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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  class act.... - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By boats - September 20 - 2:00 am

  well just got it 3 days ago no complaints did the research. think kia did a great job

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  Fun Little Car - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By smartie pants - September 19 - 8:50 am

  We were downsizing due to rising gas prices with no end in sight, and the current Middle East crisis. We are both tall, hubby 66" and me 6 and we fit well with room to spare. The latch lock and rear anchor tether system for child seat is great. With all of us in the car, it is not too quick off the mark, but it is great for what we use it for, commuting to work. The hatch back has a ton of room. I managed to fit 2 big boxes and a black bin bag full of recycling in there the other day and I could still see out of the rear view mirror! For the price this car is a lot of fun to drive and has all we need for a comfy ride to work.

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  good as any other car i had! - 2004 Kia Optima
  By MAURICE HAMEL - September 18 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE NOTHING BAD TO SAY ABOUT THIS VEHICLE,IT HAS BEEN A GOOD RELIABLE AUTO , I BOUGHT IT IN JAN 2004 I HAVE 26500 MILES ON IT , ITS BEEN IN BELOW ZERO WEATHER, AND VERY HOT WEATHER, AND IT PERFORMED FLAULESSLY,I GET 31 MILE PG ON HIWAY AND I LOVE THIS CAR. I HAD CHEV,CORSICA,2 LUMINAS,BUICK REGAL,CHEV VENTURA VAN,ALL NEW AND THIS CAR IS AS GOOD AS ANY OF THEM!

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  Great car! - 2013 Kia Forte
  By kevohyuh - September 18 - 12:58 am

  Currently at 15,006 miles and loving it. I heard a lot of complaints about the gas mileage and I have to tell you.. I get 32 to 35 miles to the gallon easy and have nothing to complain about. The car looks great. Inside and out. I would suggest better stock speakers and a metal fuel door, but other than that, perfect little car for the money. Cant go wrong.

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  The Love for Kia begins... - 2011 Kia Forte
  By scrutinizer2 - September 16 - 5:35 am

  I have been researching this and many other vehicles for many years. This car in particular has always been at the top of my list of FWD sedans and hatchbacks. FINALLY GOT IT! The SX Forte has an enormous amount of power for a four cylinder, best in class handling, and to my surprise, it also rides very comfortably. Go Kia for Great Value, Best Warranty, and Good Steering Feel! The EPA estimated 32mpg on highway. But I wanted to test the best that it could do. After driving in the MOST ECO-FRIENDLY manner, the car went 39mpg on the highway!

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  Like it! - 2003 Kia Optima
  By sharron99 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  The car is a great value. I have the V- 6 and it rides great. I have had only one problem with the sunroof motor that was repaired by dealer, no charge to me. Car has excellent warranty! 5 year 60,000 bumper to bumper! 10 years - 100,00 powertrain.Most options are standard and I also got the leather package. The interior set up and controls look nice and function well. The styling is great, and several people thought I was driving a Mercedes because of the new front grill European style. A car with all the options I wanted for just slightly over $20,000! Time will tell, I hope the vehicle lasts. So far, so good!

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  Kia lover - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Tony - September 14 - 11:33 pm

  Fun to drive, great gas mileage getting 38 on the highway. lowered my insurance by almost half. good car for first time buyer.

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  KIA Amanti "GOOD CAR" - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By BOB M - September 13 - 5:40 am

  The KIA Amanti is a well built car. The ride is very smooth and quite. Handling and visibility is excellent. Interior is roomy and comfortable. Sound system is superior (Infinity} with cassette and 6 cd changer. It is equipped with many options found in cars costing much more. Started out to buy a Chrysler 300 and test drove the KIA Amanti and was very impressed with it.

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  Wow, tried the rest now try the best - 2010 Kia Forte
  By charlescharles - September 12 - 6:07 pm

  I work for a valet company, it is safe to say that i have had the privilege to drive all the cars in this segment and then some. Subtle design with a hint of class that does ot belong in this segment. Not one of its competitors feel this good and i can honestly say that the only car that stands out above it is the focus. Too me the elantra has a weird exterior. The corolla is extremely outdated and feels cheap, the civic is nice but if you are like me and lean on the bigger than average then your leg will stick into the handbrake and you will feel awkward driving it. For the price nothing comes close, hopefully depreciation is not too bad and in my opinion the only deterrent. 87/100

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  ALL things considered, Youll love it! - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By Rick C. - September 12 - 8:53 am

  We were in the market for a mid-SUV. We saw EVERYTHING on the market out there! Considering ALL THINGS when buying a vehicle, the KIA was a no-brainer for us. No, its not a BMW or a Mercedes but then thats not our market. We wanted bang-for-the-buck and the Sportage delivered big time. I own a Lexus and I have more fun with my wifes Sportage. We got the std 5-speed manual 4 cylinder, it wont win the Autobahn but then we had real expectations. If you need zero-to-60 in 5.2 then get something else. If you want a comfortable ride with ample features at a value price then off to the Kia dealership you go. FYI, good values usually get more expensive with time. The word will soon get out. Hurry!