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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  Good overall, but has visibility issues - 2012 Kia Sportage
  By ehm1217 - November 5 - 4:37 pm

  I have owned the 2012 Kia Sportage LX FWD for little over two months and about 2,500 miles. So far no mechanical complaints. Performance, ride and mileage is what was expected. Audio and Bluetooth functions work fine. My one complaint concerns reflective issues with the windshield. In direct light the dashboard reflects up into the windshield causing visibility issues. A cut out in the dash over the steering column reflects directly in the driver’s line of site. The reflection worsens in some lighting conditions but is pretty much always there – even on cloudy days. If I could get a clear view through the windshield I’d be totally satisfied.

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  Happy Spectrater - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By jacob - November 2 - 12:30 am

  Bought the EX version on July 5th. Price $12,200 with alloy wheels and floor mats. Overall I am pleased with it. Things I don’t like are fuel mileage. Not very good for a small car. Average around 25 combined and 27 highway only. Front seats are tiring for a long drive as there is no thigh support. Plus if you are tall or have long feet this is not your car. Interior is pleasant and quiet. Engine is mostly smooth once you are up speed. Tire noise is noticeable. The seats are comfy -- thigh support. Keyless entry is a great option and the remote trunk is great. Haven’t had any mechanical problems then again I had only for 3 weeks.

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  Good Car - 2003 Kia Optima
  By monmoses - October 31 - 4:53 pm

  The car has been a reliable car. At 60k, please remember to have your timing belt replaced as I didnt and could have had major expenses, but fortunately no bent valves. Battery out at 65k miles. New tires at 55k miles. Thats it and now at 83,000 miles. The power locks on the doors stink big time and the drive window sticks.. Trunk auto popup is gone.

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  POOREST MPG - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By POOREST MPG - October 29 - 5:26 pm

  I regret trading in our 02 Venture van that averaged 22 city. This vehicle is only getting an awful 16. My 5.3l V8 Silverado gets that! I was told it would get better after 1000 miles of break in, but that was a big fat lie! Now the turn signals will not cancel after turning. After 2 months still havent received paperwork for title and registration, Hyundai motor credit lost it! Cant wait to get rid of this one. Ive never said that about any car before.

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  Solid car for the money - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By floucka - October 29 - 10:00 am

  We purchased our Sorento new and have since put 110,000+ miles on it. It has held up well. Overall it has been very reliable and a good car to drive. We chose it based primarily on its styling as at the time it did not look like other SUVs. It still stands out in a sea of sameness. Fuel economy is not great but I consistently average 20 mpg per fill up. I have experience some of the electrical gremlins shared by others including multiple head light changes. I had to replace a diode to get the interior light to go on in the "Door" position. The A/C died recently.

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  08 Kia a good buy - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By irishgreg83 - October 22 - 11:00 pm

  I have owned my kia for about three weeks now, and I have to say I really like this car. I was a little worried switching to a 4cyl foreign car, after drving 6 cyl chevys for as long as I have been driving. The car feels very sturdy while driving it. The 2.0 liter engine can get up and go although the engine gets kinda load over 4000 rpm. I get greats gas mileage, sometimes close to 38 mpg on the highway at reasonable speeds (80 mph or less). The drivers seat leaves a good bit of room for the driver which is nice if you are 6 ft plus, and there is plenty of head room. All in all I am happy I chose this car you cant beat it for the price.

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  Had better - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By richard - October 22 - 3:33 am

  The vehicle is fine for hauling kids around and on trips. It has a very nice interior - leather seats, moon roof, stereo system and more compartments to stow stuff than a chipmunks cheeks. I do not like the overall reliability of the vehicle and subsequent dealer service. I feel that for a vehicle with less than 40k miles on it we have had too many problems. Also the dealer service departments seem to be lost when fixing this vehicle sometimes.

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  Great car for an even greater price! - 2010 Kia Forte
  By gnatmarie - October 19 - 3:43 pm

  I have had this car for 7 months now and I am thoroughly impressed. I am coming from a 2002 Volkswagen Jetta so the fact that I never have to take my Kia Forte into the dealership for a check engine light every month is a very nice perk. My Forte hasnt had any problems yet. Ive had the oil changed once (I love that it only needs to be changed every 7,500 miles) and I will be getting a second oil change soon enough. The inside of my Forte is really classy. I love the materials used for the interior. I especially love the type of paint they use for the interior trim. It doesnt chip and peel. Then again, I make sure I never use any kind of harmful cleaner on it.

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  Unbeatable price for a well-designed SUV - 2009 Kia Sportage
  By Kevin - October 19 - 12:30 pm

  I purchased this Kia after my old car, a 99 VW Beetle, kicked the bucket. I have long been dreaming for an SUV, but didnt expect to find one in the $15K price range I was aiming for. Stumbled upon the Kia dealership, and was impressed with the RAV4 & Forester matching features of the Kia in such an affordable package. Ive had it for 3 weeks now and am overall impressed. Horsepower is a bit lacking, but fuel economy is decent (23 mpg on my first tank, 90% city). Handling is secure, if not sports-car-like. Interior is ergonomic, durable, & comfortable without the silly frills found in other cars of this segment. Easily the most bang for the buck in the small SUV category.

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  Kia Optima - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Darvin - October 19 - 2:00 am

  The KIA is an excellent Car for the money. The warranty is exceptional. I would recomend the KIA for the money, quiet comfortable interior with a smooth quiet ride. Excellent fit and finish with style on the exterior.