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 Sportage is SeXy! - 2017 Kia Sportage
  By Ryan Zilker - June 24 - 2:27 am

  I have had my 2017 Sportage SX (FWD) for 4 weeks, and 1500 miles. I love it. I had a 2015 Honda CR-V[ibrate]. The Sportage feels like such an upgrade with all of the luxury and technology features, the turbo engine, the quiet interior, the better sound system, the improved handling. Honda is supposed to be the reliability king - I had problems and dealers unwilling to figure out the causes. As a loyal Honda customer (Ive had 5), I was nervous about moving to Kia. So far, so good. Im really happy that I made the move. Kia engineers seem to be really trying to put out a quality vehicle, and so far with the Sportage, they have. Comfortable seats, engaging driving dymamic. Honestly, it feels a little like a grown-up version of my 2010 VW GTI. Friends have been giving me sh!t about moving to a Kia...until they ride in it, and drive it. Theyre surprised. My only complaints thus far are the fuel efficiency (or lack thereof) and the numb steering.

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  I hate this SUV - 2001 Kia Sportage
  By Keith - June 22 - 12:23 pm

  My wife bought this. Worst mistake ever, spend the extra money, get a Honda or Toyota. I cant even give this thing away. No power, bad transmission, shakes over 65, even on brand new tires. I feel every bump in the road. I have 77k miles and it feels like its going to completely fall apart. My wife wont drive it anymore because its a death trap. I cant even sell it because I would feel bad for whoever buys it. Dont buy one of these!

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  More than youd think - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By mlerlie - June 21 - 5:33 pm

  This was my first Kia. Bought it solely because it was the newest car with the best warranty I could afford. I drive a lot so a new car with warranty was critical. In the past 3 years Ive put on over 75000 miles and have had to do very little maintenance. But I dont feel safe in it at all - the littlest gust of wind tosses it around - not fun on highways during blustery blizzards! I actually had a panic attack while driving it through the W.V. mountains (Talk about a very long trip!) I get about 31 mpg most of the time and with the miles I put on, thats a definite bonus.

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  I love my Sportage! - 2017 Kia Sportage
  By Tammi - June 21 - 9:39 am

  I have mobility issues, getting in and out is no problem. Im getting better all around gas mileage, I live in a rural area with lots of large hills, S curves, etc., and Im averaging 27.4 mpg. The drivers seat is the most comfortable Ive seen, the lumbar support is fantastic. Im so pleased with my Sportage!

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  Piece ocrap - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By mvrab - June 20 - 1:51 pm

  Two failed power seat switches. Cheap Paint. Rattles till your teeth fall out. The Chevy Vega of the minivan world. Steering wheel placement requires either you have 2 long legs or 5 long arms...zero ergonomics...rather negative zero ergonomics. Geez, Im 511"...pretty average for the US.

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  A very good substitute - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By clgcindy - June 20 - 10:00 am

  Looks like a Lexus RX300...priced like a Hyundai. Great price, great looks, not great gas mileage. Back seat ride is bumpy. Storage space limited. Knowing all this, would probably buy it again because of the price.

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  KIA REALY IS THE POWER TO SURPRISE - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Juilo Porven - June 19 - 6:13 pm

  I bought this vehicle before I moved out from Florida to North Carolina. I have made several road trips with this car and it has never giving me a problem. I maintain it at the dealership and have done every required service when it is due. The service I get is better than some Lexus or Mercedes dealerships. I also own a 06 Rio Sedan and have been very happy with it also. Like most folk I did the researsh on this vehicle and compared it to the Hondas and Toyotas. But when you look at the warranty and the value for your dollar the KIA Sportage wins hands down. I would recommend this vehicle to any one that wants a good SUV at a great price.

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  the gas miser - 2005 Kia Optima
  By kia of greer - June 19 - 4:26 pm

  This is a tight handling car; handles curves with ease; good on gas; has plenty of power on mountains -- in other words a great car.

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  My first Sorento. I love it!!! - 2014 Kia Sorento
  By billyboy10 - June 19 - 5:23 am

  This is my first ever SUV or CUV ( whatever you call it ). I have been a loyal Kia owner for the past 10 years but this is my first time not buying a compact car. I am very impressed with my 2014 Sorento. It has all the extras that you can get on the LX model. Myself and my kids love the heated front seats, especially with the cold winter we have had this year. The UVO is a big upgrade from what I had in my 2010 Forte and the rear camera is useful as well. With my kids getting older I just wanted to get something that was bigger with more room and safer on the road. This is it!

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  Sorento - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By K. Herland - June 18 - 9:23 pm

  Nice to drive, well built, great service plan. Great buy. Very nice looking vehicle.