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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  Driving in comfort - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By J. Miller - December 28 - 1:23 pm

  We enjoy the comfort and low price luxury of this car. It has all the amenities you could ask for as well as space for five adults. I have read critics reports about being under powered but we have not found this to the case, previously we had a 93 Intrepid and this car feels as strong as the Dodge. The instruments are clear & easy to use, the leather seats and interior is impeccable & high quality. The trunk is very large, we have put luggage for 3 adults for a 2 week trip with room to spare. The interior & exterior fit of all panels is perfect.In my lifetime (68) I have had many cars including a Cadillac & this car is as good as any of them so far. Signed-- Totally satisfied

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  Loving It! - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By whatitis - December 27 - 9:16 am

  I love this car. Bought it used a few days ago and I am very pleased. Just had my first child and wanted something economical at a good price and good on gas. Had 21,000 miles on it when purchased. I couldnt be more satisfied with the feel of the vehicle and comfort of my little one in the back with his car seat and the 3-point buckle system that keeps him safe. Found a very good car with all the extras included (ground effects, bug shield, tinted windows, power windows/locks, etc.) Absolutely love the sporty look and for the price it beats Mazda3, Suzuki Reno, and all the other guys. Most importantly still has all factory warranties included!!

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  2003 best buy! - 2003 Kia Optima
  By jackdempsey - December 26 - 10:00 am

  For the money you spend, its well worth it. Got an LX, 4 cyl auto for 13.5K out the door. Real deal for a car this good. Still loving it after 5k miles.

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  Excellent SUV - 2009 Kia Borrego
  By Arthur - December 23 - 3:36 pm

  I have a 4WD six cylinder and I love it. The car is beautiful, fast and strong and the fuel economy is decent. I love the accessories: leather, GPS, power seat memory position, rear sensors, power sun roof, voice command, lots of room, etc. Vehicle handles excellent. My only concern is: as they donÂ’t have KIA Dealership in my city I have to drive almost 90 miles to have the periodic maintenance done by KIA.

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  After 6 yrs, I still LOVE my Kia Sephia - 2000 Kia Sephia
  By Goldie - December 20 - 10:40 pm

  I enjoy the handling of my Sephia. Turning around in small areas is a snap. The seats are nicely padded. The comfort of driving it long distances without feeling stiff has been wonderful. Accelerating onto a highway is great. The trunk really holds a lot. Passengers have felt comfortable. It is great on gas. It has been very reliable. I just love driving it. My husband and grown daughter enjoy driving it when I will let them. ;>)

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  safety - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By armleg - December 20 - 2:00 am

  only have driven a few hundred miles but it performs very well.milage is somewhat less than my previous 2 montanas but still acceptable.

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  KIA SORENTO - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Shawn Cook - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Overall i have no problems. But trying to do some of the maint. yourself is difficult. It is very difficult to change the headlights and to change the oil and filter you have to remove a plastic skid plate

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  Good Car - Great Value - 2001 Kia Sephia
  By bulldog37 - December 17 - 2:00 am

  I have to admit I was a bit skeptical when I saw the price. I got my 2001 Sephia for $9250.00. That included tax, title and license. I wanted a car to go back and forth to work with that would not break the bank. I paid cash and have never been happier. No problems whatsoever with mine. I truly belive that Kia and Hyundai are now positioned in the same manner that the Japanese were in the late 70s and early 80s. Quality cars for a great price equals loyal owners and repeat buyers. I highly recommend this model.

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  Kia Spectra is Great! - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By wa_wabbit - December 14 - 2:00 am

  While my Kia is small, it is big on style, mileage, handling, safety, and fun-ability! The buying experience was first-class, and the warranty is unbeatable! The only thing I can find wrong with my Spectra, is that the front seat safety belts are tight on the hips. Other than that, I have absolutely no complaints for this entry- level car! Its an extremely user- friendly auto!

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  My New Kia Optima - 2004 Kia Optima
  By DrFate - December 14 - 2:00 am

  My new car is extremly comfortable and it drives like a dream. I have purchased the Optima ES with the V6 and Leather trim. The interior is absolutly beautiful and filled with the ammentities of a much more expensive vehicle. For the money I could not find a better car with any better usable power or warranty. My only concern is that as of yet the mileage that is quoted I have yet to see I am only getting about 17 on the highway. But the engine is real strong and pulls away from a dead stop with ease. Thanks for letting me speak.