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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  Bad on gas - 2007 Kia Rio
  By bootsr1 - October 26 - 4:46 am

  This was a horrible purchase. Terrible MPG 16-18 max. Brakes shot @ less then 9,000 miles in the shop 9 times for charging problem. This car looks ok, highly overrated!

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  GO KIA! - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By bsballmomnky - October 24 - 5:10 pm

  I love my KIA! I was not very familiar with the maker of this vehicle and out of the blue drove onto the car to OOK and I walked away buying! I was looking for a reliable vehicle and was told about this stylish vehicle and all of its amenities. I have two sons and we are constantly on the go. I have no complaints or issues except for gas prices. and a wimpy horn. Gas mileage has been comparable to the 4 cylinder I traded in. I have more power and have lost only 20 miles to the tank (tanks being same size as previous car). Standard items such as the aluminum wheels and Michelin tires. I would highly recommend this vehicle!

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  Great SUV but not Great Gas Mileage - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By DM - October 24 - 3:40 pm

  I love my Sorento . I wanted something compact but roomy inside and still an SUV type vehicle. I drive 50 miles roundtrip everyday and the gas mileage is not so good. If you dont do a lot of driving then its a great vehicle.

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  Lousy ride & quality - 2008 Kia Amanti
  By herb45 - October 23 - 12:53 am

  I totally love this car on a trip, but take it in the city, and the ride is harsh & lumpy, to say the least. The dash rattles are everywhere at this point, so I just turn up the stereo. The hwy mileage is very good. The brakes are terrible, and the transmission lurches when cold !

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  I hate my Kia - 2001 Kia Spectra
  By ojena - October 21 - 10:00 am

  I have had many problems with the engine begining with the loud noises it makes & a/c and radio malfunctions. The plastic pieces of the vehicle are always breaking off such as those that recline the seat,open the trunk and gas,and a/c vents.Ancira, the dealership where I purchased my Kia, is not very efficient when it comes to fixing it. So the warranty Kia always raves about really means nothing to me.Within the first year of owning my new Kia Spectra, the tires and brakes had to be replaced, and since they are considered maintanence parts, they were not covered by the warranty. This car has been a headache from day one.

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  Love this automobile:) - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By Captain Ron276 - October 21 - 10:00 am

  By far the best car I have purchased in my 58 years on this earth

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  BUY IT BEFORE PRICE INCREASE - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By CAMAZ GRACE - October 21 - 10:00 am

  THIS CAR DRIVES LIKE A MUCH HIGHER PRICED LUXURY CAR. IN MY BUSINESS I GET A CHANCE TO RIDE AND DRIVE HIGH END PRICED CARS,THIS CAR IS TRULY UNDERATED.AS SOON A THE PUBLIC DISCOVERS THIS CAR THE PRICE WILL ADJUST ACCORDINGLY.BEST BUY I HAVE SEEN IN A LONG TIME.

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  kick ass mini van - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By ghoss - October 21 - 10:00 am

  Tows my jet skis with no problem. Grate power and comfort.

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  A KIA? I like it! - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By jjsteil - October 21 - 10:00 am

  Was sold on this vehicle based on what I read from owner reviews here on Edmunds. Solid vehicle. Excellent workmanship similar to what you see in an Acura or Toyota product. You get a lot more vehicle for your money that what you would get buying from Ford, GM or other imports. Have logged over 20,000 miles no problems. Did not know till I purchased vehicle the transmission is manufactured in Japan, we all know what level of quality comes from that country. Smoothest ride of any SUV or pick up I test drove. Contrary to what the Toyota salesman told me, I think this vehicle will have a good resale value.

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  UPSET Coustomer - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Upset Kia Owner - October 20 - 7:16 pm

  I would tell anyone not to buy a KIA. I bought the van new and it has been in the shop more than it has been on the road. Brake problems, Belt tensioner, and MULTIPLE electrical problems. Turn signals work intermittently. Head lights keep blowing out. Air Bag Warning Light on more than it’s off. Keyless remotes both failed. Heater fan quit working in the middle of a snow storm. Wipers quit working during a rain storm while driving down the road. I don’t trust the thing to drive out of town. I can’t trade the thing because the value has dropped to the point that now Im upside down in value. This van was the worst new vehicle Ive ever owned. Dont buy a Kia!