Kia Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.33/5 Average
7,338 Total Reviews
Make Overview:

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:

Showing 1911 through 1920 of 7,338.00
  • Mileage disaster - 2005 Kia Sportage
    By -

    I really enjoy this car except for the mileage. It is rated 19 mpg city but despite the fact that I am very rarely ever stuck in traffic, I rarely average over 14.2 mpg.

  • Very Pleased - 2008 Kia Sorento
    By -

    I test drove many vehicles and the Sorento proved to be the smoothest ride out of those tested in my price range. I had heard negative feedback from the older versions of KIA vehicles which made me nervous but I decided to take a chance based on the look, feel and value for my money. It turned out to be a great choice! Very quiet and smooth. Im loving it!

  • So many problems, so few miles - 2010 Kia Forte
    By -

    Clutch and flywheel had to be replaced at 70K miles at a cost of over $1500. No aftermarket parts widely available. Speedometer/Odometer replaced at approximately 75K miles. Entire rack and pinion steering assembly had to be replaced at 85K miles at a cost of over $1000. Tires on this care barely reach 15K miles without going bald. Brakes and rotors replaced at 85K miles. This car, while fun to drive and very good looking is expensive to maintain and not very reliable. It is my second Kia and possibly my last. I would advise against any manual transmission in this car. This is a very difficult clutch to drive, and I have driven many. When you have to replace it, get ready pay big bucks.

  • We Got Soul! - 2010 Kia Soul
    By -

    What a ride handles great w/sport suspension a little harsh the ride on very rough rodes. 2litre engine is packed with get up and go from exit ramp to hiway speed 65 is very impressive. The interior seating and overall roomines is excellent. Again Sport suspension has its pluses when cornering Soul is sure footed no body roll around corners @ 45 + mph. VEry well equipped we added LED interior lighting and in rear cargo the factory light is poor we added strip Led lightinging to the left and right side along the upper and lower seam where the rear panels meet. 3k + miles and enjoy driving our Soul everyday. Soul is a Great CUV.

  • Kia wagon review from Pam - 2003 Kia Rio
    By -

    This car is wonderful to drive, it has only one problem, if you drive gravel roads, it has a problem with mud, the mud sticks up underneath, and you get a bit of a shimmy from it. The automatic carwash with the undercarriage feature will solve this if you get it before it becomes too caked on

  • I am impressed - 2002 Kia Spectra
    By -

    I bought my Spectra 5 months ago. I didnt expect much, considering the price I paid for it, but I am finding I really like it, and would seriously consider buying another Kia when the time comes. The inside is very comfortable, with thoughtfully arranged controls. My only complaint so far, is the paint job. My Kia seems to have a "bullseye" on it, as it has been "dinged" three major times in parking lots. Each time, I notice that the paint is flaking rather alarminly well beyond where the actual damage is! Also, the tires that come standard on it (Hankook) are really a joke. Ive already replace them, and am much happier with the overall handling.

  • I love this econbox that rides like air - 2003 Kia Spectra
    By -

    No complaints---steering wheel is too ruberry, but wheel cover (9.95) fixed that. Also too plain, but $175.00 wood kit fixed that. Rides like a luxury sedan. Rides nice at 78-90 mph unlike a small car--the gas milage is unbelievable, this car does not know how good it is, for such little money

  • Glad I did it - 2003 Kia Sedona
    By -

    We just drove our Sedona home from the dealer and glad we made the choice to buy one. I traded in a 98 Honda Odyssey with 100,000 miles. Dont get me wrong, Hondas are great, and yes I will miss the magic rear seats(alot) but we researched for a full month, drove all the minivans out there, and for all that we got, plus some, the value was there. We added an entertainment system for the kids which is great! and still thousands less than the new odyssey. This car is chock full of features that you cant find elsewhere for the price. Hope that Kia stands behind all they say, because if they do, this will probably be one of our best car investments yet.

  • Much better than average - 2003 Kia Sedona
    By -

    Overall, a great vechicle to drive. Especially on those long trips. I would recommend the video option if you have kids. Plenty of power, nice looks and regularly get comments asking if i like it and that its one of the better looking minis around.

  • Worth The Money - 2003 Kia Sorento
    By -

    I passed a Kia dealership one day while out with my children. I saw the "back" of this SUV and said "what is that"? They said thats a Kia Sorrento. I had never heard of, or seen one before. I went back to the dealership to get a better look and really liked what I saw. Not wanting to be a guinny pig I was leary about buying a vehicle new to the market, but the warranty sold me along with the price. Nine months later, I am very happy with my Sorrento. I have, and would recommend it to others...for the price, you cant match it or beat it!

Great Deals Near You
  • Loading cars...

Selected Edmunds.com visitor vehicle reviews

Edmunds.com Visitor Vehicle Ratings and Reviews are the property of Edmunds.com, and may not be reproduced or distributed without the consent of Edmunds.com. Edmunds© is a trademark of Edmunds.com, Inc. Edmunds.com, Inc. is not affiliated with this website or app.

Powered By Edmunds

× Estimated monthly payments based on 3.9% APR, 60 month financing, and 20% down payment. Tax, tags, title, administration fees, and license fees are not included in price or payment. Subject to approved buyer credit. Actual purchase terms may vary.

Payment calculations are sourced by EveryAuto.com and may not reflect actual dealer financing terms.

Send Us Feedback ×


Locating Vehicles In Your Area