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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  4dr sedan kia forte lx - 2017 Kia Forte
  By Darin robles - August 6 - 10:57 pm

  I and my wife purchased a brand new kia forte lx on the 9th of may and ill tell you what.the car has so much to offer in a kia that i and my wife was immpressed with all the features it has in todays technology.performance and the design was amazing.i consider this car to be a sports luxury car buts its immpressive looks are deceiving for a 4dr sedan.i love driving this car thats shows sporty look and luxury at the same time.pricing for the car was good and affordable payments.its cheaper to finance this car through kia.they gave us a 5.9% and 72 months.saved us 5000 dollars for 1 year of payments we wont have to pay into at 84months.they work hard to get us out from our negative equity in our last car and got us into a brand new car.i just about fell over because i didnt think we both would qualify for a new loan,but kia made it happen.i would recommend anyone to purchase a car from kia.prescott,valley az.my 09 toyota corrolla i purchased back in 15 at prescott honda was insane.had put way too many parts replacements in the past 21 months.p.o.s i wouldnt recommend this car.though its been told that toyota lasts longer but parts are expensive.our budget is now more efficient for us.stress and money maintaince free with our new kia.dont forget when you break a car in,you must brake it easy not hard and steer soft on turns and accelerate gently.maintain oil and filter changes and air filters too.your dealer will help you keep track of your maintainence so you can have a car that will run for years to come and less problems to deal with if not like most people do,they run their cars to the ground and expect no problems.wake up america.if you take good care of your kids so much then why dont you do the same for your car.

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  4 or 5 depending on expectations - 2016 Kia Soul
  By bryan kauffman - August 6 - 12:09 pm

  Was looking for something that could hold a family of three, one still rocking a car seat, and be enjoyable when I rode alone to and from work (plus I love the aesthetics). Got a topped out version of the plus model after considering the Exclaim. The features I wanted while shaving off about $1500/$2000 off the price, though I think if I wanted the additional features the Exclaim is certainly worth looking at. Driving Impression: Engine - meh. Just okay with the 2.0 liter. But, I am fine with that. If they come out with the much discussed turbo model, I think that will sell briskly and make it the alternative to the VW GTI. Doesnt struggle to keep up in traffic or pass. Just doesnt blow your hair back. Braking seems solid. Wind noise is less than I expected considering the shape. Ride feels composed on the highway. Visibility is spectacular. Body roll around corners is average. Interior - Got the leather with ventilated/heated seats, a huge touch screen display with navigation (no service to buy to use it either.....bonus!) Back seat easily fit my kids carseat. Would probably be tight if he was still in an infant seat. Lots of soft touch materials. Odometer display is a bit lackluster. Back seats are comfy for an adult of average height. Nice bonus that the outboard seats are also heated. USB port and 2 120v adapters up front too. Storage - Plenty of cup holders, a nice little cubby space for change and a glasses holder. Armrest storage feels a little insubstantial and doesnt come with any useful trays or anything. Wish you could adjust it a bit. glove box is cavernous. The rear storage cover is great and can be adjusted or removed if needed. Storage being the rear seats is adequate and honestly larger than anticipated considering the size of the vehicle. Storage under the floor cover are a wonderful surprise. Overall: I would probably give it a 4.5 star review if possible. I think, dollar for dollar, it checks all the boxes and then some with room for only minor improvements. I am thrilled with it and actually am looking a lot more forward to my commute.

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  My All Time Favorite! - 2012 Kia Soul
  By skrubs - August 6 - 5:22 am

  I love my Kia Soul! I have owned 4 new cars in my lifetime and this one is my all time favorite. It is fun to drive. It handles great on winding roads. It is a very cool looking car. My iPhone connects to it via Bluetooth so I can answer my phone by pushing a button on the steering wheel and listen through my speakers. I can play my iTunes playlist using the same technology. Today I thought I would check to see if there were any recalls on my car, and the Kia isnt even listed in the NTSA site. That means no recalls for the entire line of Kias. Plus you cant beat the warranty. Awesome car!

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  Double take on the New 2005 Sportage!! - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Renee - August 4 - 5:20 pm

  When I first saw the 05 Sportage, I was really impressed and didnt really think it was even a Sportage! The new design has certainly improved in looks and space since previous models. After my test drive, I purchased the 6 Cylinder Ex in Jade Green. I was really impressed by the size and standard saftey features, not to mention the warranty. The interior is very spacious, and the rear occupants have decent leg room. The ride seems very car like, smooth and not jittery. I like the privacy windows (no need to have the vehicle windows tinted). The covered storage tray above the spare tire is nice to stow items securely and out of view. I really am enjoying and driving my new Kia Sportage!

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  2005 Sedona Rating - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Pauletta - August 4 - 5:13 pm

  This is not the first Kia. But it is our first SUV. It is such a pleasure to drive ... handles so easily, and mobility is excellent. The only downside is the small gas tank. It doesnt hold much gas at a time. Would rather not have to visit gas station as often. Like the 16 inch tires. It is a joy to drive. Was purchased as replacement for husbands car, but wife took it over! He hasnt had much opportunity to drive it!

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  Love This Car - 2011 Kia Forte
  By bjsafe - August 3 - 3:54 am

  Purchased SX model with all option packages (rearview cam, nav, sirius w/traffic, bluetooth, leather, sunroof, push-to-start, heated seats, rear spoiler) for $20K, which was my entering price point. Youd be hard pressed to find all that w/a 10 year warranty in any other car at that price. Owned for one month, put over 3000 miles on it, 1700 on a road trip, 1300 over daily 32 mile roundtrip commute. Gas mileage as advertised. As mentioned in a previous review, pictures dont do this car justice. It is a very attractive car. Incidentally, I was interested also in the Koup but found it too tight of a squeeze at 63". Despite issues listed below, I am totally happy with my purchase.

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  You would never guess its a Kia - 2009 Kia Borrego
  By Miguel - August 2 - 4:36 am

  I have purchased many cars everything from an Audi to a Toyota. I have to say that this Borrego is the best purchase ever. The ride is great (for a truck style frame). Comfort is that of a luxury car. All of the options this Borrego comes with is unbelievable. We looked at everything from a 4Runner to a Acadia. I saved over $10,000 by purchasing this Borrego. The warranty cant be beat. I even got the dealer to throw in the 100,000 Mile bumper to bumper warranty for free. The turning radius is also unbelievable.

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  very happy - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Zach Saber - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven two round trips from Seattle to Monterey in the past three months in my Optima. This is the first vehicle Ive owned that made the trip fun, affordable and comfortable. Im very happy I purchased this vehicle.

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  Like a Timex, Keeps on running ! - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Carl Leason - August 1 - 5:16 am

  From day one, (bought this car new ), it just always runs and have had no problems, NONE, of any kind ! Ave. fuel mileage about 30 and already have 42,000 miles on it. The dealer is great, This is my second Kia and I always am treated as if they like me. The only reasons for going to dealer is for oil changes.Tire rotation, best car I ever owned !

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  Much more than expected! - 2006 Kia Optima
  By mark - July 31 - 3:46 pm

  I never thought that I would like a Kia, but this car was too good to pass up. After a Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer, I needed something that was dependable and good on gas. Ive had two Nissan cars that were excellent and looked in that direction, but two friends have Kias (one car and one suv) and swear by them, not at them. Three months have passed and I like my Optima a lot. It has a smooth ride and handles well on any road surface and around corners. Very stable drive. The 2.4L 4cyl engine delivers a lot more power than I expected. The cabin is pretty quiet and Ive heard no rattles or noises in the car so far. Im VERY satisfied.