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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  Power to Surprise - 2008 Kia Optima
  By Streeter - April 7 - 4:50 am

  I agree with Kias slogan. I was planning to replace my well worn out 91 Honda Accord with another Accord or Camry. I then saw the commercial for the Optima stating a price $3000 less than a Camry or Accord plus a $3000 rebate. This grabbed my attention so I went to see what Kia was all about. And I was surprised. Kia has done a nice job of building a sound car with features only found on higher end cars. I already have 3500 miles on it in two months. My mileage has steadily increased with each fill from 27 mpg to 29.5 for my driving. The car is quiet and shifts smooth (although a bit too frequently). Well see what I think after 100,000 miles but so far I am impressed.

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  Friends dont let friends buy KIAs... - 2004 Kia Rio
  By tree0923 - April 6 - 4:53 am

  bought brand new, had to take to dealership often for brake and clutch issues. Timing belt broke at 57k miles destroying engine, fortunately under warranty. NEW engine gets worse mpg (only 27-30). Stereo eats CDs regularly. Things break and pop off all the time. Alignment issues from day one. On my 3rd engine now that my camshaft snapped in 2 ruining the head and valves. Costs more the fix than anything Ive ever owned. Leaves me stranded more often than not. This car is only worth the value of a running engine. I will never buy another KIA.

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  Poor fuel economy - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By ntsmrt - April 5 - 7:03 pm

  I went in to buy a Subaru Outback, but I was impressed by the styling of the Kia. So I ended up buying the Sorento. I thought I was going to get a car with fuel efficiency, but I am sadly disappointed. I am supposed to average 27 miles per gallon/highway, but am only getting 21 miles per gallon/highway. Since I drive 450 miles/week highway, it seems all I do is gas up the car. I am still impressed by the interior and exterior the car, and I love the Sirius. Its too soon to give a true evaluation of the reliability. I must honestly say I regret not buying the Subaru, because fuel economy was crucial for me.

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  Really nice vehicle - 2016 Kia Sorento
  By Gary Williams - April 5 - 10:54 am

  We drove Chevys, Fords, Hondas & Toyotas and liked the Kia Sorento the best. The car is rated higher than the rest in safety & reliability and has a far better warranty as well. The comfort and passenger room in the front seat is far better than the other brands. My wife did all of the homework, drove and rode in all of the other brands and Kia got the sale. If you dont believe it, go drive one and see. Now we have 6,000 miles on the Kia 11/3/16 and all is well, my wife still loves it.

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  Just over 1700 miles and loving it - 2008 Kia Sorento
  By JLCHL - April 4 - 6:03 pm

  Even though its been just 1700 miles I have to say that I am pleasantly surprised about this SUV. I had a hard time buying a KIA (Ive always had Japanese cars before), but i have to say that so far its been great. I already tested the off road capabilities of it and it handled great, its a fun car to drive with a lot of power (something to keep in mind when evaluating gas millage). Overall a great buy for a very accessible price.

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  Out of Asia KIA - 2006 Kia Sorento
  By jesse222 - April 3 - 3:43 am

  More fun than a sport sedan, quieter than an ML320, smoother than a range rover, best SUV at any price, hands down!!

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  JUNK@7k Miles POOR FUEL ECONOMY! DIES! IDLES BAD! - 2012 Kia Soul
  By - April 2 - 8:04 pm

  Car dies and idles ROUGH! get 19-21 mpg! Has a lot options but they wont get you were you need to go..Car has moderate power for a 4cy...seats are ok comfort has lots of room...Buy a honda element used and you will be much happier...bluetooth is crappy

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  Not good at all - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By not pleased - April 2 - 6:36 am

  Drive far on a daily basis due to job location. Have had this car for about 7 months. In may the car would not start at all. Had to be towed to the dealership! Apparently a loose cable came loose and had to be tighten. July. Car back in dealership car turned off while in motion. No I did not put in neutral it was in drive and the car turned off. Dealership cant find anything wrong. Sorry Kia better luck next time! Safety is a big concern!

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  A good deal! - 2001 Kia Sephia
  By Sebastien - April 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought a new 01 Sephia. An LS 5 speed version. White in color. I have no problems except the leatherette covering the shifter stick brokes by it self. The ride is good. Its a fair transportation vehicule. Mine is dealer maintened and yearly rustproof.

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  Yes, its a KIA! - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By rozebud - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Wow, I never thought in a million years Id own a Kia! I researched this one to death and feel like a made a great purchase. I really enjoy driving this vehicle and I love the response I get from people when they ask what brand it is.Most say "really?" or "youre kidding!" It was a bit of an adjustment going from a Town & Country van(ultra smooth, luxury) to a rougher riding SUV. But Kia has really done a great job making this vehicle seem luxurious.Of course I got the lux package. I may consider buying smoother riding tires when its time to replace the originals.