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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  BEST LUXURY CAR FOR THE MONEY! - 2002 Kia Optima
  By topgunner - December 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Optima used,with 20000 on it, fully loaded for 13 grand plus tax. considered buying new, but the resale value isnt there.YET!The cars leather interior is rich.This car has plenty of goodies.Rides and looks like a 30+ grand car.It is quiet and comfy.Rides smooth but if you like power and refinement go with the v6 its worth the extra grand.I never thought I would ever own a Kia. Never say never.I really enjoy driving this car.GO Kia!

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  Best Decision! - 2016 Kia Sportage
  By Carolyn - December 15 - 4:03 pm

  Buying this Sportage was the best thing I could have done. Its not too big nor too small. My family and I are very comfortable in it.

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  SEDONA GOOD BET - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By MR JAE - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I have had the sedona for 14 months put on 7500 miles. The only problem i had was the rear door would not open from the inside. But that was easy to fix. The minivan comes with 5 years or 60,000miles bumper to bumper. This is a good all around minivan. I have the EX model it has everything except leather seats. If u are looking for a minivan take a close look at this one.

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  really nice suv - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By duffygg - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I PREVIOUSLY HAD PURCHASED A KIA SPORTAGE, AND I ENJOYED THAT VEHICLE, BUT THE SORENTO IS A WHOLE DIFFERENT BALL GAME. IT IS STYLISH, STURDY, AND HAS THAT GREAT WARRANTY. I LOOK AT ALL THE SUVS ON THE ROAD AND I FIND MYSELF SAYING, "THIS IS REALLY A NICE VEHICLE". THE ONLY NEGATIVE, IF YOU CAN CALL IT ONE, WOULD BE THE 20-22 HIGHWAY MILEAGE, AND THATS OK FOR ME. GREAT LOOKING INTERIOR AND EXCELLENT SOUND SYSTEM. I WOULD PURCHASE IT ALL OVER AGAIN!

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  Evaluation after one year and 12,000 mi. of driving - 2014 Kia Sorento
  By ttadych - December 13 - 9:51 pm

  We live inWisconsin and therefore opted for the all wheel drive version. All systems working very well and generally we are completely satisfied with the decision to purchase. KIA engineers need however, to make the passengers seat fully adjustable. NO WAY TO RAISE SEAT LEVEL. You sit too low in the passenger seat ! This is the top of the line model with nearly every option, but there is no power adjustment for height of the seat. Very short sided on KIAs behalfÂ….. Like the power of the engine and would not sacrifice the power for a bit more economyÂ…however there must be a way to engineer at least a few more mpg out of that engine. GREAT CAR OVERALL

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  Better than I thought. - 2006 Kia Rio
  By Steve Chase - December 12 - 3:43 pm

  This car is easy to drive and park. I like the pick up the engine has, rides smooth, the air conditioning is great, cools down fast - living in Florida thats a real plus. Also like how the floor mats stay in place. Has a lot bigger trunk than I thought it would.

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  a good van - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By mrbobo - December 12 - 2:00 am

  a good van to drive and have fun with the kids love all the cup holders and places to put their toys

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  Head Turner - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Bmcbd - December 12 - 2:00 am

  Bought base LE 4 x4 in January for $1,300 under sticker. I Did a lot of research and after test drives the decision was easy. Would buy again in a heartbeat. Local Boston just named it the best mid size SUV for N.E. weather.

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  What a great SUV ! - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Fisherman - December 12 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. I was debating whether to purchase this SUV or Acura MDX. And I decided to get Sorento not only for the value but for the performance too ! A well-built car- sturdy construction, good looking vehicle. It handles very well on the snow. I cant wait to take this baby for a ride on the beach when fishing season starts !

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  Kia changed my mind - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Laura - December 11 - 4:10 am

  I owned a Kia years ago and swore I would never buy one again. We were looking for an inexpensive car and decided to try Kia again. This time I was very pleased at the value for the money. I havent had any problems in the year and a half I have owned the car. Kia has come a long way in my book. I enjoy my Kia and would recommend one to all of my friends and family.