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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  I tested them all! - 2016 Kia Sorento
  By H. Danis - October 13 - 8:29 am

  I started searching over a year ago for the best 3 row SUV that was affordable, great looking, and gas worthy. I first liked the Rogue but quickly changed my mind on that. It has great gas mileage but the third row was ridiculous. The new Rogue has the second row raised as if you are sitting in a movie theatre. I hated that and it felt really strange being higher up than the front row. That was a deal breaker for me. The Murano is over priced and so is the Pathfinder. The Pathfinder was gorgeous but the base model doesnt have the basics like blue tooth and Sirius Radio. The next trim model that offered it was 6,000 more. The Pathfinder also received weak reviews for reliability. I drove the Mazda 9 and loved it but the extremely low gas mileage (combined) is only 16. Thats unacceptable for a car like that. One would think Mazda would make a car with better gas mileage. I also drove the Highlander and it has a lot of room, but I felt it over priced and not very attractive. I do remember driving a 2014 Kia Sorento and was not impressed back then. However, I read the Sorento was getting a face lift so I went and checked it out. What a surprise. It is gorgeous and the fit and finish is great. I read all reviews on all SUVs and took the time to finally select the 2016 Kia Sorento. I love it. It feels like a luxury car and it is very quiet. Kia has come a long way with their line of cars and SUVs. I have one in Black with a black interior. I am a picky shopper and I am glad I purchased the new design.

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  Kia Optima - 2013 Kia Optima
  By jshafto - October 13 - 3:37 am

  Just bought a 2013 Kia Optima - Absolutely love it!! The salesperson at Young Kia was very knowledgable and was not pushy at all.

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  No complaints whatsoever... - 2013 Kia Rio
  By csandste - October 12 - 5:58 am

  Very comfortable for a subcompact, seems like a larger car. Actually seems to have more front seat room than my 07 Optima. Excellent fit and finish. Stock Kumho tires get lots of hate on Tire Rack, but I have no complaints on noise or handling after 18,000 miles. Averaging 29.57 mpg, cant complain about that. This is an EX hatch in dark sapphire, a color thats not supposed to exist on this model. Backup camera comes in very handy because rear window and c pillar restrict view. I would recommend spending the extra money over the LX, the electronics folding rear view mirrors, etc. are worth the extra $$$.

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  I used to love my car until today... - 2015 Kia Sedona
  By Monica - October 12 - 3:47 am

  the engine wiring harness blew up and almost blew out the entire engine...

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  Awesome Value - 2007 Kia Sorento
  By DAVID - October 10 - 2:56 pm

  I was very skeptical of the Kia brand as I only bought Fords my whole life so far. But I have to say after only a few months of ownership the value was outstanding. The truck performs great and I only wish the gas mileage was a bit better. No issues with 3000 miles on it so far and I am so happy with it. Great performance and stopping. Awesome value!!

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  Love My Spectra 5 - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By david - October 9 - 12:33 pm

  Hello. I bought my 2006 Spectra 5 brand new. I never owned a Korean made core but I am sold on them now. As long as they are made in Korea I would buy another Kia at the drop of a hat. If its made in USA I would have to give it some serious thought about purchasing it. I still dont think I would buy one if manufactured in USA sorry to say that but I just dont think the build quality will be the same. Look at Toyota its a nightmare. As for my Kia its never been back once to the dealer for any problems what so ever. I got the sunroof and its a five speed. I paid just about 15k and it was worth every penny. Love this car to death. If youre a single person it will work well for you!

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  I love my Optima - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Junneau - October 9 - 10:00 am

  My 4 cylinder does not have a noisy engine. Ive had no problems to date. People ask me all the time what kind of car it is (logo is on the back of car), because the body is so nice. It looks, feels and drives like a luxury car, but it was affordable for me. I love my car and Im thankful for it. Time will only tell if it stands the test of time. Im hoping its overall performance rates like a Toyota or Nissan (engines last forever).

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  I love my Sorento!!!! - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By rogainey - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This car is my 5th new car and I love this car. It drives so smoothly and quitely. It looks great and I just love driving it.

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  just good car period - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By riskman - October 7 - 10:00 am

  No reason to buy $5000 more expensive Honda Civic. Spectra has just same power and feel as Civic and I felt it was even peppier and handles better. New Honda is just too boring

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  Kia vs. The rest - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Kurt Ditzel - October 4 - 10:00 am

  We have owned this vehichle for one week and it has all the comforts a family ofmfour really needs. Cant wait to take lots of trips in it. Way to go Kia!