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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  Im happy (so far) - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By agentzero - July 11 - 11:53 pm

  Ok, my wife was extremely reluctant to go with Kia, we turned in a Murano as the lease was expiring. For the $$$ though, there was nothing coming close to the deal Kia was willing to swing. $36.4k sticker for $29.5k plus tax. 3 year old loaded Pilots go for that around here. If you can find a 2011 on the lot, thats the key, theres no way to get $7k knocked-off a 2012, and IMO opinion the differences from the 11 to 12 were not huge. 11 was the major redesign year.

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  Last Kia I will own - 2010 Kia Soul
  By autoguy99 - July 11 - 7:10 am

  I bought the Kia Soul 2U based on size vs the advertised MPG. The local dealer had it rated 41 hwy and 36 hwy. I use this car for sales and average 35000kms per year. I average arround 24 mpg. Pathetic. I talked to the same dealer who sold me on the great MPG and was told that those numbers were not real world mpg. There is an annoying rattle in the drivers side windsheild post that no one can seem to fix. Never again, next car will be a honda.

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  Worst suspension - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Migs - July 10 - 2:40 pm

  Its almost perfect until it rolls onto small road bumps. Bad noisy annoying suspension! It drives nice on smooth roads but never on the smallest pot holes. Do not buy if you drive in NYC/ Jersey city roads. This issue should be recalled by Kia with all the complains all over the Internet. I want to drive other customers sorento who says they have no suggestion for improvements.

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  OK for a while or in the warm climates. - 2000 Kia Sephia
  By Dont want no more! - July 9 - 10:43 pm

  Its ok for the first 3 yrs then if it freezes where you live beware. Doors a major problem every winter getting worst every year. resale pitiful $$

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  5,000 Mile Review - 2012 Kia Rio
  By vod - July 9 - 11:49 am

  We purchased an EX automatic to use primarily as a local runabout and occasional highway runs. Decision came down to the Kia or Honda Fit. Chose the Kia based on better responsiveness, quieter ride, interior comfort, interior design and lengthy warranty. Mileage has matched EPA estimates. Exterior styling is such a personal issue that no comment is necessary.

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  Top Notch! - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By joatrades - July 8 - 1:25 pm

  I bought my Sorento used in 06 with 12,000 miles on it. Now have 89K. Love the fact that it is a true 4x4! The rear end is just like a truck, unlike most newer SUVs (including the 12 Sorento!) Never had issues with lights but brakes are below par as is the sheet metal (thin), fuel economy is not great either. Paint, A/C engine, & tranny all are top notch. Very reliable & would buy another 05 or 06.

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  Great Car at a good price - 2008 Kia Rio
  By smalltownsouthernman - July 8 - 10:00 am

  Purchased this car pre-owned with only 4000 miles on it. I havent had any problems out of it to date. I do notice that when i drive it after sitting over night the rear brakes tend to be touchy and squeak some. The engine also tends to have a little rattle to it when it is cold. Not sure why it does that but once it warms up it is flawless. it may have something to do with the CVT.

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  Overall Good Car - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Anthony J. - July 8 - 10:00 am

  Purchased car in 2005 when we had addition to our family. Looked at Altima, Malibu, Impala & Accord but they were more than we were willing to pay. Some how ended up on Kia lot and thats where the story begins. Took car for test drive:nice interior, sunroof, good power, auto-stick. I was really surprised. I havent had a single problem with it since Ive owned the car besides getting a new battery and routine maintanence. The paint job, however, isnt to good. Car doesnt hold its value.

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  Love the car! - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By Jay Dee - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Kia Rondo in May 2010. My Saturn VUE was totaled, and fortunately, I got a good deal and was able to pay cash for the Rondo. This car is fun to drive, especially easy to access if you are short or disabled. There are two problems I have with this car. Gas mileage stinks! My SUV got better mileage than this! I get an engine knock when the A/C is on. The compressor was replaced (under warranty) but the noise continues.

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  An okay car - 2010 Kia Forte
  By poreharry - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I recently purchased a Forte EX with the fuel economy package. I am fairly disappointed with the purchase. It handles like a slug, the transmission is continually hunts for the highest gear. I do like the safety features and the Sirius radio, but honestly that is about all I like about the vehicle