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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  Sorento - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Gitch - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought this SUV after having my child and realizing the sports car had to go. I would not even consider a 4 door sedan. This is the best alternative although the tank is a guzzler. I love the car but dont buy one at Kia Norwood they are a nightmare in Warwick, RI

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  I Love My Sorento - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Eagle - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Im a middle-aged woman who found a comfortable and maneuverable 4WD that rides smoothly over the road but handles my excursions off-road quite well. It took a few days to get used to the height and slower speed necessary when using highway off-ramps without the sensation of tipping or rolling over, but that same height allows for great off-road clearance. It holds my horse saddle and tack as easily as the groceries, and looks great for a dressed-up night on the town. Gas mileage is about 17 around town, 21 over-the-road. A truly versitile vehicle that converts easily from a passenger to utility vehicle in minutes.

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  Commuter - 2007 Kia Rio
  By Aaron - July 24 - 1:10 am

  I have a 140 mile round trip commute and needed a good mpg car. I knew the Kia would get good mileage and the long warranty was important, but I did not expect it would be so fun to drive. I have actually had it up to 100 mph and seemed like it had a little more to give, I didnt want to push my luck though.

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  Happy Buyer - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By TAC - July 20 - 5:46 am

  We researched many vehicles before deciding on the Sorento. We debated between the 4 and 6 cylinder and decided on the 4 since we did not want 3rd row seats. We took it on a trip through the PA mountains and had no problems with power. Good at acceleration and hill climbing. We averaged 27 mpg on highway and 22 mpg city. I was a little concerned about ride comfort, but after this trip found it to be more comfortable than the Grand Caravan we traded. Leather seats with lumbar support helped. The biggest drawback is the cost to replace 18 in tires when the time comes. Overall a very pleasant ride and so far we are pleased with the purchase.

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  Second car, Love it! - 2009 Kia Optima
  By carmansam22 - July 16 - 4:38 pm

  Great Car! Bought it Oct. 11, 2010. Havent had any problems with the car. Its the first 5 speed Ive owned and I love it. Its pretty quick and fast, I can downshift to third and pass cars with no problem. I once had a loaded car (at least 800ibs extra weight), driving up steep hills and still got 25MPG. I feel I got a lot for what I paid, just a little over 12,000.

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  I got a lemon! - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By sprinkles - July 14 - 10:00 am

  it was a nice van until it got a oil leak that the dealership couldnt fix even with kias help. you might get all the goodies not included w/other vans but better check the mechanics, in other words, its cheaper for a reason.good thing its got a really good warrenty cause its going to be worked on a lot if this is the way the whole thing was made.

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  love my kia - 2004 Kia Optima
  By leo scullio - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my kia. It is fun to drive, looks great, and is laid out for easy use and convenience. I can not say enough about how much value I have received for what Ive paid for it.

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  Good basic Transportation - 2002 Kia Rio
  By tkorcal - July 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Rio in Jan. 02. I have had no problems. I use it as a second car for work and back daily and running the kids back and forth.

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  A very impressive vehicle - 2014 Kia Sorento
  By rcf8000 - July 11 - 7:35 am

  Here is my report card for my SXL FWD after three weeks of ownership: Excellent: Power train refinement; nav/entertainment/climate controls and displays; blindspot alert; sunroof; rear view camera; build quality Very Good: Steering (NORMAL setting); braking; ride; handling; styling; drivers seat comfort; noise levels Good: Front passenger seat comfort; second row seat comfort; front seat access; instrument panel displays; gas mileage: 20.7 mpg (suburban driving, calculated; instrument panel display read 22.2 mpg) Fair: Third row seat comfort, for persons 5 ft 10 in tall or smaller, on short trips; third row access Unknown: reliability (no repairs have been needed so far)

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  I love it - 2002 Kia Rio
  By Riand - July 10 - 2:13 pm

  I love my little Kia , its done well over the years and have been reliable. I havent had any problems with the car and I would recomend some one to buy!