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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  Post Purchase Hitch & Runing Lights - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Johnnie - May 11 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the 2011 Sorento new about six (6) weeks ago. Absolutely no problems to report thus far. Positive reports on interior, exterior, performance and gas mileage. Yes, I had to scotch-guard the seats to prevent water spotting. One question on installing a trailer hitch and running lights. It looks like the lights/electrical connections are already installed even though it didnt come with a trailer hitch. Is that right? Also, how much work/expense to install the running lights? This unit didnt come with that package but Id like to install the running lights. Thanks.

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  The best dollar value - 2011 Kia Optima
  By coloradoan1 - May 10 - 10:31 pm

  I bought my Optima two weeks ago. So far an excellent decision. The engine is impressive and in the city gives 25+ MPG. What is fun is the technology package: this car is equipped with features that you only find in a top notch brand. It is probably true that it is a little more noisy than a BMW or a Mercedes... But it is half the price!. I think this is a great option. Must see before buying a new car

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  2005 Amanti - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By Shadow - May 9 - 3:16 pm

  Got the car a week ago, have noticed that as it gets colder the ride gets stiffer. I did not like the plastic gas filler cover on a car at this price. Car handles well even with summer tires on icy roads. the ESP and ABS systems keep the car on track when accelerating or breaking, as I passed numerous vehicles in the ditch on their sides. Quality of fuel makes a considerable difference in fuel mileage.

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  Great car for the money - 2000 Kia Sephia
  By Dana - May 8 - 2:46 am

  I got this car new. Seven years later, the only problems Ive had are replacing the battery after 3 years ($53) and replacing one of the connecting wires (twice, first for $60 after 4 years, then for $110 at another shop after 6 years) because the plastic degraded, caused a short, and told me to check engine. The plastic started degrading before I left the dealer, so the middle console lock, both air/heat grates on the upper dash, and the window sealer have broken. But replacement parts for this car are cheap! A windshield was $212. Handles best at high speeds and has a lot of pep!

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  Pure Luxury - 2006 Kia Amanti
  By Flpoodle - May 7 - 12:33 pm

  I have been driving a 2004 Hyundai Sonata GLS and was so impressed with the quality,styling and performance, I decided to buy the bigger luxury Kia Amanti. The Amanti is only 6 inches narrower than a Lincoln Town Car. Hyundai owns Kia and the same quality and fabulous warranty is there!

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  You Cant Beat The Price - 2000 Kia Sportage
  By senorita - May 7 - 2:00 am

  My 2000 Kia Sportage runs great. I have never had a problem with it. Its a 4 cylinder so I get the oil changed religiously every 3,000 miles. It was a great buy for the money.

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  Candy Carrier - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Jim Hoeller - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I have a candy/beverage vending company. I do a lot of starting and stopping and also spending time in this vehicle. It is my home away from home and believe me the seat in this van is just as comfortable as my lounge chair at home. In short...I love it!

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  Second Kia bought in less than 3 months - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By RB2003 - May 7 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Kia. I bought a Kia Sedonna Ex 3 months ago and so far I have nothing bad to say about it. I had a Dodge Caravan which I traded in for the Sedonna, and I had a Dodge Dakota which I leased 5 years ago. The Sorento took its place. My wife loves to drive the Sorento and I must admit I am a little jealous because I drive the van. I am hoping that the Kias dont disappoint me because right now I like both of them very much. I did a lot of internet research on both and found that they both received pretty good reviews. All in all I am very pleased with my selection.

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  i love my car - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By o2style - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Kia for a few months now. I love it. The engine is a little noisey when you really get it your all. I love that i can fit into tight parking spots with no problems. So far i love it am glad in made the purchase.

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  The best from Kia - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Rody - May 7 - 2:00 am

  The ride is smooth. the warranty is the best in the market 10 years 100000 miles. My wife is very impress, My kids loves it. The engine is running so quietly