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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  2002 sedona - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By mine - May 9 - 10:00 am

  worth the $10,000.00 savings over the big 3 with the same equipment.will keep till the warranty expires.

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  2011 Kia Sorento - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By redwinejl - May 9 - 8:00 am

  Bought new Aug. 2011. I have 117000 miles with no mechanical problems. I am retired and put many miles on this car going from home to our kid home almost weekly. I did have an alternator replaced on recall, but that is it. I had 60000 mile dealer service performed as well as regular oil changes( I have always used full synethic), and maintain proper tire service. When I bought this car, I would have never thought of buying a Kia, as I did not think they were quality cars, but after owning this one for 4 and 1/2 years, Kia is a quality product and a car company that seems to be doing things right. I think this SUV will continue to serve me well for several more years.

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  Kia You get what you pay for! - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Nerveragain - May 9 - 4:33 am

  We bought the car new and got the rear spoiler with it. It was easy to drive around town but a death trap on the interstate. Road noise is very loud and the motor sounds like it is going to explode at any speeds over 65 mph. We have had a poping noise coming from the front of the car and had it at the dealership several times for this issue but the prolem is still there and they have yet to fix it. If I lived in town and only drove in town this would be a good car, but on any other road where the speed limit is 45 or greater it is not worth the money. The new feeling of this car faded very fast. I should have spent the extra $2000 and bought a quality car.

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  I was expecting too much - 2006 Kia Rio
  By joudain - May 8 - 9:56 am

  My family laughed when I told them I was getting a Kia. It had such good reviews and I was looking for an affordable car. Well, barely two years late, I am laughing right with them. First my car stalls at a stop light. I managed to drive it to a dealership - my board had to be replaced. 2nd just happened yesterday. My car got overheated on the freeway on the way home - this is the first time in my life I had to have it towed! I cannot recommend this car to anybody. I wish I can turn back time and get a Toyota or Honda instead. No thanks, Kia, never again!

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  Surprising (in a good way) - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By sphal - May 7 - 9:42 pm

  I was surprised to see the Sportage at the top of most "cute ute" lists, but after driving one I was just surprised at what a great car it is. I was set on buying a Equinox, but none were in stock on the weekend I had to buy (my old car died). I drove the Kia and found a car that was just as nice for 3-4k less. After 1 month I have no regrets, it is the perfect car for me with decent gas mileage, good looks, and lots of amenities (AWD, leather, roof, GPS).

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  Kia Rio - 2006 Kia Rio
  By Taralyn - May 7 - 7:20 pm

  Ive only had this car few days and I already love it! Its my first car and Im very happy with it. Its cute and fun to drive. The gas mileage is wonderful. It gets me where I need to go and saves money on gas. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a fuel efficient car.

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  Awesome comfortable luxury car great gas - 2012 Kia Optima
  By Daniel Ake - May 6 - 5:31 pm

  I drive Uber and all my riders are surprise by the comfort of the car they say it feels like a Lexus or a Mercedes comfort. I took guys 64 in the back and they were very comfortable with good space. I went from Houston to San Antonio appx 200milines with half a tank. And my two kids love my car i have alot of fun driving it

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  Best for your money - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By Summmeyphd - May 5 - 10:00 am

  I am 51. Bought with all options. Great car for the money! The competion does not come close (after looking seriously for 3 months.) Rank with entry level Jag or mercedes at half the cost. Bought after owning a BMW, Jag and 3 Cadillacs. Well kept secret!

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  Much improvement over my 2002 - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Jeff - May 3 - 6:16 am

  I was not as happy with my 2002 Kia sportage Ex 4x4. I was looking at honda crvs when I heard of the new 2005 Sportage. Almost certain I wouldnt buy another one I went and test drove one. First of all it looks more expensive than my 2002. It is built much better and more expensive interior parts are used. I am amazed at what I got for $21,000. (and yes this is the top of the line model!) Lets just hope its better mechanically than my old one. Only time will tell.

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  16K miles in 6 months - 2002 Kia Rio
  By Ed VanderVeen - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2002 Kia Rio in July 2002 and so far so good. I drive 85 miles round trip to work each day and the gas milage on my full size pick up was killing me. My wife & I decided that I needed an inexpensive vehicle with good gas milage and a/c to drive to work in. The Kia Rio was the solution. So far I have put 16,000 miles on it (including a trip from Dallas to Chicago) and have had zero problems.