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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  First time Kia Owner - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Very Pleased - February 5 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Kia vehicle. My last vehicles were a Chevy Cavalier & a Chevy Trail Blazer and I must say I was very hesitant when I decided to go with Kia. But I have been very impressed with my Sorento. I decided to go with Kia for mainly two reasons. First, Kias warranty is far better than any of their competitors. (10 Year, 100,000 Mile) And second, The Sorento was the only crossover that offer the most features and the highest safety reliability for the buck. I have been very satisfied and I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone who is looking for a great SUV. (looks like a high-end luxury vehicle for a mid-range price)

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  Should have got a honda - 2004 Kia Optima
  By frankl1955 - February 5 - 2:10 am

  Well its been almost 5 yrs and only 34k mi. For the most part the car has been ok, but there is a troubling problem with rust. If you live in a salt state like Ohio, do not buy this car. The 2004 and earlier optima has a bad under body rust problem which includes the sub frame. Things like metal brake disc shields have already rusted off and most hardware like hose clamps and other hardware in the rear are about gone. None of this is covered under their warranty. The drive train may last 10 years, but much of the underneath won’t be there.

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  More for less - 2008 Kia Optima
  By rick vanbarg - February 4 - 7:26 pm

  I really thought about buying an Accord or a Camry, you know image is important. Well, I could not get over how much better the Optima was compared to the other image cars. The optima rode better, looked sharp, (I have the appearance pkg) and was thousands less. The sound system is really nice. I have over 8,000 miles on it, getting around 31-32 mpg on highway. I must say that Im very pleased with this car. Kias image is the only thing bringing this company down, give them a couple more years and your looking at the next Honda or Toyota. Cant wait to see whats next for them.

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  Two Weeks & just filling up the gas tank - 2016 Kia Optima
  By NoLa - February 2 - 9:38 pm

  I brought my new 2016 Kia Optima LX two weeks ago for a good deal 16k. The ride is quiet and comfortable. I suggest drive in eco mode to save money at the gas pump. Im average just about what is advertised. Also the car has a lot of sex appeal grown up/sporty look. I would highly suggest anyone to give kia a chance!

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  No brainer for the price - 2010 Kia Forte
  By llllllllljkkkk - February 1 - 6:13 am

  I drove a Camry and Acura TL, two of the most reliable and popular cars in the market, so going to a Forte was a big decision for me. Ive had the car for a month and I feel I get far so much than what I paid for. All the standard features are there + USB, Bluetooth and the 2.0L engine is good enough for daily driving with good mileage. Of course you are not buying a $40,000 car, so dont expect any grand performance or power. This is an under $20,000 car with all the features such as moonroof, leather + Americas best warranty. To put all these in a Corolla or a Civic will cost you $5-6k more. I strongly suggest this to any recent college graduates and people who drive a lot.

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  Do not Waste your Time or Money - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By djruss84 - February 1 - 4:04 am

  I purchased my Sorento SX in november of 2010. About a month after my purchase the engine decided to blow up the day before christmas eve!!! The engine let out a loud screechy grinding sound then the car stoped dead in the middle of a busy intersection. I was without my car through the holidays then it took Kia over a Month to get the engine to the dealership. Also the paint on these are Rice paper thin and just a simple pebble with chip the paint to bear metal and it will rust within a few days if you do not inspect it daily. I would stay away from any KIA and spend a little more for a brand with a better record of quality.

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  SO Disappointed - 2008 Kia Rondo
  By drivingmom2 - February 1 - 2:21 am

  We bought our Rondo new in 2008. At the time it was exactly the car we were looking for, as it had the third row stow-and-go seats. We had reasonable performance from it for the first five years, although it did have a few factory recalls in that time. HOWEVER, two months after the five-year warranty expired, the engine failed. Despite the fact that I had followed the warranty maintenance schedule, KIA Canada would do nothing to assist us with this matter and we ended up having to have a second-hand motor installed. Apparently KIA create disposable cars and are not prepared to back their products. Like a previous poster, I too am a bit embarrassed about having recommended KIA to friends.

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  KIA OPTIMA EX - 2004 Kia Optima
  By BILL SIMPSON - February 1 - 2:00 am

  I JUST BOUGHT THE CAR ,IT IS FUN TO DRIVE GOOD ON THE ROAD ,POWER SEEMS TO BE GOOD,THE PANEL IS GOOD EASY TO VIEW,GAS MILEAGE SEEMS OK .

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  Excellent family car:> - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By bosslady805 - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Our new Kia Sorento has met our expectations and more. We find it an easy, comfortable ride. The children have space for long rides.

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  So Far so good - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Raven - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 2004 Sorento EX (4wd) for about 2 months now and have about 2600 miles on it. So far nothing has gone wrong with it and Ive had a great time driving it. The sorento has the best factory installed stereo system Ive ever heard. Im regulary being asked about the car and everyone who has seen it has been impressed. So far, its been a great pay for the money.