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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  Surprisingly Good Car - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By jabhiji - July 29 - 7:23 pm

  I have owned a LX for about a month now and have been pleasantly surprised at the gas economy and reliability so far. Most of the miles so far are on the highway (with the A/C on) and I have consistently obtained 34+ MPG, with the maximum so far being 37.8 MPG. The vehicle handles very well on the highway, but can be a bit awkward at low speeds. Does not handle turns very well, even at low speeds. Feels like the car is going to rollover if you take those curved exit ramps at more than 30 to 35 mph. But overall, considering the price, I am a very satisfied owner.

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  Kia Sorento Shines!!! - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By Rio - July 25 - 1:46 am

  I purchased the Kia Sorento EX Sports Package in late January of 2005. Fun to drive and very appealing on the outside as well as on in the inside. This car is a head turner. Everyone is impressed by its stylish look as well as its smooth drive. Lots of people are intriqued this Kia SUV, and I just love driving around town.

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  This Car is Awesome - 2012 Kia Sorento
  By elpollobago - July 24 - 4:23 pm

  This car is great, I was first going to get an older model BMW SUV (the X-5 or X-3), no comparrison, the Sorrento its so much nicer and you get more for your money. Its a great looking car and it drives great. I definitely recommended.

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  Great little car! - 2008 Kia Rio
  By roger - July 22 - 11:56 am

  I have had my Kia Rio for two years and I am very happy with it. The price was great. I get 30-34 mpg. I drive it daily 50 miles to work and back and like it fine. I have also driven it to Florida and several times (2,000 miles round trip) and it was comfortable. I have had no mechanical problems at all. It is a great little car for the price and with the back seat down has lots of room to haul stuff. Yes, I would buy another Kia.

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  Really like the car - 2004 Kia Optima
  By JsM - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I really like my car. I bought it because of the looks and price. Went with the intention of buying basic car but ended up with extras (leather, wood trim, better stereo and heat/air system). Im used to a four cylinder so Im sure that makes a difference. Optima drives great (smooth, great pick- up) and gets good mileage on the highway (drove to Penn from Mass and got about 30 miles/gal). Around town not so great (about 19 miles/gal), but I sit in traffic going/coming to work. Very comfortable and roomy. Rides smooth. Very happy....

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  Beautiful! - 2004 Kia Optima
  By MEmeme - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Very NICE ride! Nicer than my SUV. I LOVE to pass the gas stations in my NEW CAR!

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  wonderful - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By mcdaniel - July 22 - 10:00 am

  My husband purchased a sadona for me for my Birthday. It was the best van I ever had. compared to the dodge caravan I the Kia is #1. My hats off to the designer of this one. Thanks Kia

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  I love my Kia - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By S Colbert - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Sorento to replace my Kia Sportage because of the extra room and features. I wanted to sit up higher off the ground and wanted the added feature of a V6 engine. I also like the added storage space under the passenger seat and in the back just above the spare tire. I have found the ride comfortable and quiet and the Sorento handles very well around corners. Overall it is just plain fun to drive.

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  Love my Kia - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By lwbll - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I have been very happy with my Kia Sorento. Its really ALOT of car for the money! It drives very smoothly for a 4wd SUV... not like a truck.It has alot of zip and handles smoothly. Interior design is comfortable and controls are convenient. The stereo system is very good..I love the 6 cd in the dash feature. The only thing I would change is the gas mileage...not as high as I would like, but probably not too different from most cars of this type..

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  kia sorento is a outstanding value! - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By ericruby - July 22 - 10:00 am

  i would definately recomend a sorento to anyone who is looking for a suv in that category. i am very happy with my desision,it looks and feels like it should cost much more than it did!