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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  Much improvement over my 2002 - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Jeff - May 3 - 6:16 am

  I was not as happy with my 2002 Kia sportage Ex 4x4. I was looking at honda crvs when I heard of the new 2005 Sportage. Almost certain I wouldnt buy another one I went and test drove one. First of all it looks more expensive than my 2002. It is built much better and more expensive interior parts are used. I am amazed at what I got for $21,000. (and yes this is the top of the line model!) Lets just hope its better mechanically than my old one. Only time will tell.

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  Practical SUV - 2007 Kia Sportage
  By rogerdar - April 29 - 1:33 am

  I researched several small suvs and decided on the Sportage. It is very nimble in curvy mountain driving, and excellent in climbing grades with the alternate manual shift feature. It gets excellent mileage for a 6 cylinder car (20 around town; 25 on the highway at 70 mph), and cruises well on long distance drives. While there is some road noise on some road surfaces, it is not a major problem. I recently had to move quite a few large boxes and was able to accommodate them in the vehicle with all but the drivers seat laid flat. A nice feature.

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  Love it! - 2006 Kia Sorento
  By Laney - April 27 - 11:50 am

  I absolutely love this car! Everyone stops me and cant believe its a Kia, it looks more like the Acura SUV, at a fraction of the price. Gas isnt great but what SUV is. My mom is buying the same car now and my friend is even looking into it. Fabulous!

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  Outstanding! - 2008 Kia Optima
  By Outstanding!!!! - April 26 - 12:13 pm

  I bought this car instead of the Ford Fusion and Chevy Impala. I could see the quality in the car. The lower price sealed the deal. The engine was clean and sounded good. I like the dual auto/manual shifting. I had 2 Toyota Corollas and this is much better. Better comfort than my Crown Victoria. A/C system is stronger than the Crown Vic. The increased MPG from my Chevy S10 will take me one month without fill ups or 512 miles. Thats great for a long trip. The 2.4 liter is surprising nice and can handle almost anything. I think this car is a winner for the price. I thank God i live in America where we can chose our best values. Kia Optima definitely is a good car. With 42K it looks like new.

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  Best Small Wagon for The Money - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By amirek - April 26 - 10:06 am

  Prior to purchasing this car, I had a 2006 model, which was a spectacular car. I never would have guessed that the 2007 model could top it, but it did! The exterior and interior have some great new accents - minor changes, but wow! Especially the interior - silver accents on the dash, armrest controls, and door handles give the black interior a touch of class. The speedometer has a new look, too, and its easier to read at night. I havent measured, but I think the 2007 has a bit more clearance. Ive not bottomed-out on any potholes yet. Best of all, theres a bit more space both through the hatch and the rear passenger doors. I can fit my folding tables in the 2007, not the 2006. Awesome!

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  What A Honey Of A Car!! - 2003 Kia Rio
  By Picky Woman Driver - April 26 - 2:00 am

  My "silver chariot" is the sweetest car I have ever owned and I have had plenty cars over the years. I love to park it next to a Saab, Audi or VW sport wagon, for it looks better than all of them. I look at its reflection in store windows and admire it constantly. It drives and handles like a sports car. What a surprise at such an economical cost.

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  I Love It But........ - 2008 Kia Sedona
  By Kirstin - April 23 - 9:00 am

  It has great "get up and go", which I wasnt expecting in a vehicle this size. There is storage galore, all seats are easily reclined, folded, tumbled, removed, etc. Very sharp/sporty looking exterior, especially with the roof racks. Now for the "buts", which are only 2 so far: About 25 minutes into our drive home from the dealer, we noticed a rattle, or vibration in both the sliding doors which got worse and worse. By the time we got home an hour later, the rattle was pretty much constant, even over bumps as small as seams in the pavement, and sewer lids. Were going back to the dealer tomorrow for that, and because the cd player doesnt work, which probably just means a new stereo.

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  2002 Kia Sedona - Great Value - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By tennmows - April 22 - 10:46 am

  Purchased Kia Sedona based upon the great price and features it offered. Most other minivans with Rear Air Conditioning (needed for young children) were around $22,000 - $24,000. Only complaint is that on the EX model, it doesnt have keyless entry and the "unlock all door" feature only works on the Driver Side door (which differs from what the owners manual says). Other than that we have been pleased with the van.

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  Mr - 2001 Kia Sportage
  By Paul Thandi - April 21 - 10:00 am

  By the way, my other vehicle is a Mercedes M430 which, the pile of crap, has had more problems than my Sportage. Actually, the Kia is my wifes but I dont mind driving it at all. It is sooo much fun. Trust me, the other suvs arent much better. Ive owned 7 and this one is the most fun.

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  Saved by my KIA - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By tony m. - April 21 - 8:36 am

  My wife and I bought our Sorrento by total LUCK!! She saw one, told me about it,and as they say "The rest is history." We did extensive research on it,and felt we couldnt lose. Unforunately,we were slammed on the left side at approximately 40-45 mph knocking us over. The other vehicle as well as my, sorento was totaled and my wife,son(6yrs),myself not a scratch. If safety is a priority,then fear not,We can vouch for it.Safety,looks,overall quality, rest assured WE WILL BUY ANOTHER SORENTO!! Remember at one time Honda was a laughing stock in the car community. If Kia stays on course with their products,they will soon be at the top. Thanks KIA!! Sincerely!!