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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  Great Van, Bad Dealer (Royal Kia Tucson) - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By brihome - October 2 - 10:00 am

  My wife loves her van. This is a great vehicle for the price. My wife has recommended this van (with leather) to several friends, I just dont recommend Royal Kia in Tucson, AZ (unless you enjoy games and phone calls after purchase).

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  minor improvements - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Tom Herron - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Best vechile on the road for the money.

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  Long term review - 2009 Kia Sportage
  By ac - October 1 - 9:43 am

  Owned the Sportage for a year and half with 35k miles still going strong. Recently Ive been getting as much as 30 MPG. The sportage is very solid, no issues at all. The sportage has been a great commuter car and family work horse. Between commuting and getting the kids off to there sports, this car has been great. plenty of storage in the back with enough room to travel with 5 people. I find The 4 cylinder 2.0 liter engine adequate. Its not a rocket but gets me where i have to go. The 5 speed makes the sportage fun to drive. The outside finish is still as shiny as the day i got it. No issues at all , none. I do all of the required maintenance through the dealer. Easy to maintain. Great car!

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  The poor mans lexus - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By John - September 28 - 6:00 am

  Just took delivery of the Sorento and I can say Im well pleased. The warranty, fit and finish, paint are excellent. Its alot of car for the money, esp. in todays dollars and what new cars are selling for..I opted for the 6 cyl. I didnt feel there was that much diff. in mileage in the long run. I will update as the year...summer etc. continues. However, so far Im Impressed.

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  Love my Soul - 2010 Kia Soul
  By tk8840 - September 27 - 6:10 am

  I bought the KIA Soul almost three weeks ago, and am truly enjoying it. I drove a Jeep Grand Cherokee for many years and needed to finally replace it. My brother suggested looking at a KIA, and went with me to the dealership. He was really impressed with the Soul over the Sportage - I liked both equally, but took his advice on the Soul, and dont regret it for one second! Living in AZ, the tinted windows are a huge plus. It is much smaller than the Jeep, but feel just as comfortable. Maybe its just my Soul, but must say its a QUIET ride. Feels solid, handles great. For what you get with the price-its definitely a bargain. No regrets!

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  Like a sports car. - 2003 Kia Rio
  By Bill Gibbons - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I live in the mountains and drive state highways up, down, and over. I also use interstates fairly regularly. The car is peppy, feels solid, passes easily for a small car, is comfortable, and is fun to drive. There is enough room behind the second seat for my 50# dog. My average MPG is 35. And the car is cute!(color is blueberry)

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  Sedonna surpise - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Cgars7 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Very nice vehicle - drives solid - great pick up - Comfortable on long trips. So far it has been a pleasant surprise -

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  Best inclass - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By statefan - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I was downsizing from an older Suburban and looked at all of the mid- size SUVs. Once I saw and drove the Sorento there was no question what to buy. The quality, appearance and options, regardless of the cost, was comparable or better than all of the others. When you consider the price (5K to 8K lower) and add in the warranty it becomes a no brainer. You just have to compare for yourself. I would recommend the luxury package too. It is worth the money. To get a better quality mid-size SUV you have to go the Acura / Lexus lines for about twice the money.

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  Love my SUV - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By KMD - September 26 - 10:00 am

  After having two minivans over the past 7 years, I test drove and researched every midsize SUV out there....I LOVE MY SORENTO!!! The comfort is amazing...very easy and fun to drive, I love the large moon roof...the console is great...the interior is very classy and plush...stereo/cd controls at the wheel are great! People approach me and comment on what a sharp vehicle it is and ask how I like it...what do you think I tell them??? I LOVE IT!! I also feel very safe in this vehicle...it is SOLID and with front/side airbags...and 10 yr-100 mile powertrain warranty...hard to beat!! I cant wait until it snows so I can test the 4-wheel drive!!!!

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  GREAT VALUE - 2010 Kia Forte
  By GEORGE - September 25 - 2:56 pm

  the styling is well thought out, attractive from any angle. simple, but functional