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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  Kick Ass Van! - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By UsedToLikeDidge - August 13 - 2:00 am

  I am still in awe of this van. I truly love every aspect of it. The stereo rocks, the ride is perfect and it looks great! With the price, quality and warrantee I dont see a reason to buy anything else.

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  Christmas Kia - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By wibigboi64 - August 11 - 11:50 am

  I although I have only had the Rondo for a week I am completely satisfied with this vehicle. Having come from a 2006 Chev HHR, I was worried about giving up ride quality and low noise levels. I am glad to report that with the Rondo you do not have to sacrifice at all. The interior is quiet at highways speeds and the ride is wonderful...feels like a near luxury car and the handling is very competent. I would highly recommend this car to friends and family. So far the mpg has been in the mid 20s mixed highway and severe stop and go city traffic.

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  Wish I wouldve never purchased - 2006 Kia Sorento
  By see - August 11 - 5:06 am

  Although, the car drives fine. It has so many problems its rediculous. I purchased new in 06. If it is windy outside and you are driving- be prepared for an annoying LOUD whistle. The wind hits the windshield at the top and makes a horrible noise. I guess its the way its made. The cd player already quit working. I didnt even use it much. The heater comes and goes as it pleases. The dome light also comes and goes as it pleases. Also, the 4x4 light comes off and on. Overall the car does get me where I need to go, but all of these "little" things have ruined it for me. Cant wait to get a different car!

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  Smooth Ride - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By Pete Huerta - August 11 - 1:20 am

  I really like the nice, smooth highway ride. The interior looks rich and controls work smoothly. I like the style of the roof, especially the rear. Its squared off, not rounded like all the rest.

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  great vehicle - 2006 Kia Sorento
  By linebacker71 - August 10 - 8:10 am

  Fun to drive. Good gas mileage, very comfortable. Dealership people very helpful.

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  BEst Vehicle Made - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Alex - August 7 - 10:30 am

  Vehicle is amazing in snow, I took this car up north where it proved to me the reliability of Korean 4x4 Engineering. Heavy Duty frame makes this car extremely stable being able to withstand any load of force. Driving is extremely smooth, feeling of complete control on the road.

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  BECAREFUL - 2001 Kia Rio
  By SHELLY - August 7 - 10:00 am

  IF YOU WANT YOUR CAR IN THE SHOP ALL THE TIME NEEDING IT TO GET FIXED THIS IS THE CAR FOR YOU. ALSO THAT ROTTEN EGG SMELL COMING FROM THE CAT. CONVERTER. OH SO NASTY. CAR DENTS SO EASY WITH JUST SOMEBODY HITTING IT WITH A SHOPPING CART.

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  A very pleasant surprise - 2003 Kia Rio
  By dsrtdwlr - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I test drove a Kia Rio Cinco while out with my girlfriend who was looking to buy a car for her daughter. I was so surprised and impressed with the ride, handling and comfort I decided to go back and buy one for myself. The engine is "energetic" and cruises the interstate with no strain at all. The car handles well even when passing the big rigs on the road. Despite the poor reviews on the manual transmission, I found mine to shift smoothly and easily.

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  Pleasantly Surprised. - 2014 Kia Cadenza
  By Andrew - August 6 - 9:18 am

  A nice KIA? That is an oxymoron, right? I test drove a Cadenza on a recommendation and was shocked. I bought one a week later. It reminds me of an Audi A6; big, comfortable, and lots of power. I have now owned it a year. Has about 50k miles. It still drives great.

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  best for traffic - 2006 Kia Rio
  By victoria - August 6 - 4:30 am

  LOVE this car far better than my 500SL Benz. Been rear ended twice and I rear ended someone - all under 15 MPH. All times the Kia literally bounced off without a scratch thanks to its wrap around black bumper and compact solid body. EXCELLENT in heavy traffic and easy to cut in and out quickly if needed.