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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  love the Kia! - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By lovethekia - May 21 - 6:36 pm

  I havent had any problems with mine so far ... I love it and the ride is incredibly smooth!

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  Awesome Value - 2011 Kia Optima
  By moola - May 21 - 12:40 pm

  Ive always thought Japan had a corner on midsize sedans until I drove Optima. I have to say it is the best value for the money. Although the 4 cyl is not as smooth as my Lexus 6, it is just as powerful. The car feels tight and fun to drive. I test drove a bunch of new models, but this one is a winner. P.S. I am in Chicago area and classic Kia in Waukegan is the best. Great dealership IMHO.

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  Great Car - 2005 Kia Rio
  By Rob - May 20 - 5:43 am

  For a little car, it is really well built and as a true believer in you get what you pay for, I can honestly say I am very pleased with my 2005 Kia Rio S. It is the most perfect little commuter ever. I love it!

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  Love My Kia - 2006 Kia Sorento
  By Dana - May 20 - 12:36 am

  Bought my Kia in Oct. of 06 in TX, drove it back to CA in Two days. Very reliable, had no problems, thank God and Held 3 medium size cat carriers all in a row in the back fold down seat. My Kia has 12,000 little miles on it now, and knock on wood Ive never had a problem yet. I keep up on the maint. with oil change and so far one tire rotation and its still ticking onward. Some cars are lemons, and Im glad my wasnt.

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  I almost bought an MDX - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By gecko89 - May 19 - 2:00 am

  We had a deposit on the Acura MDX, but it wasnt going to arrive until 2 months later. Our friend told us to look at the Sorento and at first we said "NO! Kias are bad!" But we went to the Kia dealership anyway and bought the Sorento the SAME DAY! The sorento costed us $12,000 and the sorento luxury package is practically exactly like the MDX! We LOVE it, you will too!

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  Value! Value! Value! - 2009 Kia Sportage
  By Phil Blue - May 18 - 10:20 pm

  Cash for clunkers and the rebate made trading in my wifes 2000 Ford Windstar a no brainer. Five days after purchase, we drove our daughter to college, 3500 miles round trip over a weeks time. The comfortable ride was an unexpected pleasure. I am 64" and get uncomfortable driving most vehicles for long hours at a time. This Sportage was extremely comfortable during 10 hour driving times. I truly believe the Korean automakers (Kia/Hyundai) are meeting the needs of consumers these days. I now have 15,000 miles on my Kia with absolutely no problems. The 4 banger motor struggles to pass on the hwy and take on hilly Tennessee mountains. I will never buy another American made car, KIA is VALUE!

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  Better than the Odyssey - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Ed - May 18 - 10:10 pm

  After comparing the new Sedonna, to the Odyssey and Sienna, I realized the Kia hit a home run. You get all the feature content of the Odyssey Touring with the price less than the Odyssey EX-L. The vehicle ride is softer than the Honda, and actually handles better. The engine noise is less too, except under hard acceleration, but the beefy V6 produces a pleasing sound, so the wife and I both like it. It doesnt break any new ground with its features, but it does mimic the best features of all the market leaders, at a very fair price.

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  Love My Kia - 2009 Kia Sportage
  By Bill - May 17 - 5:13 pm

  Just traded my 1996 Jeep Cherokee (cash for clunker)for a 2009 Kia Sportage. Gas mileage is great and love the value I got for my $$$. Could not be happier with the buying experience. Thanks Murray Kia!!

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  Really loving this car - 2017 Kia Sorento
  By John Smith - May 15 - 2:29 pm

  After shopping also shopping the Highlander, Pilot, and CX-9, we found the Sorento to be the most comfortable, quietest, and second-best handling and looking. (The CX-9 was our top choice in those categories.) When you added in the fantastic warranty, the strong CR reliability ratings, and the zero APR, the Sorento was a no-brainer for us. We opted for the SX with the Advanced Technology package and couldnt be happier. Highly recommended.

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  A great value! - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By JCG - May 14 - 10:00 am

  After owning other SUVs that cost far more, it was a pleasure to find the KIA Sorento - its loaded with features, well made, fun to drive - and it comes at a very reasonable price!