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:

• 

  Best SUV for the money - 2009 Kia Borrego
  By jmark23 - December 26 - 10:03 pm

  When comparing the V8 Borrego to other SUVs of this size, it is the best bang for the buck. We picked up a 2009 Borrego EX V8 which was driven by a KIA Rep for 6 months. He put 8,000 miles on it. The sticker price was $37,415 we paid $24,700 plus tax and title. Overall, very pleased. Strong acceleration, luxurious accommodations, great build quality. The suspension on ours is not to stiff for us. All in all, the best vehicle that I have ever had to date.

• 

  second car - 2000 Kia Spectra
  By jacky - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I have driven this car for a year now and have no complaints Its a good second car for work or just traveling around town I would not recommend this car for long trips.The comfort level is average but a bit tiresome after driving for 3-4 hours but I would say a very reliable car.

• 

  Better than any car in its class - 2002 Kia Optima
  By Mac Man - December 26 - 10:00 am

  My Optima is just awesome. My wife and I love it. It has great power(actually it will fly). Blows away the Accord cost less than a loaded Civic. You have to give this car a chance if your in the market for a great car for a great price. Rides like a cadilac. Kia did a good jod on the styling also. I would definatly buy another one of these cars. Watch out Honda & Toyota!! Kia is on its way

• 

  Will never own another Kia - 2013 Kia Sorento
  By Christina - December 25 - 3:29 pm

  Kia does not stand behind its product. My mothers 2013 Sorento had engine failure at 80,000 miles. The car was regularly serviced and she only drove it to work and back. Kia says that even though they have a 100,000 mile warrenty they can not honer that because she bought the car used 3 years ago. Kia has tons of lawsuits against them right now for this reason. Please research before buying.

• 

  Kia Rio - 2001 Kia Rio
  By greygeo - December 25 - 2:00 am

  Reliable, fiesty, economical, great short drive vehicle. Interior is a little tight for long trips but its great handling and above assets make it an ideal choice for two or three people to transport

• 

  What a car!! - 2002 Kia Optima
  By C. Estes - December 25 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely amazed with this vehicle. Totally impressed w/ the standard features on the the SE. Not just comparible with the Honda Accord, but highly exceeds. And you cannot beat the price. Still in shock with what I got for my money!!!

• 

  After Inspection - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By mdfoster1 - December 23 - 4:56 pm

  Okay, I had the Amanti go through a full used car inspection at the Kia dealership. Cost $104.00. Three items needed attention - Left and Right valve cover gaskets need replacing, and the rear main seal needs replacing. Total cost for repairs by the dealership will be $1010.00. Do I still love the car - Yes! The leak must be a very small one because you cannot tell it has a leak by driving it and have not noticed oil leaking. Will I get it fixed - Yes when income taxes come in next year. Can it wait til then - they said it could as long as I keep an eye on the oil level. I paid $5000.00 for the car and NADA shows its value a little over $6000.00 so with the repair it will meet value.

• 

  Best Little Compact Station Wagon For Your Money - 2012 Kia Soul
  By lovemysoul1 - December 23 - 11:11 am

  I bought my 2012 Kia Soul Exclaim 2 weeks ago and have driven it over 800 miles without any issues. My Exclaim is loaded and for the value, coming in at apprx. $23,000--it cant be beat. I test drove the Scion XD, XB, Nissan Cube and the Honda Element-- no comparison. The Kia Soul beat all of them hands down. My family gave me a very hard time about being a Kia, stating the quality would be horrible. This might have been true several years ago, but Kia has since brought in German engineering and the car is fabulous for the money. Plus a blast to drive-- just love it--Also the sunroof and leather seats are totally worth the extra $$ if you are used to having a nicer vehicle. Two thumbs up!

• 

  pleased with this car - 2006 Kia Rio
  By petevt - December 23 - 8:33 am

  Nearing 79,000 miles, all driving done in and around the mountains of southern vt. Except for 5k oil changes and regular service, the only work Ive needed is a wheel bearing, fuel tank purge solenoid and air bag wiring clip (all covered under waranty). Put 4 good studded snows on this car and youll go anywhere. 34-35 miles per gallon, Ive hit 39 on the highway, driving at 60-65 miles per hour

• 

  WOW!!! - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By yolo - December 23 - 5:10 am

  A truly amazing van! No initial problems and I am very impressed with the fit and finish, great ride, power, 5 spd. auto tranny, comfort, braking and handling. I dont understand the 15/20 mpg. I have been getting 23-25 mpg in city and highway mix and the engine is not even broken in yet. This was a wonderful surprise!