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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  My first SUV! - 2017 Kia Sportage
  By Valerie - August 5 - 5:56 pm

  Oh my Goodness! I love this Car! I got the Bronze EX with black leather interior that comes standard with Android auto play . The comfort goes on and beyond my expectations and it is easy to get in and out without having to slouch. It is a smooth ride and has a killer sound system. For my first SUV, switching from a sedan, it was the best decision I have ever made.

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  Nice Van - 2016 Kia Sedona
  By Melvin Arendt - August 4 - 4:29 pm

  Great Van has everything you could want in a new used Van. KIA has one of the nicer vans out there. Now if it holds up mechanically all will be good.

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  Kia Sportage review - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By jjf - August 3 - 3:06 pm

  Good vehicle, would buy one at next purchase and recommend one to friends and family.

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  2003 Kia Optima SE V6 - 2003 Kia Optima
  By jeff420m - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Drives great. You get a lot of car for your money with this car. The warranty and roadside assistance make it even great, Honda and Toyota dont even come close.

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  Very Happy - 2003 Kia Rio
  By joepostal - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I was doubtful at first, especially after reading the professional reviews of this car. But I needed a low payment, and loved the warranty. After owning it for a couple months, I love it. Its fun to drive, nice looking, economical. I would highly recommend it.

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  Excellent Value! - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Gia - August 3 - 10:00 am

  What a great SUV for the money! Hugs the road, quick and responsive, easy to drive and comfortable. Lots of bonus storage & cup holders. Despite hearing concerns about the MPG, Ive been averaging 17, which is fine with me. I love the exterior styling and the luxury touches. The cargo room is deceivingly large - I call it my "clown car". I never thought Id be so thrilled to own a KIA! Why pay $15K more for a comparable SUV???

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By August - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I love the Kia Sorento.

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  3rd & final update - 2008 Kia Amanti
  By herb45 - July 31 - 4:26 pm

  this is a follow-up to my 17000 mile review.after taking my car to the dealer in chesapeake,the service department found that my car came with m&s tires,which have a stiffer compound.can anyone else tell me if their car came with the same tire? khumho solus 225 kh16 m&s.kia corporate tells me they cant understand why these tires are on my car,and will be calling me this coming week to help find a solution.i will be greatful for anything they can do.my highway mileage still peeks between 29- 33.to anyone having problems with kia corporate,i find that quite hard to believe,as they have always been very helpful to me.

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  spectra - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Ivan Kirilov - July 31 - 12:13 am

  Good words only. Great design, quality materials, usefull features, low price and safe feeling while driving. My engine is Diesel one with high torque and better fuel economy. I know this is not so popular in USA, but it is of great importance in Europe.

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  Buying a used Rio - 2004 Kia Rio
  By Rio Owner - July 29 - 8:10 pm

  I recently bought a used 2004 Rio. Overall it handles beautifully on Highway and city driving, 45 MPH is ideal. On the freeway it is a rough. I live on a hill and it feels like I am driving over ripples when I hit the brakes to slow down. It is a little alarming at first, it feels like a flat tire. I do like the car, it looks nice also and can be found relatively cheap used and with low miles.