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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  The BEST purchase EVER! - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Megan F. - February 7 - 10:00 am

  Just to sum this up in a nutshell, this was the BEST purchase we ever made! We researched every mini van on the market, and test drove several different makes. The KIA drove the best, and is so comfortable! The best part, the price, unbelievable. We couldnt be happier!

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  Impressed - 2005 Kia Optima
  By Jan - February 7 - 3:53 am

  Honestly I was skeptical about buying a KIA. However, after checking reviews and safety ratings, I thought I would give it a try. Man, am I glad I did. Great power in the V6 and what a comfortable car! Also, the salesman and finance department went out of their way to help me, seeing as I was upside down on my trade. I even ended up with a cheaper payment than I expected. I am impressed with the interior, the sound system and the performance. This will be a keeper for me ... after three non keepers in a row! Fun to drive, love the sport shifter too. Great car for the price. Great warranty. Not a single complaint!

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  Sorrento...Who knew? - 2017 Kia Sorento
  By Paul Ligotino - February 6 - 12:09 pm

  Amazing value. Traded in my BMW for financial reasons and was pleasantly surprised with the quality and overall ownership experience. Absolutely love this vehicle. Rock solid in every way.

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  a couple of minor details... - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By mainedriver - February 6 - 9:06 am

  Overall I have been very pleased with this purchase, it is a great looking vehicle with a comfortable ride and good handling. The only problem Ive had is the dashboard clock not keeping time, I have since found out this is a common problem with the 05 model so check that before you leave the dealer. It has taken a while for that part to come in, and although not a big deal in the whole picture, it is an annoyance. Put this vehicle side by side to the Lexus and they look like twins. A good deal for the price.

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  Soul So Far - 2010 Kia Soul
  By kansascity - February 6 - 4:16 am

  I have been looking at cars and researching for almost a year. It was a very tough call between the soul and the cube. Ultimately the cube won (thank god!) mostly because the design (in and out) was so much more appealing, and didnt seem so bland as the cube did. Overall this car has been fantastic with just a few minor (and often mentioned) flaws. But for the price tag, and a brand new vehicle, I couldnt be happier. The night I bought my vehicle I noticed a crack growing from the bottom of my windshield. By the next day it doubled. Luckily the dealership agreed to replace it at no cost to me. And again, the interior door (directly under the side Windows) does scratch easily

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  First time Kia Owner - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Very Pleased - February 5 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Kia vehicle. My last vehicles were a Chevy Cavalier & a Chevy Trail Blazer and I must say I was very hesitant when I decided to go with Kia. But I have been very impressed with my Sorento. I decided to go with Kia for mainly two reasons. First, Kias warranty is far better than any of their competitors. (10 Year, 100,000 Mile) And second, The Sorento was the only crossover that offer the most features and the highest safety reliability for the buck. I have been very satisfied and I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone who is looking for a great SUV. (looks like a high-end luxury vehicle for a mid-range price)

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  More for less - 2008 Kia Optima
  By rick vanbarg - February 4 - 7:26 pm

  I really thought about buying an Accord or a Camry, you know image is important. Well, I could not get over how much better the Optima was compared to the other image cars. The optima rode better, looked sharp, (I have the appearance pkg) and was thousands less. The sound system is really nice. I have over 8,000 miles on it, getting around 31-32 mpg on highway. I must say that Im very pleased with this car. Kias image is the only thing bringing this company down, give them a couple more years and your looking at the next Honda or Toyota. Cant wait to see whats next for them.

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  Two Weeks & just filling up the gas tank - 2016 Kia Optima
  By NoLa - February 2 - 9:38 pm

  I brought my new 2016 Kia Optima LX two weeks ago for a good deal 16k. The ride is quiet and comfortable. I suggest drive in eco mode to save money at the gas pump. Im average just about what is advertised. Also the car has a lot of sex appeal grown up/sporty look. I would highly suggest anyone to give kia a chance!

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  No brainer for the price - 2010 Kia Forte
  By llllllllljkkkk - February 1 - 6:13 am

  I drove a Camry and Acura TL, two of the most reliable and popular cars in the market, so going to a Forte was a big decision for me. Ive had the car for a month and I feel I get far so much than what I paid for. All the standard features are there + USB, Bluetooth and the 2.0L engine is good enough for daily driving with good mileage. Of course you are not buying a $40,000 car, so dont expect any grand performance or power. This is an under $20,000 car with all the features such as moonroof, leather + Americas best warranty. To put all these in a Corolla or a Civic will cost you $5-6k more. I strongly suggest this to any recent college graduates and people who drive a lot.

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  KIA OPTIMA EX - 2004 Kia Optima
  By BILL SIMPSON - February 1 - 2:00 am

  I JUST BOUGHT THE CAR ,IT IS FUN TO DRIVE GOOD ON THE ROAD ,POWER SEEMS TO BE GOOD,THE PANEL IS GOOD EASY TO VIEW,GAS MILEAGE SEEMS OK .