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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  Traded in Expedition - 2008 Kia Sorento
  By Jay Gillette - July 6 - 8:00 am

  I traded in a Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer with all the toys so please keep this in mind when I compare to my new Sorento EX with leather, sunroof, 6 cd, etc. Gas: The Expedition was getting an average of about 16-17 mpg. Thus far the Kia is getting 21-22 mpg for the same daily route taken to home/work. Space: It is lacking with comparison to the Expedition however is very consistent with a mid size SUV. They could have added about 4-6 inches in length to the cargo area to better round out the car, (I think the test should be to fit an average baby stroller in straight with having to put it sideways.) The front has plenty of room for me and I am above average in size, same for the passenger.

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  Not for long trips - 2001 Kia Rio
  By JPender - July 5 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed my Kia Rio over the last year. It appears to be well made and even if it is not, the warranty covers it! My biggest concern is that the seats are incredibly stiff. Kia took the time to put an arm rest (wonderful!!!) and multiple seat adjustments, but skimped out on the cushion. Cruise control would have been a nice option. Another problem is the lack of mechanics willing to work on them. The dealer is too high. (as all are) I will probably not buy another one because of the seats and lack of mechanics. But overall I am happy.

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  Luvn my KIA - 2012 Kia Sorento
  By patpittsd - July 2 - 9:13 pm

  I bought my KIA Sorento on Jul 26, 2011. I was not to sure about it at first, but now I love my KIA. I love the fact that now all the kids get to rid. The third row setting really sold me. I get better gas milage with my Sorento than I do in my Acura...didnt think that would be possible. I average 40.00 a week in gas, and thats in stop and go traffic...20.00 dollars more when we take the car...all and all I am happy with "MY KIA..."

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  Solid Minivan... - 2011 Kia Sedona
  By wskrides - June 28 - 7:55 am

  Traded in an 04 Odyssey which was a reliable tank of a minivan for this 11 Sedona. Got $3K off in rebates/incentives so the deal was sweet for a minivan that doesnt have nearly the bells & whistles and frills of the new model Odyssey and Siena. But it gets the job done by transporting our 5 member family quickly & safely to where we need to go. First thousand miles have been smoooooth...

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  Good For Many.Not So Good For Fat Ole Me - 2011 Kia Soul
  By ohahachris - June 28 - 12:23 am

  I am a big guy who wears 42-waist pants. The drivers seat is about 2" too narrow for all-day comfort. My wife and I have a part-time gig delivering "free pubs" to stores and have lived with this car as a rental replacement for our usual delivery vehicle for a week. Great grocery-getter. Ride, handling, power--all very good at a light load. This would be my short list if I werent fat,and did not use for deliveries. Under load of 115, 25count, bundles of 90-page magazines, the suspension bottoms and the engine sounds pained. Were glad we didnt need the added load of AC. My performance and fun-to-drive ratings should be 3.5. 5 for unloaded 2 for loaded.

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  best bang for your buck - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Lebruf - June 27 - 3:20 am

  I bought this used from an auction through my cousins dealership. I was out the door for under $11,000. I was skeptical at first because of the name and Hyundais prior reputation...but I was thoroughly impressed. I was sick of doing repairs on my old VW and wanted something with a warranty. I never have had a problem, and I beat this thing up in terms of mileage. Its great for long trips, as quick as I need it to be (the V6 Tiptronic HAULS) and well... it makes me feel good. I feel good because 4 or 5 of my friends spent about 5-6 grand more on an Accord or Camry and it wasnt as nice as the Optima.

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  2010 KIA 2.0 Plus - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Kathy - June 26 - 12:04 pm

  Bought for 8,000 dollars a few a months ago. 86,0000 miles and 4th owner. Was not thrilled about giving up my 2001 Outback (196,000). this car sits more like a SUV. Its the first year made. Like the fact it is easy to get into. My dog carrier is a good size. I am 52 and it very easy to load and unload items. Wonder if the new ones are more comfortable? Downfall, I feel like Im filling it up every time I turn around. Guess it has a smaller gas tank. Over all, not a bad car.

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  moms bus - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By sawatpv - June 26 - 10:00 am

  I have traded my mercury villager LS for this Kia Sedona ex. I love everything about it except for the blind spots and gas mileage. this van has a lot of power, very comfortable. this is wierd but I get better gas milage when I use the techron. any other gas I get poor mileage on it. thanks to edmunds I got this van for 18,000 before taxes and lic. fee!

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  Sorento Rocks - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Shadownin - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Let me just start by saying I love my Sorento! Not only did it come with EVERYTHING standard, but it was way less than the other car companies. Plus, it has the best warranty ever. Its fun to drive, way stylish, and dont tell Kia, but I think they could get away with pricing it $5000 more and still be way ahead of everyone else.

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  really reliable - 2000 Kia Spectra
  By supervixon - June 26 - 9:33 am

  I had this car for 6 years now, it has 100,000 miles on it. I drive 40 miles a day to work. Not one thing has gone wrong with it, I mean nothing. The only time its in the garage is for maintenance. I cant complain of anything mechanical. What a great price - had it paid off in two years. Great gas mileage too.