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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  Great van! - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Soccermom - January 29 - 12:00 pm

  We have 4 kids (including a newborn in a carseat), 3 boys into soccer and we love this van. I agree, they could make the seats easier to remove/reinstall, and the exterior does dent easily. I have no problems with the AC being too noisy though. Only problem we had was the brakes went out when I was 7 months pregnant, but Kia sent roadside assistance and towed us, free-of-charge to the dealership, fixed it for free. It was a faulty chip in the ABS. Wish there was more headroom in the 3rd row. But overall, this has been a wonderful minivan for the cost. I could not justify blowing $35K+ on a higher- scale minivan. Great van for the price. Were going to trade up soon to the EX.

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  Where is the space? - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By unhappy1 - January 29 - 2:46 am

  I just traded my 00 Dodge Caravan AWD in for a 06 Kia Sedona LX. I have only driven it 75 miles. I was used to having more storage space in my Caravan. No under the seat drawer to put misc stuff. Also, that fold down tray between the driver and passenger is a real waste. For moms who drive, where do you put your purse, the Kleenex box and all those little things you like to keep at hand? I like the cargo net that I had in my Caravan. I have the manual seat adjustment and am having a hard time getting the seat to fit me. With long legs and short torso, I use the lever to raise the seat but it also moves it forward cramping my legs. The sunglass holder only hold small glasses.

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  A great SUV - 2009 Kia Sorento
  By citysliker - January 28 - 7:30 pm

  I was reluctant to purchase an SUV until I drove the KIA Sorento. This vehicle is fun to drive, comfortable and so far very dependable. KIA has definately changed my view of the SUV with this one.

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  FIRE - 2003 Kia Rio
  By JJSZABO - January 26 - 10:00 am

  My 2003 RIO caught fire 3 months from purchase. Dealership found that the alternator shorted out. Fixed with some hassle from KIA. I still like it though.

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  Shouldve bought one sooner! - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By jabbott83 - January 26 - 10:00 am

  We just purchased our Sedona on May 31st and I cant believe we waited this long! KIA would not have normally been our first choice since they are relatively new to our market, but after much research and a few test drives, KIA Sedona won hands down! The ride is awesome, it is stylish, well equipped and the safety ratings are wonderful! I dont mind the lower gas mileage because I know that it is caused by the reinforced body for safety. You cant put a price tag on the safety of yourself or your family!

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  My Luxury Model - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Ivy Llaruo - January 26 - 10:00 am

  The Sorento is a beautiful car with a sleek eye catching design. It drives like a luxury model for the price of an economic vehicle. People that drive the more expensive luxury models take a look inside my vehicle and are amazed at the beautiful design and the comfort that this car has. I have even let people test drive my car to see the expressions on their faces on how smooth this vehicle drives. Basically, everyone that sees my car loves it. This vehicle is just perfect all around.

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  Fun Car - 2010 Kia Soul
  By lionboy - January 25 - 1:30 am

  Great looking car! Nice to drive. Good pep. Have had it for a year now. Averages 28-30 mpg in mixed city/highway driving.

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  Needs Armrests - 2008 Kia Sportage
  By gourdy - January 23 - 3:40 pm

  Like the car but dont like the fact there are no front center arm rests. Would not buy again unless they improve that feature. Like everything else, great car.

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  Starts off great but major water issues! - 2014 Kia Forte
  By shanell - January 23 - 2:10 am

  I have had this car for over 2 years now and the issue of water somehow leaking into the car from the trunk/back lights has become a major problem. Anytime it rains or you get the car washed you have to hope that the car and anything in your trunk isnt soaked inside. I have gone out to find puddles of water, wet back seats and trunk, and in the cold months frozen windows (from the inside). The back windows stopped working which I am sure is due to the water damage and I have seen condensation inside the dash board where the speedometer is as well as freezing in the ceiling lights. Heads up, the problem begins with windows that constantly fog and youll probably dismiss it with bad defrosting but DO NOT be fooled! The gas mileage is great but the issues that come with this car are not worth it.

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  Outstanding Value and Quality - 2009 Kia Borrego
  By rons - January 22 - 1:26 pm

  Have owned my 2009 Borrego for a year and both my wife and I are still amazed at the quality of this car. It replace a 2004 Mercury Mountaineer and other than the automatic placement of personal setting via the key fob it is equal to or greater than the Mercury. Have had NO PROBLEMS since we purchased it. Great SUV, Great PRICE AND WHAT CAN YOU SAY ABOUT THE WARRANTY.