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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  Watch out Nips - 2004 Kia Optima
  By MarkinMD - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my KIA since 12/31/03 have not had a single problem with it. It rides well, is comfortable and looks more expensive. The fit and finish is as good as anything out of Japan. I dont know what some of the reviewers were talking about when it comes to wind noise. My Optima is very quiet. There are few things they could do to improve the car, but it is very nice as is. My car was loaded with all but leather and the sticker was $22.035. That is a lot of car for the money.

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  Kia Optima- Not given enough credit - 2004 Kia Optima
  By K Nestor - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Bought it for the price but fell in love with the overall quality, design and comfort of the vehicle. Trunk is large enough for a big day at the grocery for a family of five. Leather interior exceeded my expectations for quality. Performance of the V-6 is surprising good, will maintain interstate speed with cruise on with out a problem. Auto-stick shift works flawlessly. This car needs to be given more credit.

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  My 2002 Kia - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Robert Berns - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Kia Optima in August 2002. It is the best car I ever owned. I have had no problems. I turned in a Cadillac DeVille 1998 lease car before getting my Kia. The ride in the Kia is comparable to the Cadillac. I am a retired automotive engineer. The fit and finish on the Kia is the best I have ever seen, bar none. I am 62" and I find this car very comfortable for me.

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  I Love my Kia - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Jose Perez - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Kia Optima in the last two years.(Kia Optima LX 02) and (Kia Optima SE-V6 03. Ive enjoyed driving and owning both of them, but the V-6 is definately the Optimum. I like every thing about my car, and especially the fact that its given me exceptional service and pleasure. Would I buy another Kia? Definately Yes. A Very Satisfied Customer

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  Great Deal - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Moms Taxi - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had my Kia for 3 weeks but I love driving it. It handles great and getting the kids in & out is a breeze. Plus, we got a great deal on a fully loaded EX. The leather & wood trim make me feel as if Im driving a more expensive mini-van but at a bargain price. Also, by purchasing in March Im getting the "3 year free maintenance" which is oil changes, etc for 36 mos.

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  my kia after 4 months - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By bob spath - January 13 - 10:00 am

  a very good buy for the overall performance and appearance at a very fair price.

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  True Confessions - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By kiaconvert - January 13 - 10:00 am

  My biggest hangup with the Sorento was admittedly the Kia name and presumed poor qulality. However, my first test drive was a shocker...plenty of power, buttery smooth shifting(5 spd)and a very comfortable interior. The looks arent bad either, borrowing lines from the Acura MDX, Lexus and Mercedes. Kia has taken a giant leap from the punky Sportage to the Sorento, and with the newly available sports package, it comes well trimmed and off-road ready. Its priced with the CRV and RAV4 but compares well with the 4Runner and other mid sized SUVs. Dont buy in this category without honestly testing the Kia first.

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  Surprisingly good car - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By Phil - January 13 - 1:20 am

  After hearing about safety issues with older Kias (side impact problems), I was a little wary of getting into one, but that has apparently been resolved with the new models. I have had my 07 for almost 2 years now, and it is one of the best, most dependable vehicles that I have ever driven. Smooth driver, but you have to watch your speed (my gf hit 93 MPH without realizing the first time she was on the HWay), Ive personally gotten it up to 112 without struggling (I know, bad!). Fantastic fuel economy, good factory sound system with AUX input, intuitive cruse control paddle shifter, GREAT pickup and 0-60 acceleration. Solid feel to doors/trunk/hood.

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  KIA SEDONOA EX - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By thompson - January 11 - 10:00 am

  so far we have not found one thing that we do not like about the SEDONA, its braking is exceptional on wet pavement,the EX is sharp inside and outside. It has proved to be an excellent choice for a disabled person, with all the hand pulls and extra power outlets in back. the removable seats, we are VERY pleased with the choice we made. the price and the gas milage doesnt hurt a bit either.

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  character in a car - 2010 Kia Forte
  By dave - January 10 - 7:43 pm

  I traded in a mazda6 which was good but just boring.Ive had the car for 4 weeks. The new Forte has character. Its a fun car to drive. It has plenty of room, a large trunk, plenty of back seat room.It handles great and with the 2.4 engine has more accelaration then the old mazda6 with a 3.0.The satellite radio and easy MP3 hook up is great.It evens comes with bluetooth which I didnt care about but makes driving safer.It has most options standard on the SX.The new mazda 3 may have a nicer interior(ugly grill) but I would rather have the extra money in my pocket.Once you get used to the delayed throttle its a blast to drive.Nothing in its class has as much power or is as much fun to drive.