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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  Think Safety, first and foremost - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By north yorker - December 9 - 10:00 am

  With Sienna and Odyssey you get what you paid for, but with Sedona you get more, more, more! Least expensive with all the bells and whistles and comes with the best warranty available in minivan category. Im not too particular when it comes to engine/powertrain problems. Mechanical breakdowns can still be fixed but safety features such as side impact bars is something that you cannot just buy anywhere and install in your car.

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  Enjoying my Cadenza Premium - 2014 Kia Cadenza
  By f1racer24 - December 8 - 9:55 pm

  Just purchased my new 2014 Cadenza. Love the room, features and pricing that under cuts the German competition by $10-15K. get the two thumbs up from strangers when driving. Kia has really stepped ups game to go after the large car segment and with hiring the ex-Audi designer, the car looks stunning. If the prestige brand is not a top priority (and this will save tonnes in service cost) Kia (and brother company Hyundai) if the way to go. Great work and looking forward to many years of use. Will update in 6 months time.

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  Kia Amanti - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By Margaret Caldwell - December 8 - 6:16 am

  A smooth riding relatively inexpensive automobile that turns heads.

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  My wife loves it! - 2013 Kia Soul
  By soulman5 - December 4 - 2:09 pm

  I bought 2013 white Kia Soul+ 2.0L 6A for my wife, who is a teacher in my county school system. Before, she had 2002 Honda Civic LX. We initially looked into Honda CR-V or KIA Sportage. In the end, she chose this one by sight. We could have gone for 2014 model a month later, but she really liked the 2013 model design and size. It drives very sturdy with that 2.0L engine. Its loaded,with Antilock Brake System, Auto Traction Control System (On/Off controllable).... and 8 Airbags! Braking seems excellent. The gas mileage is not good as I expected, but Ive heard that it gets better with mileage. So Im crossing my fingers.

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  My last new car before I retire. - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Huibert Venema - December 3 - 5:16 pm

  I was in the market for a new compact station wagon. I drove by a KIA dealer and saw a red Spectra 5 on display, it was love at first sight. Test drove and purchased it within a half hour. The sales transaction was flawless. My Spectra 5 fits my lifestyle perfectly. I enjoy camping and drive the back roads with gusto, never a squeel or out of control. 30,000 miles and 3 years later, I still hand wash it (2 bucket style) with love and care. Thank you KIA.

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  Excellent car... - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By PeterInFla - December 3 - 10:00 am

  I rented this car thru Enterprise car rental for 30 days. I was very impressed with its looks and comfort.

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  Kia v-6 loaded ex model Silver,yeah baby - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Paula C - December 3 - 10:00 am

  This car is great. I take to Harrisburg Pa, adleast 2 times a month, getting better gas each time. Preformace wise it rides like a dream driving on clouds, pa road are bad but htis car makes them feel great. looking at his car is so beuitful, plese go test drive one you will fall in love.. I did. I test drove alot of car before i got his one. under 19,000. fully loaded with a great warrenty where did i go wrong, LOL go see a kia dealer today, youwill not be sorry.. Paula

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  Amazing value for the money - 2012 Kia Optima
  By mustrockon - December 2 - 5:44 pm

  When we were looking for a car in the 30Ks range I have to admit Kia was not on the short list. After talking with two family friends, one with a BMW and another with a Mercedes both purchased within the last 3 years we began to broaden our search. Not only were the repair bills outrageous for even the smallest of fixes, but the features for the "lower priced" models were lacking compared to the Optima. We ended up getting a pearlized white with leather interior and a turbo 2.0 getting 275 horsepower. It has no problem getting up to speed and rides like a dream. Not only is this the best car we have owned for this price, but our family friend with the Mercedes is trading in for an Optima!

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  I LOVE MY CAR - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By jana - December 1 - 11:20 am

  I love this car! It is the perfect size for me. It drives great and the brakes are awesome too! It compact enough to fit into smaller parking spaces but roomy enough for my 6 foot 4 inch brother to sit comfortably!

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  Great Car - 2009 Kia Spectra
  By Ken Ross - December 1 - 11:16 am

  I bought my Kia Spectra Ex Sedan (4) days ago and I really like it. I havent had it very long and I havent taken it for a long drive yet. I feel that the car was a great buy.