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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  Kia Makes A Comback - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Nancy - March 15 - 10:20 am

  I wanted to buy a Sportage when they first came out - am very glad I waited for the 2005 model. I did a lot of research and I dont feel that you could have put more features in a car for the price and the warranty is outstanding. The warranty had a lot to do with choosing this car but competing dealer had same warranty and I still chose the Sportage. It looks good, rides well and is just an all around great means of transportation. The dealership was great and couldnt beat the price - 17,500 with my trade. I am very happy with my Spotage and am glad I decided to buy it.

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  Kia has come a long way - 2012 Kia Optima
  By molina67 - March 12 - 7:25 pm

  This car is awesome. I admit it was hard wrapping my brain around buying a Kia, but I am sure glad I did. This car is not only sexy it 174 hp when you need them. Only downside I have yet to see 34 mpg as advertised. The highest Ive gotten in 5 months and 6000 miles is 31 mpg, still better than my previous car which was the 6 Cylinder Pontiac G8. That only got 24 mpg and only had 254 hp and after 28000 miles I started having engine problems.

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  A great buy. - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Robert Bennett - March 10 - 10:53 am

  We purchased a 2003 Sedona in December 03. The warranty and good things I heard about Kia attracted us to them. We could not be happier! The interior is beautiful. It is a joy to drive. I had a warning light go on indicating an engine problem. I called the 800 number and received immediate help. They picked up the van and checked out the problem. It ended up being a malfunction with the warning light. I was back on the road within 6 hours. Other than that I have had zero problems. This is a great product at a great price point.

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  EXCELLENT VALUE - 2011 Kia Soul
  By datzunzcar - March 8 - 12:03 pm

  I bought my Kia on 8/01/11 and have put over 2700 miles on it. I have averaged 31 mpg on every tank of gas and am extremely pleased with my purchase. From the moment I purchased this car it has been easy to just get in and take off driving. Me and my three kids love it and they have plenty of room to stretch out and be comfortable. I never thought about owning a Kia until this car came out and I like the design and roominess inside. The price is excellent at only $13500 and the 10/100,000 mile warranty makes it even better. If you are looking for a quality automobile for a great price and standard features of higher priced cars look no further than the KIA SOUL as you will not be disappointed

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  Awesome car for the money - 2005 Kia Optima
  By BUDMAN - March 8 - 12:26 am

  I also own a Kia Sorrento and between that SUV and this car I cant believe the comfort, quality and price you pay and I have owned a lot of vehicles and sold them too.

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  4th kia - 2009 Kia Optima
  By LONG TIME KIA FAN! - March 7 - 3:46 pm

  Had for 6 months and have put 4,000 miles on it. Had a 2006 sportage and saw the optima and had to have it. I am blown away at the attention it gets. People are always telling me they love its looks and the red color is sharp. I just smile when I pull up beside a accord or Camry and think to myself I saved thousands and have an equal car. The optima feels smooth and plenty of power from the I-4 it only has a few less horse power than the v-6, save a few bucks and buy the I-4. The trunk really holds a lot and the car is comfortable on long trips. The gas mileage is as advertised which many cars do not match up. So we are very pleased. We do recommend kia to everyone we know.

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  Surprising, Fun, and WOW on Economy - 2013 Kia Optima
  By dc4kids - March 4 - 4:45 pm

  I have owned the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid only a week and I LOVE IT! I have owned Porsche, Mercedes, Cadillac, Infiniti, Lincoln, Honda, Volkswagen, Ford, Chevrolet, Nissan, Dodge, Plymouth, and more and I would rate this vehicle as one of my all time favorites. I love the fact that I can drive the vehicle hundred plus miles and the gas gauge ticks off one notch equal to about 2 gallons of gas. The car is quiet, smooth, and well built. I also love the 5 years and 60,000 mile warranty. No worries for about 4-5 years. I figured out I am saving over $300 a month on gas from my Porsche Cayenne S I just replaced. I love that.

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  Good deal - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By Steve - March 2 - 5:43 pm

  Overall very good vehicle. Drives well and handles well. All the features of the luxury package are very enjoyable. Well built for the money you will spend. Had some electrical issues with the overhead display console-temp/altitude etc. Good to see that Kia is using a major brand tire (Michelin). Great Job.

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  Kia Optima - 2005 Kia Optima
  By ColinQ3 - March 2 - 5:06 pm

  We own a 2002 Kia Optima, putting around 10000 miles per year on the vehicle. The ride is good to excellent. The MPG is 18.5 to 21 in the city and 28 to 31 on the highway. This is an excellent automobile for the money. The finish quality was/is excellent. One cannot beat the warranty!!. This 2002 Kia Optima is as good or better than any automobile we have owned and beats hands down the vehicles we have previously owned when it comes to the quality vs price issue. We will not hesitate to purchase another Kia when we need to update our transportation!!!.

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  Excellent Car to drive - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By kel_kel - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Its a great car to drive for all who want to have fun