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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  2006 Kia Sorento over looked - 2006 Kia Sorento
  By al kniss - June 28 - 6:23 pm

  We have driven our Kia for over 2 years and are planning another trip this winter with it. It seems rugged, comfortable and reliable to drive,

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  What I would expect... - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By Vince - June 28 - 5:53 pm

  Good entry level SUV. On par with Geo Trackers and the like. The 2002 year has worked well. I have heard the horror stories from earlier models. Company has web site so I have been able able to do most repairs myself (weekend warrior) including the timing belt without too much effort. Good values available in the used market.

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  new kia - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By forestcity - June 27 - 2:00 am

  this is a nice car for the price.. i got one that is fully loaded... cannot beat the price.. i had to wait a month, because the cars with all the options are the ones that are selling..

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  Think about your spine first - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Orsant - June 27 - 2:00 am

  If you have back problems like me, do not think to buy a Sorento.The ride is very stiff and road vibrations will affect your spinde for sure. I have herniatic disc and since I bought this car I am in pain. Besides that,if you are healthy go ahead and buy one

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  Im a Soul Man - 2010 Kia Soul
  By NightTrain - June 26 - 2:50 pm

  I took advantage of the cash for clunkers and I went from a 98 Grand Caravan to the coolest ride - a 2010 Soul+ in Alien green. I love it. It attracts as much positive attention as would an expensive European car. Im 64" tall with long legs and I cannot believe the room inside the car. I want to wash this car often because I am happy to be seen driving it. You have to love a car when youre making payments. My wife offers to drive when we go out - thats a benefit I never had! Advertised city MPG is 25 but I average 23 MPG as a careful driver in Eco mode.

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  Id buy another one! - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Jonny - June 26 - 11:43 am

  I love this car and would buy another one. Great car for customizing and modding. Gas mileage is 30 MPG. Im 58 yrs old and have owned Jags, MGs, Triumphs, Sunbeam Alpine and Tiger, Austin Healey 2+2, Piper GT to name a few and this car is just as much fun to drive as any of those. But you dont have the high maintenance on it. Just get in and drive the Kia. Most reliable car I have ever had. I recommend Kias to everybody I meet. And it will outrun some of the Hondas, Mazdas, Toyotas, and Nissans.

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  Kia Specrta GSX - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By sporty90 - June 26 - 5:17 am

  All and all this car is great for the money, the performance of this car is amazing in my eyes. Fun to drive, with its rated 125 horsepower, add a little aftermarket adjustments this car could have a great future. never had a problem for the engine. now at 109,000 miles still drives like brand new!!!!

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  Great value great car...all the perks - 2010 Kia Sedona
  By adamkennedy - June 25 - 2:43 pm

  I researched both the Toyota Siena and the Honda Odyssey against the Sedona. I wanted leather, power everything and DVD. I ultimately went with the Kia because I could get all of those features for almost $5k lower than the Honda and Toyota (including incentives). I am so glad I did because the more I drive the fan the more comfortable I feel with the ride quality and features. My wife loves it, my kids love it and I love it (I never thought Id say that about a minivan).

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  Honda Pilot Beater Update - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Pilot Beater Update - June 25 - 5:20 am

  We bought the V6 2011 Sorento with Navi, Panoramic Sunroof etc., etc. (loaded) in Mid April 2010. We have driven it almost 5,000 miles and we continue to be very pleased with it. I would soften the front seat center armrest and I still like the look of dual exhaust, but our Sorento hasnt suffered from squeaks, rattles or any other significant problems. The transmission seems to hesitate when I start forward on a hill so I am going to raise the issue with the dealer at the 5k oil change. Other than that, no problems to report.

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  Family Van Disapointment - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Kevin - June 25 - 12:20 am

  We have 44,000 miles on our van. Since we have owned the van it has been in the shop for warranty work many times. The intake system went bad requiring a tow truck. The air/conditioning compressor has been repaired twice. Power steering has been repaired twice. Three different suspension repairs have been made. The fuel pump has been repaired, wiring harness replaced, brake light switch replaced, engine block oil leak, bad airbag control module, bad seals on windows, doors sticking, doors not latching, etc. Difficulty getting proper alignment. Left us stranded twice. Kia had paid for it all. Dealership has been very helpful. Wondering what will happen when warranty expires.