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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  better than my old rav4 - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Love my Kia - February 21 - 7:36 pm

  I have always been impressed with my Toyota. After having the Sportage for only five weeks, it has really impressed me. I went with the Kia because it was less money, and I got the leather and all the other bells for a great budget!! The drive is extremelly comfortable, with a great ride, and even with the compact size its very roomy. The v6 is peppy and still gets great gas milage! This is a SUV that is great for commuting and for long trips. Over all the Sportage is one you have got to take a look at.

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  My only Problem is Humming Noise - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By Dwight Judd - February 21 - 3:13 am

  I enjoy driving the car it has great pick up. Now the problem that Im having is when Im driving the car and the wind is blowing at the passenger side of the car Im picking up a high pitching humming noise inside the car sounds like its coming from the driver side dash and window area but not sure.

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  Pretty good bang for your buck - 2016 Kia Forte
  By Katie - February 20 - 1:10 pm

  I was in the market for a used car but ended up purchasing the Kia Forte new because of the rebates. I have never liked hatchbacks but this body type fits my current needs and looks better than most in my opinion. This car is comfortable to drive and even the base model is a great upgrade from what I was in. I was really impressed with the warranty offered with this vehicle.

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  Great Car for the money. - 2000 Kia Sephia
  By Barry Reeher - February 20 - 8:56 am

  This car has about the same quality level and price performance as the early toyotas did in the early 1980s. I paid 10,335 out the door.

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  wonderful - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By nancy reed - February 20 - 2:00 am

  this is a dream come true! our family cant wait to get in it!

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  Great bang for the buck - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By JOHN - February 19 - 4:00 pm

  I have had this SUV for five months. So far I have had no problems. This SUV is fun to drive. If you intend to buy this Kia you must buy the EX model. So far so good; keeping my fingers crossed.

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  Well made & designed car for a bargain price! - 2016 Kia Forte
  By Barry - February 18 - 9:22 am

  Bought the 2016 LX Forte automatic equipped with the popular equipment package, floormats, mud guards and a spare tire for $18,000.00 cash including all fees and taxes out the door. Be aware, it actually only comes with a tire repair kit and inflator as standard equipment. No trade was involved and that price included a $2,000.00 cash back and $400.00 military offer. I can honestly say that I havent found anything that I dont like about this car. I have mostly been driving in the city and I have averaged a solid 29 MPG over the past 1,250 miles with the a/c always on. The 1.8 L engine has ample power and is smooth. The car rides and handles well and is very quiet. The seats both front and rear are very comfortable and I love the overall driving experience. I havent found a single fault in this car and I have been over it with a fine tooth comb. I buy all my cars new and I usually keep them for about 12 years. I also do all of my own maintenance. Ive owned Toyota, Honda and Nissan vehicles and to date this is the best example of value, function, and quality that Ive encountered. I compared and drove all of the other cars in the Fortes class and for me this was the clear winner, even if I ignored the higher pricing of the competition. If you want a very well made car, packed with tons of standard options at a very good price, put this car at the top of your list!

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  2001 Kia Sephia- A good car & good price - 2001 Kia Sephia
  By orion - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Im a satisfied Kia customer. My car brand new with taxes & fees was about $12000. If youre deciding between a cheap new car and one that costs just as much used then buying new is well worth it. My first 3 cars were used, that meant in addition to having a car payment there was also the repair bill every month. Sure newer cars have a larger insurance cost but with no down time, meaning you dont have to constantly wonder if your car is going to make it to work or school every day. There a dozen or so cheap cars out there. The Hyundai Accent was another one I considered, but stay away from Dodge/Plymouth Neons. My Kia is dependable.

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  Performance - 2000 Kia Sportage
  By kntkyldy - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Owned my KIA 2 years. Except for standard maintenance (oil changes) Ive never had any work done.

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  I Love my 2014 Forte Hatchback!!! - 2014 Kia Forte
  By shandice - February 16 - 2:14 pm

  I had a Spectra 5 door and never thought I would enjoy another car as much as I did that one, but I was wrong. This car is awesome, lots of room for the family and lots of room in the back for shopping sprees. It is a quiet, smooth ride. Great radio and the heater warms up fast. Cant imagine ever driving anything but a Kia. You can t beat the warranty either. Ive gotten both of my Kias from Moritz Kia in Ft Worth, they have treated me so well I will always buy from them. They go above and beyond to please the customer. I wanted to test drive one of their cars but had no ride to get to them, they brought the car to me and I was an hour away.