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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  No LEDS? or DRL? - 2016 Kia Sorento
  By joewat - July 2 - 1:46 am

  We just purchased a 2016 Kia Sorento SX V6 model and for the most part are really impressed with the vehicle. I could go on a write about great everything is but there are small details that I am really upset about. One of them being the lack of interior lights on the sunroof/reading lights. They do not light up and can be very hard to see at night. I know it’s small but when spend this kind of money that’s something you would expect. My 2010 VW has it. The biggest complaint has to do with the Lack of Daytime Running lights. There are none. Your options are “auto” which turns on everything when it gets dark, or you have to manually turn on your lights for daytime. Really Kia? No LEDs on a 20

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  Poor road mileage - 2011 Kia Optima
  By ernesto109 - July 1 - 5:44 am

  We have had this car for two years and took it on the first road trip in January, 2013. We drove 6500 miles to Florida and back to the west coast. The average road mileage for the entire highway portion of the trip was 25.7mpg. We checked each tank and the mileage ranged from 24.3 to 27.4. However, the mileage shown on the car computer showed between four and five miles per gallon better that the actual calculations. The car is rated at 34 mpg, so this was very disappointing. The factory will do nothing about it, even though they have given compensation to other Kia model owners. The dealer we purchased it from will not even acknowledge my complaint letter.

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  What a hunk of junk - 2000 Kia Sephia
  By Mike - June 29 - 6:06 pm

  By the time I bought my Sephia new in Sept 2000, Consumer Reports had already slapped the tag worst car ever made on it. Had to have the fuse box in the engine compartment replaced because it melted. Annual brake work, emergency brake cable snapped, sun visor spring snapped, inside driver door handle snapped, battery died, new tires every 18 months, its LOUD, struts were in dire need of replacement at the time I dumped it. Thankfully I had a base model, or Im sure Id be sitting here reporting A/C, automatic transmission, and power lock/window problems, too.

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  Good cars dont need big warantees - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By R - June 29 - 2:53 pm

  1 year of ownership + 12 times to the dealership to fix engine problems + gutless kia staff not owning up to design flaws = BIG TIME LEMON CAR. Before purchase you better read up on your states lemon laws.

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  Red Runner - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By poochie0513 - June 29 - 11:26 am

  In having my Kia for almost 5 years now, I can truly appreciate it. Gas mileage is wonderful and even without scheduled maintenance from time to time, its a tough little car. It was announced totaled a few years back and still ran strong w/ no problems or major issues. I love this little car and would purchase another if needed.

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  Nice car - 2011 Kia Forte
  By Rick - June 29 - 10:09 am

  Nice car, purchased new in 2011. No problems!! Gas mileage is disappointing, only 31-32. Does not have a "engine temperature" gage only an "idiot light".

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  Are You Kidding Me?? - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By teeman - June 28 - 5:46 pm

  I got the first 2011 Sportage in this area. It is an EX AWD model, 18" wheels, 6 spd automatic, 4 cyl 176 hp engine. The ride is great, handling and power far better than my previous vehicles, Found this SUV while actually looking at another make. It was just off the delivery truck and not even on the lot yet. The appearance of this car is outstanding. I enjoy getting all the looks while driving around town. Am looking forward to this winter when I can get out on the roads. Have only had it for a week or so, getting 22 mpg in city driving.

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  Best Investment - 2001 Kia Rio
  By HappyRioOwner - June 28 - 10:00 am

  I live in city and this car is perfect for parking. Gas mileage is wonderfull and I have never had to take it to the dealership for repairs. I love my Rio!

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  Happy Aussie Convert - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Aussie Convert - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Like everyone in the US when a friend suggested I look at the Kia Sorento I said what?? Kia?? they only make cheap cars dont they?? cheap is right the Sorento is $10,000 cheaper than its nearest rival. Sorentos are only available in Australia with every option except leather & sunroof which I opted for. Love the looks, ride, warranty & value for money.

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  Good car, good price - 2007 Kia Sorento
  By dwl6396 - June 28 - 8:20 am

  You can get more car for the money with the Kia Sorento. The drive is very smooth and it looks great. It has one of the best warranties, which is nice. Only downside I can think of is the fuel economy, but even that isnt terrible compared to other SUVs.