7 - 11:03 am

  This is not your typical Kia. With 242 horsepower this truck comes with lots of power, I was very impressed with the acceleration ability of this vehicle. Roars like a truck! Not annoying loud, just loud enough to remind you every time you start it that this is not a crossover SUV. Very stylish and fun to drive.

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  I like the kia - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By lidy - February 5 - 10:00 am

  I like the Kia Sedona because it drives well and the van is comfortable and I can fit 3 car seats. The only problem I have had with the car is the check engine light would come on due to not putting the gas cap on and turning it 3 clicks. Over the last year this has happend four times.

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  Good little car for the money - 2000 Kia Sephia
  By warrtaylor - February 4 - 7:00 am

  I drove this car as a commuter car 100 miles a day round trip. Rear defrost, radio, and the blower motor have gone out. The rear brakes squeal like mad, even when new and the E-brake sticks. Timing belt went out at 100,000. Front wheel bearings are pretty loose. The only thing is, I only paid $3000 for it. Other reviewers seem to of been expecting a Honda or even a Toyota. This car is neither. Its a Kia and it is cheaply made (big surprise!), but if you are willing to put up with some minor annoyances, this car will get you from point A to Point B at least til 100,000 miles. Ive probably only spent about $1000 in unusual maintainance. I consider it a great investment.

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  So far so good - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By BBiggs - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I have only had this van since May. So far its good. I am very unhappy with the gas mileage. I love the rest!!! It is our first minivan so I might not be helpful. I love it though. I love driving it. It is so easy to get a 3 yr. old and newborn in. I now have plenty of room for a double stroller after having a Kia Spectra previously.

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  Great value & safe for my kids! - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Robin - January 31 - 6:46 pm

  The only thing I dislike about the performance of my 2005 Sedona is the gas mileage. I got better mpg in my old SUV. However, the 10 year warranty, low price and roominess of the interior sold me on the Sedona. I love the captains chairs in the middle, but sometimes it makes it harder for the kids to squeeze into the 3rd row. The bench seat would have been a better bet. As for reliability, I have driven 8,000 miles in the last 8 months since purchasing this van. I havent had any trouble whatsoever. I love my Kia!

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  Just Purchased - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By PatsFan - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Luxury Group and ABS for 25,485..500 dollars overinvoice..Had TO haggle dealers in Boston area...Herb Chambers was the best on price..Boch was horrible..Stay away from them. They wouldnt come down on price at all.They are actually trying to sell them for 2% over sticker price.