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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  WOW - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Scotty409 - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Friend suggested looking at Kias. The wife and I went out on a Saturday to test drive only. We were so impressed, we bought. It was my first time to buy a new vehicle. I am very skeptical and was totally against buying a "new" vehicle (to much to pay). But I could not believe the bang for the buck with the Sedona. I was impressed with the feel of the drive, very solid yet comfortable. Dealer said Kia is trying to get into the market. Well - Im sold.

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  Nice ride so far - 2007 Kia Optima
  By 4 door sedan - January 28 - 6:43 pm

  Just bought this car new a week ago. Not many miles driven yet but so far the car has met/exceeded expectations. Its quiet in town and on the highway, even at 70/80 mph with only minor wind noise from the outside mirrors, a big improvement over my last car. Transmission is very smooth and the powertrain combination gives excellent performance on hills. Ride is comfortable but the driver seat needs an extra inch or two of seat cushion to give better thigh support for longer trips. I looked at the Civic and Nissan Sentra and Versa but dollar for dollar, the Optima was a no brainer, lots of bang for the buck. Ill give another rating after I put more miles on the car.

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  My Sorento - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By kfought - January 28 - 2:43 am

  I purchased my Sorento in March of this year and I love it! Its comfortable, rides great and has enough space for the family.

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  Great car and soon to be very popular - 2008 Kia Rio
  By Kay C. Johnson - January 27 - 11:00 pm

  This car has great get up and go! The gas mileage is a wonderful improvement over what I was driving. Ive been told it will improve after the first 5000 miles, but already Im getting 32 mpg around town, so I am quite happy with it. My mom drove it and she is used to bigger cars liked its handling, but said she couldnt ride in it on a long trip. She bought an Optima and loves it. She and I both have more leg room than you could ever want, its very surprising. My dad is 64 and he couldnt believe it. I got Automatic with power pkg and I couldnt ask for more for the price just under 15,000.

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  2005 Kia Sorento - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By Jerry Kleinpeter - January 26 - 7:16 am

  The Kia Sorento has very high quality and performance. It has lots of standard features, including a double five star rating.

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  2013 Kia Rio Ex - 2013 Kia Rio
  By ramoro1991 - January 25 - 1:16 pm

  I am currently driving a 2013 Kia Rio in Michigan. Handles great in the snow with the traction control on (read favorite features). Very nice design, but when buying the ex model it did not come with cruise (can be added). I have been driving this car since the beginning of December 2012, just went over 1100 miles and am happy with my choice. Gas mileage does fluctuate a little bit but have had the Eco on while driving on the highway and have actually averaged around 40+ MPG. Just remember, if youre nice to your car, it will be nice to you. This is my first brand new car and am really happy. Currently leasing for a 39 month lease and wouldnt have done anything different. Love my Kia Rio :)

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  So far, So good - 2005 Kia Rio
  By So Far, So good - January 25 - 8:03 am

  Bought a 2005 Rio new, and now have about 1,500 miles on it. Wanted to see if what I had heard about Kias quality was for real, and wanted a cheap car to drive.

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  Big Suprise - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By PT - January 25 - 6:53 am

  We walked away with this bargain for under 12k. This has been completely reliable and fun to drive for us. Very spacious interior and you feel completely secure wrapped in airbags, this is honestly the only car I have ever really enjoyed owning. Highly recommended by his owner.

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  good to go - 2009 Kia Borrego
  By GJ - January 24 - 3:56 pm

  We looked for a mid-sized vehicle that could tow a small travel trailer or a couple of motorcycles and bikes. Take everything for a drive and you will come back to the Borrego. Its quiet inside, radio quality is great, lots of standard features, quality through and through. We can take our large German Shepherd and the back has more than enough room for two dogs! This is a vehicle that can haul anything you want, including seven adults! We highly recommend!

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  I love My Amanti - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By Amy Eve - January 23 - 8:13 am

  This car is fantastic. I love everything about it. I only have two complaints about the car. The fuel mileage is not as advertised -- I get about 15.7 miles to the gallon in city driving. The other complaint is the horn -- far too soft and sounds like it belongs in a economy tuna can car. Ive owned the car for 13 months now and there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. I have not had to go back to the dealer for anything other than oil changes. The car was sold to me perfect! It is a great car to own and drive and I just cant say enough good things about it.