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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  What di you expect it is a mini van! - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Kwiebe - August 4 - 11:00 am

  Not much to say. If you are looking for a speed demon that turns like it is on rails this is not the vehicle for you. If you are like me and have a family that likes to travel a lot and need the extra space this is a nice choice. IMHO way better than any north American minivan but not as good as a Honda or a Toyota on par with the Nissan. I bought it used to save $$$ as the sedona has a terrible resale value and is an excellent used buy. It handles great for a van, a bit noisier than most mini vans but feels solid and well built. Acceleration was more than adequate and Im overall happy with this vehicle.

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  Very Poor Ride at Highway Speeds - 2009 Kia Optima
  By Doug - August 2 - 10:13 am

  This car has vibrated since the day I bought it. they have replaced 11 tires and the car still shudders and vibrates going down the highway. Kia rep says its normal. I bought car for the highway mileage, but if you are looking for a smooth highway ride, DO NOT buy a Kia.

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  Its Okay for the Price - 2000 Kia Sportage
  By 2yrKiaOwner - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Bought used with 14000 miles; now have almost 45000. No major work; only brake replacement and regular maintenance. Vehicle was noisy on highway but when we put wider tires on it, the ride and noise improved tremendously. Gas mileage is not as good as my husbands F150 V6. The little 4 cyclinder works too hard; would have been better with a 6.

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  Beauty is only skin deep - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By subwaybuff - July 23 - 4:48 pm

  This car is a piece of junk! I have had it for about 3 months and added only around 300 miles. The check engine light came on at 3 miles. dealer reset the light. Light is back on. Today (9/23/11) within 2 miles I had sudden acceleration twice . The only way I avoided an accident was to put the care in neutral. The biggest mistake I ever made. Sure it is a beauty but I can take a pig and give it a bubble bath and dress it in fancy clothes but it is still a pig. Id unload it but I"d be upside down big time and no wheels till I pay it off

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  Worst suspension - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Migs - July 10 - 2:40 pm

  Its almost perfect until it rolls onto small road bumps. Bad noisy annoying suspension! It drives nice on smooth roads but never on the smallest pot holes. Do not buy if you drive in NYC/ Jersey city roads. This issue should be recalled by Kia with all the complains all over the Internet. I want to drive other customers sorento who says they have no suggestion for improvements.

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  OK for a while or in the warm climates. - 2000 Kia Sephia
  By Dont want no more! - July 9 - 10:43 pm

  Its ok for the first 3 yrs then if it freezes where you live beware. Doors a major problem every winter getting worst every year. resale pitiful $$

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  Good Value - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Al2 - July 4 - 2:00 am

  We have about 7500 miles on the 2003 which was purchased in October. There were a few things needing attention after delivery but the Dealer has been good about servicing. Its a six, fully loaded with the exception of ABS. We bought because of the warranty and low pricing.

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  Family Van Disapointment - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Kevin - June 25 - 12:20 am

  We have 44,000 miles on our van. Since we have owned the van it has been in the shop for warranty work many times. The intake system went bad requiring a tow truck. The air/conditioning compressor has been repaired twice. Power steering has been repaired twice. Three different suspension repairs have been made. The fuel pump has been repaired, wiring harness replaced, brake light switch replaced, engine block oil leak, bad airbag control module, bad seals on windows, doors sticking, doors not latching, etc. Difficulty getting proper alignment. Left us stranded twice. Kia had paid for it all. Dealership has been very helpful. Wondering what will happen when warranty expires.

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  Fuel Economy is horrible - 2010 Kia Forte
  By syedez - June 19 - 5:31 am

  It only get 20 miles a gallon, I have owned my car and this is the worst one, I am a lady that take her time to get around, so there no reason for the poor fuel Economy

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  Quality family vehicle - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By sorrentoski - June 4 - 1:27 am

  Performs well, a little bumpy but the springs in drivers seat popped in second year. Best value in the cars we looked at, maybe saved 5K and it handles just as well. Interior is nice but fabric on seats stain pretty easy unless you upgrade. Its been a very reliable car with the recall items taken care of.