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:

• 

  Hard to beat this KIA head to head - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By firstsergeant - July 4 - 3:01 pm

  "We bought this vehicle in 2012. My wife drives this SUV on business trips everywhere." Although, most people do not like the harsh ride, its designed to be a very stable and has a controlled stance. The engine power of the 3.5 is fine. With nearly 280 h.p. this vehicle will deliver. We have accumulated 85,000 miles so far. Its very easy on tires, brakes, and still has the original shocks and struts. The engine, transmission, and driveline are fine. The handling of the car still feels like factory new. We prefer the Bridgestone H/T 684 tires. They wear extremely well and even. The navigation, back-up feature, and interior lighting, (red) are great features. Buy one. Good for 200K.

• 

  Love this car - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Sandy - July 4 - 6:50 am

  I love my new Kia. I traded in a Toyota Sienna because I was unhappy with it. Was looking forward to the Kia and I am so pleased. Nice smooth ride, nice looking car, easy to work all the features and plenty of room for a family of 5 and all our "stuff". We spend most of our time in our car and the Kia makes it fun!

• 

  I think Kia has a winner! - 2010 Kia Forte
  By ZEBBEZ - July 4 - 6:40 am

  Picked this car up just over two weeks ago and I love it. I almost got a VW and decided for the money and other factors the KIA was the best value. So far so good, no dissapointments except for one thing. When idling, fully warmed up, im noticing a rattling. Looked at exhaust system and what not and seems solid. Sounds more like something in the engine compartment. Not a big deal, thats what warranties are for : ) Its handling is awesome, accelaration is pretty good, a turbo would do this car wonders. Definitely needs a better sound system though, kinda dissapointed in it. The little red lights are also a little cheesey but I like them sometimes (everyone feels the same)Gas is ok.

• 

  We put A LOT of miles on this van! - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By rockscryout - July 2 - 5:39 am

  Over 180,000 miles on this van and still going. I keep changing the oil and it keeps going! Ive had to replace the water pump twice and the coil packs went out so we replaced those. Air conditioner worked well up til last summer. The suspension doesnt seem to be that great and I havent sprung to replace the struts although the van needs it-- but really, how many more miles am I going to be able to put on it? Im really happy with it over all.

• 

  IM THE FUNKIEST DRIVER IN CLIFTON PARK! - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Casey - July 1 - 9:03 pm

  I just purchased my alien green Kia Soul ! and LOVE IT! Everyone at my complex loves the looks and equipment too. Its a smooth drive, plenty roomy, many fun options (especially those mood lights!) Visibility is great. I dont know what some of the reviews mean by excessive road noise over 60 mph - I dont notice anything significant and neither does anyone who has ridden with me. Good handling, quick to respond and excellent brakes! My dog, Abe, has plenty of room to stretch out and relax too - who would have thought when I adopted him that one day my dog would have a Soul? (Ha.) Id recommend this car to anyone!

• 

  Different but Nice - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By John - June 30 - 3:50 am

  I have a Chrysler Voyager Minivan, and this Rondo is the preferred vehicle of the household. Great storage space, and roomy front and back seats, even with a car seat. I love all the extras they give you with this Ex model. This has more standard features than the Voyager had, and is much more fun to drive.

• 

  Solid Dependable and Great Deal - 2008 Kia Optima
  By Douglas - June 29 - 11:30 am

  The Optima is a wonderful experience. The car drives real smooth in town and is very quiet on the interstate. It drives very solid and it is a great buy.

• 

  2006 Kia Sorento over looked - 2006 Kia Sorento
  By al kniss - June 28 - 6:23 pm

  We have driven our Kia for over 2 years and are planning another trip this winter with it. It seems rugged, comfortable and reliable to drive,

• 

  new kia - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By forestcity - June 27 - 2:00 am

  this is a nice car for the price.. i got one that is fully loaded... cannot beat the price.. i had to wait a month, because the cars with all the options are the ones that are selling..

• 

  Im a Soul Man - 2010 Kia Soul
  By NightTrain - June 26 - 2:50 pm

  I took advantage of the cash for clunkers and I went from a 98 Grand Caravan to the coolest ride - a 2010 Soul+ in Alien green. I love it. It attracts as much positive attention as would an expensive European car. Im 64" tall with long legs and I cannot believe the room inside the car. I want to wash this car often because I am happy to be seen driving it. You have to love a car when youre making payments. My wife offers to drive when we go out - thats a benefit I never had! Advertised city MPG is 25 but I average 23 MPG as a careful driver in Eco mode.