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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  Car for those in the know - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By JWBB - October 17 - 6:20 am

  Its a 4D sports car with a sedan body like the BMWs, the Lotus Cortinas, Toyota Supra, but at a much more reasonable price. Yes, it has AC and few conveniencies. But its got the old soul: maneuverablility, torque and the tech. And, its durable and realiable. It aint no Cadillac or a tricked out pimp ride, and its 2L DOHC Vortec, IFE has what it takes. Good for short as well as long hauls. Mac struts, 4Discs, Ind. sus., and its amazingly quiet. If you arent a really experienced sports car driver, I might not recommend it. But its little sister, the Reo and bigger brother Amante are rated #1 for safety. Best ride for the money Ive ever had.

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  Lucys Kia - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Robert Gayle - October 12 - 10:43 pm

  We tried all the big name small sport utes. This vehicle fit our needs perfectly. With the v6 it handles, and rides very well. We got the EX model mainly it was the only one with the upgardes we wanted. It has all the fetures we had in our 15yr old Mazda 929 trade in, and a few more.The leather seats are comfortable,rear seats have all kinds of room we didnt expect. Their is a Toyota RAV4 in the family and this thing has more creature comfort than we expected. The cargo area is much better than we expected. When we decided to purchase a new vehicle we tried the Tribute,Escape,Honda,Suziki,Chevy.what a disapointment.The tribute & Escape are a bad joke. KIA IS THE BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK.

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  Lotta Soul - 2014 Kia Soul
  By Bo - October 12 - 4:58 am

  Great car, so glad I purchased it! Love everthing about it!

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  Outstanding Car: The KIA Forte Koup - 2010 Kia Forte
  By Bob L. - October 11 - 10:00 am

  Ive been driving many different domestic and foreign cars for 33 years. I can say with certainty that the Forte is one of my top favorites. Its both sporty and classy inside and out. Its turning heads out on the road. All my family members (my wife and 3 kids) love the looks of and driving the car! If you are interested in the Forte and live in the Chicago-land area, visit Rosen Kia in Elgin. They provided me with a no-pressure and pleasant experience. They worked hard to make sure I was a happy customer and I am.

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  The Best SUV for the money - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By Joe - October 11 - 6:40 am

  This SUV is definitely one for the record books. It has all the frills without the bills. In other words it doesnt cost a lot to own. Well worth the money and great value. Santa Ana Kia has the best service too. They do free oil changes, wash your vehicle all with a smile.

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  Great Car - 2016 Kia Optima
  By Carol Cunningham - October 10 - 8:23 pm

  I love the car the featureless and the new look

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  Very satisfied - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By GSaibben - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Purchased in anticipation of several long distance trips with three active children, and having the van makes all the difference in the world. Nice performance and handling, very comfortable ride, good use of space. No mechanical problems at all. A worthwhile car, and an excellent value at the asking price. Gas mileage isnt the greatest, but people dont buy large cars expecting great MPG. Ive gotten as high as 22 cruising at 80 with a fully loaded van and dual A/C blowing -- but it drops below 20 if you are climbing serious mountains or mix city driving.

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  this car gets the job done - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By justjack - October 7 - 2:00 am

  one word - fabulous

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  high mileage person - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By ssch51 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I travel over 7 months of a year. I previously owned a kia sophia but it was not big enough for the equipment I carry -printers computers etc. I then bought the Sedona. So far I like the ride, comfort and mileage. I am empressed with the Kia vehicles. I as I stated need reliable vehicle to travel for my job.

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  Nice surprise - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Mooflygoos - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Did not know KIA brand, accidential stopped at the dealer, took the Sorentio of test drive, after comparing it to other SUV and doing a little research, could not find a better buy. Excellent value for the vehicle and features. It is a fun vehicle to drive. Excellent safety features, which resulted in a lower cost of insurance. Nice warrant, looked at several other vehicle, for the money could not find one that could compare.