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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  Beauty & The Beast - 2008 Kia Sorento
  By Bob Koch - March 14 - 11:13 pm

  Lots of performance and economy. The 262 hp V-6 has plenty of power. I have driven my KIA 14,000 miles, all in-town except on trip of 1200 miles. Mileage from the first tank of fuel has been 24 mpg. Highway mileage went to 28.3 mpg. I drive moderately for economy. Compared to my old SUV, this is a race horse. Very,very pleased.

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  2007 Kia Rondo LX - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Rondo in CO Mts! - March 14 - 6:30 am

  An underrated overperformer! Its surprising to me that Car & Driver and other car reviewers have not given this car the same marks as those who own it. Those in the know love it! A superb family car for an incredibly low price! Weve done trips of 1000K plus w/ 4 adults and two kids (and thule box) in comfort. Pretty interior, great stereo. Drop into 4th or 3rd when passing and you have NO worries on hills or passing - make the six cylinder work! It can handle it. Slide middle row forward and you can get six adults in -- although tight. Looked at Ford Freestyle; Escape; Mazda 5; and others. By far this was the best for the money. Get the six cylinder.

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  Loving it - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By lou - March 14 - 3:10 am

  I just purchased a Kia Spectra5 model. I am just loving this car. I enjoy the handling and the nice interior design. Comfortable, affordable and very smooth ride.

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  Love this car - 2010 Kia Soul
  By lillian - March 12 - 3:16 am

  I am very satisfied with this car. I have a 45 minute minute commute to work and love the satellite radio during that time. Lots of interior room for my tall son. I get lots of compliments on this car from Young people. I know this car is marketed to the Young but I liked it and I am over 50. Since I bought mine, there are several more in my neighborhood. This car is selling very fast in my town: lots of standard features for not so much money. I would buy it again.

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  Bought New in January 2005 - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By socaldave - March 11 - 5:13 pm

  Bought the van fully loaded: leather, DVD, ABS, moonroof, etc. Comparatively equipped mini-vans were much more expensive. Currently has about 58k miles after 8 years. The brakes went out by 20k miles and the ABS never seemed to work right. Replaced tires with Hankook (factory) tires the first couple of times. The inner walls on the front tires kept wearing out. Went with Michelins the last time and they seem to be working better. Havent had any major problems but looking at around $900 for timing belt replacement at 60k miles. Also, spark plugs are very difficult to change out. I average about 13 mpg city and 20 freeway. Paint is fading. Mirrors and bumpers are first to go.

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  Kia: A good little car - 2004 Kia Rio
  By tieghan - March 11 - 10:00 am

  A cute little car that has a suprisingly peppy engine. Great big warranty for a low vehicle price. Comfortable interior especially the front, back is adequate for adults but much better for children. Expanded leg room in the front( more than I had in my Mazda MPV). My gas mileage averages 24 city and 30 highway. Overall great value for the price.

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  Love My Sorento - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By DH5602 - March 11 - 10:00 am

  My Sorento is a true SUV. I have a lake cottage in northern Michigan and in winter it goes thru 16 inches of snow no problem. In summer it pulls my 18 foot boat. In spring it handles muddy back roads. On the highway it rides like a luxury car.

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  VERY GOOD FOR LESS - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By RONNIED - March 11 - 10:00 am

  VERY SPORTY AND WAS VERY GOOD OFF ROAD ON SIX INCHES OF SNOW IN THE WOODS. I HAD A BLASTS SHOWING THE WIFE WHAT REAL FOUR WHEEL DRIVE COULD DO! HOPEFULLY THE CAR WILL LAST AFTER THE WIFE IS THROUGH WITH AND ITS MINE.

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  My KIA - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Jerry Ramsay - March 11 - 10:00 am

  This is the first new vehicle we have owned that didnt have any body flaws....excellent car!

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  Great Vehicle and Value - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Drug cop - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I think that this is a great vehicle you cant beat the safety or the value for the price. I the sorento out does any vehicle in its class considering you pay over 25,000 for a Toyota Highlander but if you break down you will learn very quick they do not have any roadside asst.