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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  debbieg - 2007 Kia Sorento
  By debbieg4 - March 1 - 12:50 am

  Am surprised ratings are as low as they are. We like our Kia.

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  My 1st Kia - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By rwanek6 - February 26 - 1:00 am

  Have owned this car for over a year. Outstanding in every sense of the word except for the poor gas mileage. Have taken it on three trips so far and comfort and driving experience outstanding, very disappointed in gas mileage with or without a full load of people and luggage. Outstanding exterior appearance.

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  Great Value/Not What I Expected - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By Niteman - February 25 - 10:00 am

  I had a Ford Ranger for 5 years prior to this purchase. I must admit how wary I was to buy Korean, my doubts were proved wrong. This car has alot of bang for your buck. If youre in the market for a small sedan you should definitely take this one for a spin. I fell in love with this car once I drove it. Whoever gave this vehicle a bad review must have either gotten a lemon or expected to get a luxury car on a small budget. For the price you just cant beat it! I expected an economy car, and got much more! p.s.- its peppy too!

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  Korean Cadillac? - 2014 Kia Cadenza
  By richie_car_nut - February 24 - 2:27 pm

  Im leasing a fully loaded Smokey Blue Cadenza with the Premium, Technology and the white Napa leather packages. I have gotten lots of compliments. The car is very good looking. Ive had the car for 2 months, 2,300 miles now and am quite impressed with it. The fit and finish, the quiet and smoothness of the engine and the ride is comparable to the luxury nameplates that cost several thousand dollars more. The technology features are great and for $42K sticker it has every bell and whistle you can think of. If you are tired of paying big bucks for a prestigious hood ornament and want understated elegance and value, do yourself a favor and give this car a look!!

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  Wish I had read the reviews - 2008 Kia Sorento
  By lsunburst - February 22 - 9:05 pm

  I bought a used Sorento with low miles a little less than a year ago. The car has been in the shop for a faulty transmission sensor 3 times without much of an explanation from the service department (the positive is all repairs have been covered under warranty). I wish I had read the reviews before purchasing, as the HARD shift and the passenger air bag comments would have alerted me I might not be happy with the choice. I have lost my faith in this car due to the transmission issues, and am looking at trading it in.

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  Love IT - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Boopy - February 19 - 8:23 pm

  I travel at least 100 miles per day and this SUV is comfortable and reliable and consumes less gas than most SUVs on the market.

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  Excellent! No problems! 60,000 miles! - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By Krp321 - February 13 - 2:00 am

  2000 Sportage 2-dr. Convertible 4x4. Almost 3 years old, almost 60,000 miles, and i have not had a single problem with anything important. Driven hard on-road, off-road, and in-between, the only thing wrong at all was the drivers side power window switch failed. I read a lot of complaints about other Sportages, i know some people received a Lemon. That happens with every make and model. Your cupholder broke, so you rate the vehicle as "Poor"? Realize you get what you pay for...this is one of the least expensive SUVs you can buy, not a Mercedes! Besides, the THOUSANDS of happy owners dont complain here. Only the people who have a complaint post here!

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  Road trip review - 2010 Kia Soul
  By wsteinhauer - February 9 - 8:33 am

  We just returned from a 2500 mile road trip in our new Soul+. Car handles really well on interstate and winding 2 lane roads. Great directional stability. Reminds me of a slot car! Short wheel base does result in jarring ride on bumpy roads, but not a deal breaker. got anywhere from 28 to 34 mpg, doing 70-75 with air on. Our + has the black interior, and it does tend to scuff up pretty quick. First car I have had in many years that allows you to see the ground when you look in the engine compartment! Lots of room in the interior and you sit up higher than a sedan. even higher than the PT Cruiser we traded in. Plenty of power for normal drivers.

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  2006 Kia Sorento review - 2006 Kia Sorento
  By Ken - February 9 - 2:56 am

  My 06 Kia Sorento was the first NEW vehicle I had ever purchased. I figured with the used cars and trucks in the past, I had been spending too much in repairs. With the warranty of the Kia 10 yr/100,000 mile how could I go wrong? So far Ive driven 51,000 miles in my Sorento and other than regular oil changes and tire rotations Ive not had 1 problem. The gas mileage could be a little better, but I get 19-20 mpg in the city. I think most who claim poor mileage could be due to poor driving habits. Also my Sorento in a manual. I would suggest you check out the Kia Sorento if you are looking for a mid sized SUV!

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  Great car for the money - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By LXFwd4drSUV(2.0L4cyl - February 2 - 4:36 pm

  Very inexpensive "Volvo" looking car that comes with comfortable seats and plenty of room for driver and guests.