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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  Best Vehicle! - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Brooke - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I love my new Sorento! As of all new models they sometimes have problems, had a recall fix but with no other problems! I wouldnt trade this vehicle for anything. Its so fun to drive and the 4 cyl gets great gas mileage with all the power I need. I would recommend Shottenkirk Kia of Quincy Il to anyone. they are great and really treat their customers from everything to the sale to follow up to service!

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  great car - 2010 Kia Forte
  By atlw54 - August 25 - 9:00 pm

  Had a Honda for 16 years, so very hard to buy another brand, but have been very impressed with Kias that friends have, so I drove this one. Wow, what a great car. I hope it lasts like a Honda. Looked at all cars in this segment and was so impressed with all the extras for the price. The exterior looks are what got me into the car. Absolutely one of the best looking cars on the road. Have had it since Novermber. Have already been on a long road trip. What a great highway car. Not one single problem yet. Mileage averages 29,30 in all conditions. Six speaker stereo and steering wheel controls are favorite features. Plenty of power for an average driver. Steering and braking great!

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  Luv my Kia! - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Kia Lover - August 24 - 4:03 am

  This is my second Kia (my first being a Sephia), and I absolutely love the Spectra! Its easy to maneuver, has a tight turn radius, and is extremely economical. The exterior has a sassy look. While there could be a bit more pep in the 4-speed auto transmission, overall I would definitely recommend this car - an excellent car for the money!

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  Great deal and ride! - 2012 Kia Optima
  By Don Heisler - August 22 - 6:05 am

  I got mine way below book and it was one time lease owner so it was taken care of. If you find one treated right it should last. In all makes of vehicles there are bad apples so get an extended warranty because any used car will have parts that fail. Mechanic friend said that kia has come along way and I couldnt be happier. Great sporty luxury car for low price. Fast and very fun K5 edition!

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  Although a great car ... sorry I purchased it - 2017 Kia Sorento
  By A. Odom - August 21 - 11:42 pm

  Overall, I think it is a great car, but it has one MAJOR flaw that upsets me. Being designed in Korea, most of the folks there are small and those seat bolsters hold them in place nicely Im sure. Due to cancer meds, I have gained some weight and no longer have a little butt and as such the seat bolsters are very hard and jab me in the hips making it very uncomfortable. I didnt notice this during the test drive, but after the purchase and the 100 mile drive home I realized that I had made a bad decision to purchase this auto. If you dont have a big rear end, then this is a great car, but if your behind is above average, I suggest you not purchase this car. KIA should make the bolsters softer so that they dont jab a person in the hips. I mentioned the discomfort to the dealer and they indicated that they were sorry.UPDATE: while not perfect, the seat feels much better. Just dont have a big butt!

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  Very Happy - 2013 Kia Sorento
  By richardar6 - August 21 - 3:00 pm

  Purchased 1 month ago and couldnt be happier. Fit and finish is impressive. Its not too big,not too small. Turning radius is Excellent. Handles great for what it is. V6 has great pick up. Is it perfect? No, but no vehicle is. The ride is Euro firm (which dosent bother me and the trade off is better handling). MPG is OK, but not anything to write home about- of course I didnt get the V6 for good gas mileage and Ive never gotten advertised MPGs on any vehicle Ive owned. 20-21mpg with my lead foot. The only thing I dont like is road and wind noise- thats it.

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  Kia Sedona - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Alabama - August 21 - 10:00 am

  We are long time owners of mini-vans. Found the Kia Sedona to be a real good deal with lots of features found in much more expensive cars. Nice suprise!

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  satisfied customer - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By terry - August 21 - 2:10 am

  this is a very well designed auto . great pick up . the inside is as nice as the outside in design and comfort . the exterior even looks like a luxury car.

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  surprised with the kia - 2012 Kia Sorento
  By jclaudio - August 18 - 2:13 pm

  needed a new car for my family of three> dont make very much money so it was all about the price range. after doing our share of research nuthin came close to the style and warranty that kia offers.i battled with the chevy equinox but would of spent more money for less of a vehicle> asked chevy can you explain why i should buy your chevy? theyre responce"its a chevy" wasnt good enough so WE went with the smart choice. so far so good>getting lots of compliments on the style and price we ended up spending. only time will tell how my sorento will perform but im focusing on the positive cuz any car can brake down!!!!! question is do u feel ripped off my answser is no

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  Kia Sedona, the perfect minivan - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Haja Peer - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Im completely satisfied with my purchase. Its almost a year im driving the Ex model. The vehicle engine is very smooth and very comfortable and i have made lots of long trips.