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 Compact with world class feature - 2010 Kia Forte
  By Rene Benjamin - September 1 - 6:10 pm

  I looking for gas saving vehicle. I live in Puerto Rico, so gas is very expressive. This Kia Forte has everything that I looking in a vehicle, standard options like sat radio, leather,ipod interface,style and sporty lines and off course the 2.4 powerplant to feel the power. This is a very, very hit in it compact segment, a great competitor to corolla,civic,elantra,lancer and others.

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  You get what you pay for - 2001 Kia Rio
  By samsonov - August 31 - 10:00 am

  I get great gas milage (38-43mph) but you get what you pay for. I have named it a "Utilitarian" car, I have the base model, with no bells or whistles. Only a few minor problems (even with 36,420 miles!) The stereo I had put in required a special wiring solution to bypass the fuse block because of shorting out in the fuse box(poor workmanship).

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  Fabulous SUV - 2007 Kia Sportage
  By wmackay - August 30 - 4:54 am

  Love this SUV. After driving domestic vehicles for the past 10 years, Dodge Caravan, Pontiac Sunfire and some others including SUVs decided to go with a Kia. Previously had 2 Toyota Camrys 93 and 94 wagons which were great. Purchased a 2007 with 18,000 miles on it. Previous owner had absolutely NO problems with it. Ive owned it for 3 years now and it has about 45,000 miles on it. The only problem Ive had was one caliper having to be replaced. Its a dream to drive in the Canadian winters. Much better traction than some of the 4wd vehicles with the Michelin winter tires. Will NEVER go back to a domestic vehicle. Seems like these sites get all the negative on them but mine is +.

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  second time around - 2008 Kia Sedona
  By Allison Jones - August 29 - 12:40 pm

  This is my 2nd Sedona. I had a 2004 model and traded it due to high miles for a new cross-over. Big mistake! After the first week I wanted my Sedona back. I just bought my second Sedona Ex a 2008 model. I already love it! My kids love it. It has an even better look and the inside is even more comfortable. I love all the storage space it offers .I feel confident I will be driving it for many years to come. It keeps getting better and better.

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  Very Satisfied - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By TUG76 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 2001 Lexus GS300 for this car. This car is similar in many ways except two. Its less expensive than my Lexus and the warranty is better. 1500 miles on the Amanti already and I love it. Coworkers actually thought it was a new Lexus when I first drove it to work. Say hello to the new look of Kia. Im proud!

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  Great Car at a great price - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By NickE - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Cars styling turns heads & gets compliments everywhere. VERY comfortable & handles superbly. In first two months made long drive (1460 miles, R/T) mostly on cruise control via Interstates at speed limits. Got measured 27.8 m.p.g.

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  PRINCESS RIDER - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By MARY PETRY - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I LIKE THE WAY IT DRIVES THE STYLE IS REAL NICE.BEST CAR GOTTEN IN A LONG TIME

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  I need to brag - 2006 Kia Sorento
  By john - August 28 - 8:00 am

  I need to brag about my Sorento. Purchased in Sept. 06, I travel alot. I currently have 158,690 miles on it. The only issue was needing to replace the transfer case ($700 on Ebay). Tires, brakes and oil changes have been my only real purchases. As I looked at getting a replacement vehicle, I had to ask why. There is not a squeak or rattle. It handles the way it did on day one, and I can still tow my 4-wheeler to northern Maine (250 miles one way) without a problem. If you can deal with "not great" fuel economy, buy one. It is the best purchase I have ever made.

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  Inferior Interior Materials (Dash, Doors)... - 2017 Kia Sorento
  By Ttahoe - August 27 - 5:06 am

  The 2017 Sorento L has a very nice, comfortable ride. That said....I would not recommend this vehicle soley based on the inside interior materials used. While at my local Kia dealership today, I brought to their attention that the interior materials used, scratch and produce white scuff marks all over the doors, dashboard, around knobs etc. With the slightest touch, it scratches and makes unsightly white scuff marks/scratches. When I spoke with Kia, they stated the materials used, are "MADE TO DO THIS" (Kias exact words) !! A $40,000+ vehicle, and you intentionally produce materials that are "made to do this" (scratch and produce white smudges and scratches?). Kia suggested I purchase Meguieres wipes and use that to clean the scuff marks and scratches. That is their suggestion to an inferior material? Kia also suggested that I go to the sales floor and find a salesman and "TRADE" in my car for another one! I am disgusted with Kias lack of customer service and or remedy for this issue. This is my first, and my last, Kia purchase. Terrible Customer Service!

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  Inferior Interior Materials (Dash, Doors)... - 2017 Kia Sorento
  By Ttahoe - August 27 - 5:06 am

  The 2017 Sorento L has a very nice, comfortable ride. That said....I would not recommend this vehicle soley based on the inside interior materials used. While at my local Kia dealership today, I brought to their attention that the interior materials used, scratch and produce white scuff marks all over the doors, dashboard, around knobs etc. With the slightest touch, it scratches and makes unsightly white scuff marks/scratches. When I spoke with Kia, they stated the materials used, are "MADE TO DO THIS" (Kias exact words) !! A $40,000+ vehicle, and you intentionally produce materials that are "made to do this" (scratch and produce white smudges and scratches?). Kia suggested I purchase Meguieres wipes and use that to clean the scuff marks and scratches. That is their suggestion to an inferior material? Kia also suggested that I go to the sales floor and find a salesman and "TRADE" in my car for another one! I am disgusted with Kias lack of customer service and or remedy for this issue. This is my first, and my last, Kia purchase. Terrible Customer Service!