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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  From the netherlands - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Blackcustom - March 2 - 10:00 am

  I had to wait for almost 8 months to drive my Sorento now for 2 weeks im driving it and it is a great joy to drive. Overher in the Netherlands we have a bigger choice off models and i have a 4wd 2.4 ex Custom.

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  Best car ever - 2012 Kia Optima
  By turbo25 - March 2 - 6:42 am

  The 2012 kia optima is the best ive ever driven after owning a 2007 hyundai elantra which has no power or pick up the kia is the total opposite i love it

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  KIAs new 2011 Sorento takes on the other guys and wins! - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By heyofficer - March 1 - 5:35 am

  Yep..I know that car magazines get advertising money paid by all the auto manufacturers. And some reviewers are also funded by them. So their reviews may be skewed by Not me! I dont get paid by any manufacturer. And this is my review on the 2011 KIA Sorento SX! We research a lot before we buy just about any major purchase. Weve had 17 new cars in the past 21 years. Toyota sedans, sports cars (MR2 Supercharged!), and SUVs. Honda Sedans and SUV, Dodges, Several Ford SUVs and 2 mini-vans, etc. And we are informed buyers, and PICKY! So when we went shopping it was to replace our Mazda5 "van"...which we were giving to our Daughter for college.

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  The most for the least - 2011 Kia Optima
  By bflem83 - March 1 - 1:34 am

  Traded in my 03 Rio last week... says a buddy, "you went from a KIA to an Infinity??" No, this IS a KIA! This car meets and beats my expectations. The power of a six cylinder with the efficiency of four, this thing is a beast on the road, whether trying to pass or just have fun. I have the SX turbo with luxury package. Corners are incredible, and the ride is MUCH smoother than i expected based on other comments (what, were you driving through feathers before??), and i still cant believe the power behind it (274HP?!). The interior is incredibly elegant, with attention on the driver, and the panoramic roof, wow. Bumper to bumper, this car will have you feeling much richer than you actually are

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  WORDS CANNOT DESCRIBE! - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By mailmike - February 28 - 12:22 pm

  this car is amazing...has over 150,000 and going strong...nothing has been done. just routine maintance. I excpect to get another 100k out of it...!!! well built and amazing ride!! luxury at its best!!!! sure beats a caddy ...lol I love it...I think it all depends on the driver. if you keep it all maintained and oil changes, dont drive like your going to a fire!!! and respect the car it will respect you forever!! :-)

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  Fun car to drive! - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Liz - February 26 - 7:13 pm

  I just bought this car a couple of days ago and its so much fun to drive. I love it! Its comfortable inside and stylish outside. It drives really smooth and has great gas mileage. Plus the dealership has been great to me and they are super friendly. I am very satisfied with my purchase.

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  5k mile update - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By nor cal kia convert - February 26 - 11:56 am

  Zero reliability problems after 5k miles and mileage slowly improving. Only complaint is occasional loss of satellite signal. Re: mileage, if you actually set cruise control at 65 mph and inflate tires to spec, it really does get 28-29 mpg. Of course, i usually drive 75 mph, then its 24.5. Some minor suspension noise on uneven roads, mostly from right front side - but maybe other Sorentos have it worse b/c mine really isnt bad, and still quieter than any Honda. Nice firm ride and great handling is a trade-off Ill accept over floaty ride of RAV4. Road noise on good roads VERY low. No rattles in this car whatsoever and size is just right - easy to park in town, big enough for stuff/people

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  Sedona a Satisfying Drive - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Geo - February 25 - 8:36 am

  Have owned 5 Chrysler Grand Caravans, mid-level and last one loaded with options. The Kia is a big step up in most every regard. Comfort, power, and handling are very good. Active and passive safety features equal and exceed the Honda and Toyota vans. Memory seats, mirrors and pedals help keep the Mrs. from cursing my bigger frame every time she drives after I do. Power pedals keep her back from the steering wheel airbag, a major problem in the Chrysler vans. Ride is just soft enough for comfortable cruising and stiff enough to ensure good feel and cornering. Quiet and responsive until you put your foot into the throttle and hear a satisfying effort. Kia has a winner in the Sedona.

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  Never buying gas again...Kia Soul ev 2016 - 2016 Kia Soul EV
  By Gillian - February 25 - 2:31 am

  Love this car. Very roomy for a small car - and versatile with the split seats. We charge up overnight and do not have a problem with range anxiety. Much easier to plug in that having to stop at gas station. electricity bills have not increased significantly either.

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  my new optima - 2003 Kia Optima
  By new car buyer - February 24 - 10:00 am

  We purchased the kia optima 2003 and could not believe all you get for the price.Our car has everything in it except heated seats.When living in Texas that is not really necessary.The car drives great,is comfortable,gets good gas mileage,and was afordable.I had never heard of a optima before and never drove a kia.I do admit that I was looking for information on the car myself.After driving the car myself it did not really matter what anyone else said because I loved it.The warrenty that kia carries made me fill secure in my decision and to just enjoy my car and I do.I bought my car 8 weeks ago and have already put 4,200 miles on it.It is great!