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:

• 

  2002 Kia - 2002 Kia Optima
  By JamesB - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Spoiler as trade for dealer miles, dealer recommended a good detail shop to tint the windows making the car look exceptionally sharp. I just spent a year in Korea where they use these cars as taxis (they drive the heck out of them) and every one I rode in was just as smooth as mine (engine, too). Only problem I have had was the bushing in the steering column where it transfers through the floorpan dried out causing the steering to groan as if low on power steering fluid. One trip to dealer identified and fixed problem by lubricating the joint. Overall excellent buy for the money and compared to other autos in same class.

• 

  Great car for the money - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By Mary - November 25 - 12:30 am

  I just purchased the 08 Kia Rondo, new in 09. Got a great price, $14,900 for a V6, seats 7. Wanted a car with a good warranty, and didnt want to pay a fortune for it. I am very pleased with everything so far!

• 

  Good Car - 2010 Kia Forte
  By Dot T - November 22 - 2:20 am

  We all like new cars so I kept this 4 months before writing a review. I get good gas mileage, an average of 26 -28 mpg hwy/cty. I love the stereo, cell phone and other controls on the steering wheel and the fact that I dont have to turn my lights off and on. I will wait to really rate reliability. In 4 months Ive had no problems. My previous car was an Accord, this car is quieter and more fun to drive. I hope it lasts as long.

• 

  Not half bad - 2010 Kia Optima
  By kokopelli - November 18 - 11:40 am

  Actually a rental. Drove it 1000 miles in three days, including some world class twisty roads: Pros: Excellent power. Excellent economy. Last segment was 243 miles on less than seven gallons. Comfortable front seats. Good practical use of space. Cons: Not much of a suspension. Good tires worthy of the engine would help a lot. I would buy this over any competing model for a $1500 relative discount, anyway...

• 

  2010 forta - 2010 Kia Forte
  By weso1 - November 16 - 4:33 pm

  Wow this car is fun to drive. Its everything said about the car and more. We first tested the 2.0L EX 5 speed with a little better fuel mileage and like the car. We then tested the 2.4L with a 6 speed SX model loaded with options and fell in love.The transmission was a little getting used too with the gears so close and has a lot of get up and go.I would get this car in this price range over any other. We are very happy.

• 

  Great SUV for Good Price - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By charlesm1950 - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I had been looking for an SUV that was safe, comfortable, reliable and fit within my budget. I test drove the RAV4, Saturn, CRV, Santa Fe, and Tribute before driving the Kia Sorento. I was impressed by the styling, similar to the Lexus RX-300, and the fit and finish. The engine had plenty of power and the quality seemed better than the Saturn and on par with the others. I placed my faith in buying a Kia on the success of the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Kia Sedona minivan. Ill keep interested parties informed of my long term experience in the Sorento town meeting group. Overall... a very enthusiastic thumbs up.

• 

  I love this car!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2011 Kia Soul
  By avapink16 - November 15 - 12:35 am

  I love this car one of my friends got this car like 8 months ago I loved it so much that i bought one. It runs great it looks even better which is really important to me because i just turned 16 and this is my first car so looks were just as important as safty and gas milage.

• 

  A Great SUV - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Sharlyn - November 11 - 6:53 pm

  I have had my Sorento for almost 3 years without any problems. The car runs great, takes trails with ease and is very sure-footed in the snow.

• 

  Be careful - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Jaymarie - November 9 - 11:06 pm

  I loved the car when I first got it, but I had so many little issues with it. First, I believe i replaced the head lights about 17 times, its OK on gas but now that the Car is 5 I have lots of rust the paint is going on it, the power steering has given me so many problems, and to get it replaced the cost is unreasonable for a vehicle that is suppose to be a good investment for your money... You pay for it in the end. I am looking for another car.

• 

  1500 miles - so far so good - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Brooklyn1951 - November 9 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our Sorento after considering several other SUVs. The Sorento was the only vehicle I was "excited" about buying. The deciding factors, in rank order, were- build quality, features, price and warranty. Gas mileage for highway driving is about 19 mpg so far. The Torque-on-Demand 4WD system and limited slip rear differential have worked great in our last 18" snowfall. The engine is wonderfully quiet and smooth. The transmission and 4WD system operate invisibly (thats good!). People are amazed at the quality and features of this loaded $26K SUV.