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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  I used to love my car until today... - 2015 Kia Sedona
  By Monica - October 12 - 3:47 am

  the engine wiring harness blew up and almost blew out the entire engine...

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  Awesome Value - 2007 Kia Sorento
  By DAVID - October 10 - 2:56 pm

  I was very skeptical of the Kia brand as I only bought Fords my whole life so far. But I have to say after only a few months of ownership the value was outstanding. The truck performs great and I only wish the gas mileage was a bit better. No issues with 3000 miles on it so far and I am so happy with it. Great performance and stopping. Awesome value!!

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  unreliable car - 2001 Kia Rio
  By Jenn - October 10 - 1:16 am

  This car has already gone through 3 transmissions and is about to get another one. I have never had a problem with transmissions on any other car that I have owned, so I know its not me. This car is more trouble than it is worth.

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  Do not recommend to anyone! - 2016 Kia Sedona
  By Jmartinez - October 10 - 12:23 am

  As for the sales reps everyone was welcoming but as for the KIA name in general the vehicles suck! My husband bought a 2016 KIA Sedona not even a year old yet and it seems like Ive gone to get it services every month. First off the vehicle was full of little ants from being under a tree at the dealer and nothing was done about it then about a week after we purchased it we got some heavy rain and the water was leaking into the back tailgate, I took it in for service twice before they could figure out what was wrong with it. So now my van smells humid :-( on top of that they put a scratch on the tailgate and wanted me to take it back a third time to buff it out and eliminate the odor inside, I was already there for over 3 hours and I understand they are busy but my issue should of been a priority especially with me living 2 1/2 hours away so nothing was ever done about that. Well to continue after about a month my husband noticed that the navigation screen was pushed in from one side and popping out from the other side so I took it in for service and they said some screws were loose. Then one day my kids wanted to watch a movie on the DVD player and when they tried lifting the screen it was jammed again I took it in for service and they said some screws were loose that didnt allow it to open back up. I recently just took it in again because the traction light was coming on and the brakes would make a cracking sound and jam up, I was told the hubs needed to be replaced so they ordered parts and I have to go in once more to get them put on. Im sorry but their service sucks and I will never buy a KIA again or recommend it to anyone. They need to better prioritize their customer service and I believe I deserved a full tank of gas and complimentary detailing for missing work and driving 2 1/2 hours to and from the dealer numerous times for non sense issue that a brand new vehicle shouldnt be having! To add to my issues with Kia the lights on the interior of the van dont work either, omg idk whats next or if its even safe to drive this Sedona anymore.

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  Love My Spectra 5 - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By david - October 9 - 12:33 pm

  Hello. I bought my 2006 Spectra 5 brand new. I never owned a Korean made core but I am sold on them now. As long as they are made in Korea I would buy another Kia at the drop of a hat. If its made in USA I would have to give it some serious thought about purchasing it. I still dont think I would buy one if manufactured in USA sorry to say that but I just dont think the build quality will be the same. Look at Toyota its a nightmare. As for my Kia its never been back once to the dealer for any problems what so ever. I got the sunroof and its a five speed. I paid just about 15k and it was worth every penny. Love this car to death. If youre a single person it will work well for you!

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  Not as good as you would think - 2011 Kia Soul
  By kc411 - October 9 - 12:21 pm

  Bought this in Oct. 2011 now with 60,000 miles on it. No problem with reliability, but would not do it again. Seats stain easily interior scratches easily. Not enough space behind the rear seat. You cant even get 2 average suitcases to fit. Only 25 mpg, lost of road noise and engine noise. If you hit a rough road hold on because there is no telling what way you will go. Not good in rainy conditions either. The resale value is not good. Even Kia will not give more then $10,000 on trade in with 60,000 miles. Kia has moved up, but I fill the car is over priced for what you get. Bought for close to $18,000 but got a $14,000 car. For the price there are better quality cars to pick from.

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  KIA - So far so good... - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By Atrac - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I originally wanted a Daewoo, but was horrified to learn that they had filed for Bankruptcy a few years ago and the cars were "apparently" no longer available as new in the United States. I then set my sights on the KIA Spectra. I did have to take it in already to get it aligned, but other than that I like it! NOTE: I have since learned that Daewoo is really selling cars in the U.S., even today. Check out the Chevy Aveo, the Suzuki Forenza and Suzuki Verona -- they are all Daewoos!

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  I love my Optima - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Junneau - October 9 - 10:00 am

  My 4 cylinder does not have a noisy engine. Ive had no problems to date. People ask me all the time what kind of car it is (logo is on the back of car), because the body is so nice. It looks, feels and drives like a luxury car, but it was affordable for me. I love my car and Im thankful for it. Time will only tell if it stands the test of time. Im hoping its overall performance rates like a Toyota or Nissan (engines last forever).

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  I love my Sorento!!!! - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By rogainey - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This car is my 5th new car and I love this car. It drives so smoothly and quitely. It looks great and I just love driving it.

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  just good car period - 2002 Kia Spectra
  By riskman - October 7 - 10:00 am

  No reason to buy $5000 more expensive Honda Civic. Spectra has just same power and feel as Civic and I felt it was even peppier and handles better. New Honda is just too boring