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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  Great SUV for the price - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By Cindy - November 18 - 6:36 am

  I love my KIA Sorento. The only thing I would change is the gas mileage it gets. Other than that, its a great SUV.

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  Great car - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By lsr - November 15 - 5:50 pm

  Rides great, seats a little firm, pearl white is the bomb, high teens in city drive, mid twentys on open road, replaced an 02 lincoln town car, very solid feel.

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  Lemon - 2006 Kia Amanti
  By JK - November 15 - 12:46 pm

  I have a run-away Amanti. It also stops for no reason, and all the bells and warning lights come on. Dealer cant duplicate problems, so thinks I dont have a problem. They have had it 5 times now, and the last time over a week. I dont feel safe driving this car, but doubt the dealer will replace it. Im at the point where hiring a lawyer will be my next step. Im really surprised with my State Farm insurance agent who seem unconcerned that the car takes off on its own. Love the comfort and ride, just cant trust the safety. Also the paint keeps chipping. Wonder if anyone else has these problems with the KIA Amanti?

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  Just what I was looking for. - 2009 Kia Borrego
  By LJ - November 15 - 3:00 am

  Im really pleased with my Borrego. It looks great and has all the features I want/need at a great price. People tell me when they take a close look at it that they didnt know Kia made a solid mid-size SUV. The ride is not as smooth as a sedan but much smoother than my pickup truck. My city MPG is holding at 19.5. I havent been on a highway trip yet.

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  Great Around Town OR Highway Car! - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By gmhummer03 - November 15 - 2:00 am

  If you are looking for Point A to B travel. This car will do it for you. The A/C will freeze you. The Radio / CD player will knock your socks off. Transmission shifts like a sports car. AND it looks sporty!

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  A happy Amanti Owner - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By walter - November 14 - 8:30 pm

  This car is for the money the best buy. We are extremly satisfied and are considering buying a second Amanti. It gives a feeling of comfort, safety and luxury. I can honestly recommend this car. We also love the styling.

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  Great Car - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By amanticrazy - November 14 - 4:43 pm

  We really enjoy this vehicle. The drive is soft which is just what we want this time around. We travel several times a year for long distances and its the most comfortable ride we have ever had. The gas mileage could be better but we do get 25.6 mpg on trips and 21.5 city driving. All around, we couldnt be happier with the performance, comfort and style of our Amanti.

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  Great Car!!! - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By ma1kohler - November 13 - 11:51 pm

  We bought our Sorento new in 05 and it just turned 120K miles. The best vehicle I have ever owned. Other than the 2 dozen or so headlights the Sorento has never been to the shop, ever. We are getting ready to buy a new 2012 Sorento and cant wait.

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  Love My Kia - 2007 Kia Sorento
  By John Dugan - November 12 - 8:13 pm

  Absolutely love my Kia. Excellent performance. Lots of power. Fun to drive. Kia thought of everything with this vehicle. It turns and parks very easily in tight spaces. There is plenty of room for five adults and lots of space in the rear. Gas mileage isnt the best but it is what I would expect given the level of performance/power. Vehicle drives very solid. Handles superb in inclement weather. Only have 1500 miles on it. The only problem encountered was a check engine light coming on which turned out to be a faulty intake sensor. Dealer fixed it in a few minutes and I have not had any other problems.

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  Dont buy - 2008 Kia Rio
  By anonymous - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This car is junk. It handles horribly in the snow. After only two years I had to replace both wheel bearings, my check engine light came on, Ive had to replace all four tires. Its too small and it hate that I dont have keyless entry. This car has ruined my experience with Kia so much that I will never purchase another.