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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  Love it - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By Kia Lover - December 26 - 2:20 pm

  Researched Toyota Highlander and test drove Hyundai Santa Fe, purchased the Sorento EX. Wanted the added protection of curtain airbags. Added Torque-on- Demand, and ABS breaks, for the best value for my buck. This truck is roomy and attractive inside and out. Handles well, seats 5 comfortably, and offers more than enough cargo space. Everytime I come outside and see it, Im glad I purchased it.

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  MY Amanti - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By Anthony - December 24 - 7:16 pm

  In the real estate business, this car performs well. It looks great, is quiet so we can speak without the thumping and banging my past luxury cars had. Almost no wind noise and the engine is quiet. The heat and A/C work well, great traction in wet and snow. I drive 40k a year and this car does what it should. Nothing has broken, and all systems are above par. I have had many other cars; Jag X and S, Chrysler 300M, and Park Aveneu, but none have it all like the Amanti. I listen and feel for vibrations; this is a heavy car and has none. Quality everywhere -- just open the hood, trunk, and doors. If Kia came to U.S with its current cars and prices everyone would respect their product more.

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  Love My Kia Sedona - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By stewartfansinfl - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Really like the van. Kids love the built in DVD player.

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  Advice - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Toya - December 24 - 10:00 am

  I have had several people mention to me not to buy a Kia. I asked why because they said they were cheap and lemons. Well I was in the market for a new SUV, so I test drove the Liberty, Escape and the Sorento. Now my mind was set on the Escape( Every car I have own was a Ford). But I was passing by the Kia Dealership and decided to stop and test drive the Sorento. Boy, was I surprise. I mean I fell in LOVE Instantly. By the time I left, I was riding home in my new Sorento. All of those people that told me not to by a Kia. How do they know they never owned one. So I have my own advice now. Go give Kia a chance. You wont be disappointed

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  Kia Sorento Review - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Ken Sparks - December 24 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the Sorento after owning a Kia Sephia. I put alot of miles on the Sephia and had no problems but was looking for a large vehicle that would handle snow and off road conditions. I purchesed the Sorento after seeing one upclose for the first time, The ride on the test drive was great peppy roomy and comfortable. With a 100,000 mile warrenty how can you go wrong.

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  My Sorento - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By track726 - December 24 - 10:00 am

  I absoulutly LOVE my Kia. Its so much fun and its very reliable and comfortable to drive. All my friends love it and my family do too. Its fun and I just LOVE it

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  What a bargain - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By JJKRN - December 22 - 10:16 pm

  I found this car by accident, drove it reluctantly, and fell in love. I make a good living and NEVER play keep up with the Jones type games.The exterior is kind of weird looking to my taste, but the interior is beyond first class I find it very responsive, good mileage, and a pleasure to commute in. If youre looking for a first class car, and want to save a lot of money, try the Amanti.

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  Catchy Title! - 2016 Kia Sedona
  By Jing Joba - December 22 - 6:25 pm

  Love it.

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  love my Spectra - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Aneisha loves spectr - December 22 - 10:46 am

  I LOVE MY SPECTRA! This is an excellent car. I looked at Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and Scion and they are all okay but dont compare to Kia. I chose the Polar Ice Blue and get stopped all the time and no one believes my car is a Kia. The gas mileage is excellent and it is so fun to drive. I leave my house earlier for work so that I can take the scenic route.

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  Love my new Forte - 2016 Kia Forte
  By Theresa Erkila - December 22 - 3:09 am

  If you are looking for a great affordable car go and check out Cowboy Kia in Conroe Texas! They made sure I got the vehicle I wanted in the color I wanted and the price I wanted. The sales team and finance department were fantastic and made sure I was comfortable during the entire process. Everyone was very nice. As I have only had my Forte for a little over a week I cant comment on service because I havent needed any. I love the interior and it handles nicely! Everything about it is great! I would recommend getting a Kia to all. Very affordable and plenty of extras for the price. Great on gas too. I am really looking forward to my trip to Louisville Kentucky next week. Derby Time!!