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:

• 

  What a Difference - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Burntbyford - March 3 - 10:00 am

  I have to admit that the Kia was not my initial first choice for an SUV. I actually bought a Ford Escape in April because I had not heard of the Sorrento at that time. Unfortunately(or fortunately)at 4 months old my Escapes engine caught fire due to an engine (fuel injector) malfunction. The Escape was totalled in less than 20 minutes. Now I have the more comfortable and more reliable(they dont blow up)Kia Sorrento. The Kia is 150% better than the Escape and it cost less!! I guess I should be glad that Ford made such a poor quality product because now I am happier with my KIA!! :)

• 

  The eye catcher - 2010 Kia Soul
  By JC - March 2 - 2:40 am

  It is great car very fun to drive and a lot of features for the price. I get compliments all the time and even invitations for dinner just to be able to get a ride in my SOul...lol...Great car....way to go Kia...you made it big this time. For those that are interested on joining a Soul group you can visit the brand new www.kiasoulclub.com

• 

  My first and possibly last - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By RJR - March 1 - 10:53 am

  The appearance and interior space was a big plus when we purchased our van. However, after only 60K miles Ive decided this is my last Kia. In the past I have owned a Jeep Cherokee and a Nissan Quest. I guess once you get use to an automobile that doesnt send you to the shop on a routine basis you get a little spoiled. Our Sedona has sent us to the shop for a loose drivers seat (twice, plastic hardware), a bad seatbelt, constant sqweeking noises in the rear door, airbag, two AC fans, the Oh Crap handle in the passenger seat came out of the roof, the console makes constant noises and now it is making a cracking noise in the front end.

• 

  Old Codgers Comfort Zone - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Marion - March 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2002 Sedona In 2004.It had 22K miles on it, Now has 106K miles. the only thing I have replaced are tires, brake pads, battery, and recently the alternator, which are normal replacement items. The van is dependable,and performs very well.

• 

  2015 Kia Soul Exclaim w/ Umber2 pkg. - 2016 Kia Soul
  By BILL Shurtleff - February 28 - 2:55 pm

  This car has it all. I bought it used from a dealership in Dallas Texas. One previous owner. Clear carfax report. Came w/ all service info she had done. Only one smart key, and no spare tire. Ive ordered these 2 items online. Comfortable for 4 adults. Lots of room. Im 64" tall. Almost a stretch for me w/ drivers seat all the way back & and still lots of room in the back seat. Has a killer stereo, subscribed to SIRIUS XM radio. A fun car to drive.

• 

  Engine stall while driving - 2015 Kia Sedona
  By Ching - February 27 - 4:27 pm

  At only 800 miles since bought new, the car engine stopped and the steering wheel locked by itself while driving with my 2 year old son and 9 month pregnant wife. The car had to be towed to the dealership and I was told it needs a new computer. Now I am waiting for their final response to see if it gets repaired. Dont know how much I will trust its safety in the future travelling with my family. Very Disappointed!

• 

  LOVE IT - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By C Hyde - February 26 - 4:56 pm

  I absolutely love this van. Funny thing is, I never looked at a Kia van before I walked in and bought this one. I have the EX model. Nicely well equipped. This has so many options, I guarantee I still havent found some. One of the options that blew me away was the "heated windshield wipers"! I was told that these are an awesome feature for winter (which is horrible in Ohio) because they keep your wipers from sticking to the window! Awesome. I love my Sedona and will definitely be buying the new and updated version that was just displayed at the 2005 auto show. (LOVE the middle windows that roll down!) In summation: BUY ONE! (you wont regret it!).

• 

  A very nice driving experience! - 2012 Kia Optima
  By garlin1 - February 25 - 4:32 am

  I would like to reply to all those customers who are complaining about the Fuel economy of the Optima. I just bought a new 2013 Optima LX and after reading your peeves about MPG I am flummoxed as to whether or not we are driving the same model. First off, I am approaching 7000 miles and I have averaged 30 MPG. No, I do not only drive on a traffic free highway, for I happen to live in California. Also, if you have the LX or EX model in a 2.4 Litre and you complain about getting under 20 MPG there is something specifically wrong with your driving style and habits. Fuel economy relies where and how you drive. What matters is how smoothly and how often you depress the accelerator.

• 

  Best decision in a long time... - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By AF_Dad - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Extensively researched minis for a WHILE, and simply could not find a better value. Got an EX loaded to the gills with every option and paid less than a stripped Odyssey. With a much better warranty to boot. Build quality similar to my old Cherokee, which is saying something. Totally satisfied so far, but of course time will tell the rest.

• 

  Bang for the Buck - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Ed K - February 25 - 2:00 am

  After looking at most SUVs in this class, I was taken back by the quality of construction and features offered in this SUV. Then match it with a warranty unmatched in this price range, they had me sold. After 6 months I love it as much as the day I bought it. Kia could use a little work in the bang for the gallon area.