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:

• 

  Not very impressed - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By momof2 - August 15 - 12:26 am

  I bought the car used, was told that it is in great condition, well not a week later we were in the shop for a noise that I cant even explain, was told by KIA mechanic that it is the ABS doing a self check, the sound has never gone away, then received a recall for a crank shaft bolt the had to have the rear door hinge replaced and the light bulbs are constantly burning out, and now the Check engine light keeps coming on for a transmission code p0700, and I was told there is nothing wrong with the car. I will never buy another KIA again, the people that work there are rude and they need to make a better vehicle.

• 

  Really like this car but with minor tweaks it would be great - 2013 Kia Sorento
  By mkc1 - August 14 - 8:08 am

  I really like this car. It looks good and the ride is smooth and very quite. The V6 has good get up and go. I test drove the 4 cylinder GTL and felt it lacked power. This model comes fully loaded and has great features. It doesnt however get the stated gas mileage. I get around 22 in the city and 24 - 25 highway. I recommend this car for the price and the warranty but it would be an awesome car with a few tweaks.

• 

  A GREAT BUY! - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By TL - August 13 - 3:50 pm

  The Rondo may not get you looks on the street but the function is superior of any car in its class. This is a GREAT buy for people who need room and dont want to bleed your wallet. The ride is wonderful and the finishes are excellent! I purchased a FULLY LOADED Rondo for less than half loaded competitors cars. Unbelievable deals are out there on Kias. I would absolutely tell anyone interested in a new car to look into a Kia. The warranty itself is a no brainer.

• 

  Great deal - 2016 Kia Forte
  By David Mccorkle - August 12 - 2:22 pm

  Great!

• 

  Disappointed Purchaser - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By diddapointedpurchase - August 12 - 2:43 am

  Was very excited to have such an equipped minivan for the price, that is until it proved to be totally unreliable. Had to have service on it around 20 times (no really). Transmission replaced, AC components replaced several occasions and still does not function properly on long road trips (more than 100 miles). We only have 42,000 miles on it. My advice. Stay away from the 2002. Glad to see there are more positive reviews than negative and others are having better luck with their Sedona.

• 

  kia - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Ashley Woody - August 10 - 10:00 am

  The van is a great vehicle. I have had zero problems and this year we put 33,000 miles on it. We live out in the country so the gas mileage hurts a little, but over all it is a great vehicle for the price. I would buy it again. NO regrets

• 

  KIA SORENTO - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By DRRO3 - August 10 - 10:00 am

  THIS HAS TO BE THE BEST SUV ON THE MARKET TODAY. IT LOOKS SLEEK, STYLISH AND DOESNT COST A FORTUNE. I RECOMMEND IT FOR ANYONE LOOKING FOR A LOW COST AUTOMOBILE THAT IS DEPENDABLE AND SAFE AS IT IS GOOD LOOKING.

• 

  THE BEST VALUE IN MINIVAN HISTORY!!! - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By realwealth - August 10 - 2:00 am

  AMAZING MINIVAN!! Coming from a formerly dissatified and VERY CRITICAL Kia Sportage owner, this is an EPIPHANY! We got a decent deal on a 2004 EX with leather, ABS, a 10 yr/100k extended warranty and a security system for $20,345(minus $3000 rebate and $2100 for our 1993 Mercury Villager). I wanted a Nissan Quest S, but God had a better plan!

• 

  what a great car for a low price - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By Bill - August 9 - 3:53 am

  Ive owned my Amanti for only 5 months and have not driven a lot of miles yet, but I love it. Everything about it shouts quality. ItÂ’s so quiet, smooth and responsive. IÂ’m 57 years old and this is truly the finest car IÂ’ve ever owned. And the price? Truly a bargain in todayÂ’s market. I have noticed other owners complaining about gas mileage. On the cars computer it says IÂ’m getting 11.5 mpg but IÂ’ve tested it the old fashioned way, miles driven and actual gallons used and have consistently come up with 19.8 mpg in town driving. I think the on board figures are wrong. Would strongly advise you to check it this way for a more accurate figure. Everything else, a-one!

• 

  Kia - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By RBHarris942 - August 8 - 8:23 pm

  This is a great car! Fun to drive, powerful, easy to run 80-90 without realizing it. This car gives very good value for the money! An exceptional car! Quality equal to or better than Toyota or Honda.