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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  Utopian driving - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By Rob - July 18 - 4:40 am

  The Amanti is such a joy to ride! The heated seats are the sooo comfortable, and the Infinity sound system creates the perfect driving experience. I used to get back spasms in my 2000 Camry XLE, and I dont anymore in the Amanti. The smooth quiet ride is also a huge plus in pothole filled Ohio. I get numerous compliments on the styling & interior fit & finish. I also like the fact that there isnt "one on every corner" (yet).

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  good car - 2003 Kia Rio
  By gcsickchick - July 16 - 10:00 am

  we just totalled our kia rio adn we are not hurt at all except the airbag hit us but thats all we would have flew through the windshield if it wasnt for the airbag so it is a safe car

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  Spectra GSX - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By AAS51506 - July 16 - 10:00 am

  I just brought a Kia Spectra GSX and I am so far satisfied with it. It didnt cost much and there are a lot of bells and whistles for its low price. Dont be fooled your getting into a cheap car if you buy one. The handleing is superb, very quiet cab, and an incredibly smooth ride.

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  Value to the Nth degree - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Kausmos - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle is comfortable, classy and a pleasure to drive. With the unique 5 speed auto, you have 4th, 3rd, and 1st as lock in gears...great for adjusting to any driving condition. Front wheel drive makes the vehicle almost snakeline on curves. Most passengers feel like theyre in 1st class airliner. The 55 to 90 accelation confirms that feeling! Thanks KIA!

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  Great vehicle with electrical problems - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By KB in NM - July 16 - 10:00 am

  This is a rugged, yet comfortable and good looking SUV. Just pulled a loaded 1500lb pop up and it did very well, better than my old Cherokee - Load Leveler really works. Love the sun roof, heated leather seats and comfort. Dont like the intermittant electrical problems the dealer cant find - clock changes to 1:00, radio stations change by themselves, bad interference in AM stations even with the device thats supposed to fix that problem. Audio controls on steering wheel are badly placed because Im always accidentally hitting them. But still a great vehicle worth owning, and the warranty makes the decision easy!

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  Jaguar driver goes KIA! - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By Happy Spectra Owner - July 15 - 2:50 pm

  I have been driving Jaguars and Cadillacs for a long time. I decided I needed a small economy car. I did a lot of research and decided on the KIA Spectra... and I love it! I am not at all disappointed in this car. This Spectra is quiet, solid, comfortable, zippy, it handles beautifully and is fun to drive. It is also a bargain to buy new. You really cant put it in the same class with Corolla and Civic and others because you can drive it away for so much less money. This is a fact that is often missed in the reviews. I am convinced that I got a great car, an economical car (I am getting 28-26 mpg) and that I definitely received value for money.

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  Exactly what I was looking for!!! - 2012 Kia Sorento
  By ontheroad09 - July 15 - 8:38 am

  I needed a 7 seater suv...but I did not want to go over a certain amt. my friend told me to go to yonkers kia. she got one from there and she said they were great. I called and spoke with Jaslyn. she was great and knew that what i needed. I came in and spoke with John I took my car hom.e with me the same day. everything was so nice and professional. the manager said he would make it happen for me and he did. I will tell all my friends and family to go see Yonkers Kia. thanks

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  What a Deal - 2014 Kia Cadenza
  By Jay Swearingen - July 14 - 12:57 am

  Got the car as a dealer demo model with 15K miles. I have put over 20k new miles on in 8 months. My average mileage, city and road, is about 26mpg, Love all the amenities and features. The entertainment/info capability is great and works very well. Easy Bluetooth connection. I did update the nav map info (about $180) that I thought was high. Not thrilled with mileage of original Hankook tires. I have to drive all over Colorado, so mountains and plains. Got some Pirelli Sottozero 3 winter tires and they really allowed great traction even in blizzard conditions. The bang for the buck is great, particularly as I got the car "used." All who have ridden in it love the features. Heated steering wheel has to be the favorite. Paddle shifters for the mountains, with adaptive headlights really helps. There arent many out there, but its absolutely a car to consider, if you need or want a more full sized sedan. The value over euro sedans is tremendous. Learn to love the name Kia.

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  Great Second Car - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By happy - July 13 - 2:20 pm

  I bought this car used for my daughter who will be licensed in a year (2010). I can already tell it is going to be hard to give it up. Good pep and acceleration, low engine/road noise. GREAT fuel mileage and easy to handle on the highway and on snow. Bad blind spot on the right side mirror so be careful. Otherwise it is comfortable inside. Takes bumps pretty well and has just enough amenities for the price to make it a good buy.

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  My New Chariot - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By Dave - July 12 - 12:43 pm

  I traded in a 2004 Sedona for this one and am really pleased with the van. Serene driving and riding comfort, quiet, and the turning radius is much improved. Roomy and plush.