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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  Cruised in comfort - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By Bucmell - October 22 - 3:50 am

  I Love it, every where I go people ask me about it ... even other car dealers! I live in the Philly area and drove to the Pittsburgh area 287 miles one way. The comfort, control, power when I needed it, and handling was unparalleled. Sort of like professional athletes talking about being in "the zone" where everything is happening at a high level of performance, yet it doesnt seem to affect you while handling all the obstacles that come your way on some hard (Pennsylvania) highway miles. And the factory premium CD sound system is more than satisfying with whatever type of music you enjoy listening to. Happy trails to you!

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  we love it ! - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By boatingmania - October 20 - 12:53 pm

  its a pleasure to drive.rides well,the seats are confortables.feel solid and very reliable.bought it in july 2004,12000 miles and nothing wrong with it.we love it...

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  A Class Leader - 2011 Kia Optima
  By cpurick - October 19 - 12:52 pm

  Ive had several Audis and VWs. I was immediately taken by the Optimas styling, inside and out. It was only later that I learned it was designed by a former Audi chief designer. The Optima is a European styled version of the Hyundai Sonata, with which it shares many parts. The formula is similar to Acuras TSX, which is sold in Europe as the Honda Accord. Fit and finish are very good to excellent. Styled like an Audi, but built like an Accord. Much nicer inside than a Camry. The 200hp 4-cylinder is more than enough for a 3300lb car. Despite head-turning lines, this is not an Autobahn cruiser -- its a conventional midsize sedan, albeit a very pleasant one to spend time in.

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  So many pluses! - 2014 Kia Soul
  By SkinnyLinny - October 18 - 5:49 pm

  I had two Honda Elements, but as everyone knows, the Element is no longer made (huge mistake, Honda). Well the Kia Soul took the place of the Element. IT doesnt have the amount of room that the Element had, but its better looking, better mileage, Quieter, handles better, turning radius is unreal, parking a breeze. The steering wheel is about the same size as our Lexus CT200H, fits like a glove. The doors open very wide and the visibility out the front window is great. Most vehicles have a small front window, not the Soul. Love the fact that I dont have to take the headrests off to have the rear seats fold. Its really nice having a 4 door hatchback (wagon). I bought the bare bones Soul with the 6 speed manual shift. It shifts very, very smooth. Clutch feels Great and the mileage is really great.

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  I LOVE MY KIA SOUL - 2010 Kia Soul
  By marcgeorge - October 16 - 8:16 pm

  I never thought I would break away from the domestic / Ford models. WOW I didnt realize what I was missing !! KIA is amazing. Their build quality and craftsmanship is much better and the warranty is far better. On top of that, what a GREAT value for the price. The SOUL is a blast to drive. It is a great looking car, very comfortable, I am 64 and I have plenty of room. The power is good and the gas mileage is very good. I have never been so excited to have a new car that I REALLY love. KIA has sold me--I will be watching for what they bring out next---if its like the SOUL,they will have another winner and a customer for life. I am a very proud new KIA owner

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  Sons second car - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By alshoe - October 16 - 12:38 pm

  Purchased our 2002 Spectra 11/23/2011 for our son. Our son had a 2002 Saturn SL that was totaled in a accident. This Kia is very much like his Saturn, a basic car, no power windows, door locks or cruise control. Body has some dings and scratches but overall paint, body and interior in very good condition. Never owned a Kia, but good experience at Kia dealership. Clock was not working so they will replace it at no additional cost to me. I also purchased a two year warranty to cover all major components.

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  Good SUV for a Cross-over - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Eduardo - October 16 - 8:10 am

  I bought this car mid 2007 and I really appreciated it. It is very reliable, performs very well. I traveled to CA (LA and San Diego), Grand Canyon and Las Vegas and also inside AZ state and in all trips the performance was outstanding besides the road conditions (ice, rain, desert). Also for my day-to-day activities has a good performance and it is very safe. My wife really appreciated it.

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  I love my Kia - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Roxy - October 16 - 4:00 am

  My Kia is an 04 and currently has 92k miles on it. I have changed the oil regularly, just got new tires last year, needed to change the tail lights about once a year. Other than that-new brakes...havent had a problem until now. I have an oil leak and the mechanic has to take the engine apart to find the leak. Said it would be $300-$400. So, not bad for 92k miles. I love my Kia-have had fun driving it. I will keep it until it dies! The gas mileage isnt very good but it is paid off due to the 0% financing I got on it when purchased new. I was rear ended by a very large truck going 45 mph and I was at a complete stop with my baby in the back seat. This Kia took the hit from hell like a champ.

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  Depends on how you treat it - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By travisp11 - October 16 - 1:46 am

  We have had our Spectra for almost four years now and the only major problem we had it in for was the throttle position sensor. Yeah, it took four return trips to the dealership (175 miles away, ouch!) but eventually the throttle body was replaced under warranty. Honestly, if you follow routine service and dont treat it like a red-neck stepchild, you should get many years of good use out of it, just like any other car.

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  Kia Amanti a Great Car - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By Walter - October 15 - 7:33 pm

  We had purchased a 2003 Kia van, enjoyed it and watched the reviews on the coming Amanti. We drove it, liked it and bought it. We have enjoyed the car. People stop use on a regular basis to ask what it is. It handles very well. No mechanical problems. The ride is great both in front and rear seats. It has nice features, phone plug ins in back and front. Heated seats, temperature control for passengers. Great car!