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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  Kia Spectra5 - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By KentuckyRanger - September 12 - 6:20 am

  I purchased the Spectra 5 about 2 months ago and so far the car has performed excellent. The performance is what youd expect from a 2L 4 cylinder engine but as far as the drivetrain, everything runs smooth as silk. The power band of the engine is quite linear and the transmission shifts are smooth and precise. Its taken about 4k miles for the millage to come up and so far with about 5k miles its averaging 31 mpg, not too bad. The ride is superb and the noise level rivals much bigger luxury cars as well. If you close your eyes while riding down the interstate youd swear you where in a much bigger car. The Spectra 5 also has a stout secure feel to it while driving, very solid with excellent feedback.

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  Have to agree with other Kia owners - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By mishimin - September 11 - 11:50 pm

  I love the design and handling of this vehicle. Down fall is back door is heavy and must be slammed in order to be closed. I have gone through 2 sets of tires on the front in a 1year, brakes and alternator went out on the same week so that was costly. Kia puts in ceramic breaks which cost more and was told by dealers and repair shops Kias alternators are infamous for failing so you must put in a new one or that one will go bad. Have had 2 new batteries. Front end, paint and windows are new due to a hurricane so I wont replace that.

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  Satisfied Consumer - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By T Fuller - September 10 - 9:53 pm

  A big fan of the 5 speed transmission and rear wheel drive. The Sorento handles well in all conditions - particularly off road in difficult situations. Have been able to get out of wet muddy conditions with ease. Hugs the ground well, even on steep incline. Had some electrical problems - cruise control was inoperable - new fuse required only. I am rough on vehicle with many kms but maintain it well. Find pick up off the mark slow at times. Have had the Sorento 2 years with 72,000 kms and just purchased my second with delivery later this week. New one has sideboards for easier child access.

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  Good solid van - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By cribsguy - September 8 - 11:26 am

  We bought our 2006 in Feb. of 2007. We now have 17K miles on it. No major issues. We had the tires rotated at the 12K service interval and the sensors went off because the tires were under inflated. I just put some air in them and the sensors cleared. Interior is rather spartan. Gas mileage is okay from a 3.8L engine that turns out almost 250 HP. Great get-up-and-go. Wife loves the way the third row seats fold down. Lots of usable space inside. Just make sure to change the oil every 3K miles. It is a 40-weight oil so it is a little more expensive if you dont go to the dealer.

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  Rio, the fun to drive car - 2003 Kia Rio
  By Kettridge - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I needed a very inexpensive, fuel effiecient vehicle since I drive over 600 miles per week. After checking out Hondas, Toyotas and Nissans, there was nothing in my price range except the Rio. I purchased a base Rio with A/C and put in a stereo myself. Great for a first car or a commuter car. The only complaints I have about the car is that the drivers seat is not very comfortable on long trips. It definately needs a more comfortable drivers seat. The clutch was very stiff, even after 9500 miles. The body metal is thinner than its compeditors, hence easier door dings, which I caught a few.

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  Great Car Great Price - 2008 Kia Sedona
  By Sara - September 4 - 8:23 am

  We bought this car after looking at the Odyossey and Sienna. For $6000 less than the other two cars and a 5 yr bumper to bumper compared to the 3 yr, it was a no brainer. We were able to afford the power package and are very happy with the purchase.

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  I Love My Kia - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Joyce - August 31 - 6:40 pm

  We bought this van used with 49,000 mi. All we have done is oil changes, tires, and brake pads. and also a front wheel bearing. It has about 74,000 mi now and I cant complain one bit about the maintenance . It all comes under wear and tear. I love it but it is to big for us now so I would go to something smaller. At least when you step on the brakes you stop.

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  Wife loves the KIA - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By jack Johnson - August 30 - 10:00 am

  We love the KIA, the look and warranty is what got me interested.I had looked at the HIGHLANDER and ARCADIA.The wife (since she drives it more) feels more comfortable in the KIA compared to the ARCADIA and we like the body style and looks better than the HIGHLANDER along the warranty and price the KIA won. PROBLEM, within 2 months bad shock and rear tire was faulty, I had to pay for the tire since the manufacturer has no warranty. nether were on the dealer shelf so that meant extra trip to the dealer and vehicle downtime. We were told that the spare tire was full size, wrong it is a donut, 55 mile per hour made the trips to the dealer longer.had to order the cargo cover, not what the salesman said

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  We love it! - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Hawkize1 - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Bought the EX-V6 AWD in June so far have 3800 trouble free enjoyable miles on it. Been on a couple day trips with the vehicle and have loved the ride, the mileage and value. We avg 25.7 mpg on 70-72 mph interstate driving and 27.5 at 55- 60mph. Fun to drive and has many great features. No problems with the Sorento what so ever. Id always opt for the V6.

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  My first import and love it - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Pam - August 18 - 5:23 pm

  This is my first import and love it. I as unhappy with GM, Ford, and Chrysler so went import. I have not had any problems with my Kia, great driving, handles great. Even in snow, the Sportage handles very good. Gas mileage could be better, something for Korea to work on.