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:

• 

  Its Great! - 2002 Kia Rio
  By Carolyn - January 22 - 11:06 pm

  This was the first new car Id ever owned. I bought what I could afford & I really believe I got a great value along with a fun, reliable car to drive. I have never had any problems other than normal maintenance like tires, battery. If I had to do it all over again I would! I love my car and plan on keeping it for quite sometime. I tell all my friends & family what a great car I have. I just wish my husband wasnt so tall then he could ride in it. But I tell him that I didnt know him when I bought my car.

• 

  cabinocity - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By newkiaowner - January 22 - 8:00 pm

  I purchased the Rondo after several months of shopping. I compared it to Rav4, CR-V, Mazda5, and various other SUV/crossovers. I found the Rondo to be the best value for the price. The $750 cash assistance and special financing clinched the deal. When viewing from the outside, you cannot imagine how much room it has inside.

• 

  I love it...except - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By cc - January 22 - 7:26 pm

  I really have enjoyed owning this car. Have had needed no service except routine. Just replaced the tires at 60,000. The only thing that could be improved is the recoil of the driver side shoulder seat belt, often doesnt return to original position and gets caught in the door. Otherwise ... love it.

• 

  One of the best - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By CT yank - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Only had the 2004 Sorento for 3 weeks, but so far it has lived up to my expectations. Use it off road plus considerable highway driving. Looks, comfort and functionality cant be beat. Go for the luxury package if possible, youll love driving it!

• 

  So far So Good - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By rosanne - January 20 - 6:53 pm

  I took a chance and purchased this small SUV for the warranty. So far the SUV drives well, is spacious and has been reliable. My children have plenty of room away from one another and love that they have their own space in the back. They also like that the back seats lay back when they are ready for a nap. I have no complaints so far.

• 

  A value if it proves reliable - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By JimScot - January 20 - 11:43 am

  Too new to rate reliability. However we looked at all four wheel and all wheel drive cars and the Kia was by far the best value. We also liked that it was made in the USA. A better overall value than the Subaru Forester. Initial mileage of 21 slightly disappointing as we were getting that from the V-6 in the Buick and this is only a four. Here in Maine, the AWD is essential during the winter months. Time will tell how the Kia will hold up.

• 

  New car drive - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By Shadow - January 20 - 7:16 am

  Just got car today, 94 mile drive home averaged 24.1 mpg at 65mph, temp outside - 24. Roads very icy, car drove excellent, stayed on track and stayed comfortable temp inside. Did not feel ice lumps on the road and didnt hear much road noise.

• 

  "POWER TO SURPRISE" IS RIGHT - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By beastly_sorento - January 19 - 8:30 pm

  I love my Sorento! I bought it with 73,000 miles on it, for around ten thousand including a standard lifetime powertrain warranty(really sealed the deal). After 5 months and 8,000 miles, I would of bought it without the warranty. The engine is extremely reliable and the 4 wheel drive is awesome. The gas mileage is O.K., but what can I expect from a V6 4x4. Because this is a true 4x4, the ride can be a little rough, but the cushy seats help a lot. Overall, this is a reliable and fun to drive vehicle that has all the goodies at a rock bottom price. Buying a Sorento was a smart move for me and it will be too for you.

• 

  Love my Sportage - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By LoriMc - January 19 - 9:53 am

  Just the right size for a 5 lady who needs to see where she is going. Perfect for our small family of three.

• 

  Love it!!! - 2002 Kia Rio
  By Amy Hammcock - January 18 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car in the world!! I have had it for a month and it is the best purchase in my life!!!You will love it if you buy it!!!