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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  Better than I expected - 2007 Kia Rio
  By eap - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Drives better on the highway than I thought it would for a small car-I was pleasantly surprised at the lack of effect on the car when semi trucks passes me or I passes semi trucks-I expected to be pushed around on the road more than I was

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  Like a sports car. - 2003 Kia Rio
  By Bill Gibbons - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I live in the mountains and drive state highways up, down, and over. I also use interstates fairly regularly. The car is peppy, feels solid, passes easily for a small car, is comfortable, and is fun to drive. There is enough room behind the second seat for my 50# dog. My average MPG is 35. And the car is cute!(color is blueberry)

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  My review - 2002 Kia Optima
  By BONZJONZ - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Coming from a 1990 Ford Ranger, the Optima is definitely a step up. The mileage is very good for the long trips that I have to take.

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  Sedonna surpise - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Cgars7 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Very nice vehicle - drives solid - great pick up - Comfortable on long trips. So far it has been a pleasant surprise -

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  Best inclass - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By statefan - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I was downsizing from an older Suburban and looked at all of the mid- size SUVs. Once I saw and drove the Sorento there was no question what to buy. The quality, appearance and options, regardless of the cost, was comparable or better than all of the others. When you consider the price (5K to 8K lower) and add in the warranty it becomes a no brainer. You just have to compare for yourself. I would recommend the luxury package too. It is worth the money. To get a better quality mid-size SUV you have to go the Acura / Lexus lines for about twice the money.

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  Love My KIA....If it werent in the shop - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By KimC31 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Purchased my beautiful 2003 Sorento EX Alpine Gray, side rails & pinstrip on 9-26-2003. Love everything about it accept that it has been in the shop three times 10-7-2003, Check Emissions Light -10-15-2003 Check Emissions Light - couldnt find a problem 10-21-2003, Check Emissions Light. They are replacing the thermostat now. I have the sinking feeling that I bought a lemon. Plus, the customer service at the shop sucks, which I have since reported to Kia Consumer Care. Otherwise, the performance of vehicle, the ride, look, everything is great. Contacted an attorney today to discuss the matter. It will get resolved one way or another.

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  Love my SUV - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By KMD - September 26 - 10:00 am

  After having two minivans over the past 7 years, I test drove and researched every midsize SUV out there....I LOVE MY SORENTO!!! The comfort is amazing...very easy and fun to drive, I love the large moon roof...the console is great...the interior is very classy and plush...stereo/cd controls at the wheel are great! People approach me and comment on what a sharp vehicle it is and ask how I like it...what do you think I tell them??? I LOVE IT!! I also feel very safe in this vehicle...it is SOLID and with front/side airbags...and 10 yr-100 mile powertrain warranty...hard to beat!! I cant wait until it snows so I can test the 4-wheel drive!!!!

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  GREAT VALUE - 2010 Kia Forte
  By GEORGE - September 25 - 2:56 pm

  the styling is well thought out, attractive from any angle. simple, but functional

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  16,000 miles and no problems - 2012 Kia Soul
  By hamsterman1 - September 25 - 4:16 am

  This car is awesom. I have owned two Scion XBs. One was a 2005 and the other a 2006. Dont get me wrong it is a good car, but the Kia Soul beats the xb in every way. six speed is fun. features are awesome. I dont need all of the extra junk on the higher priced models. I average 36 miles to a gallon going 75mph 130 miles a day. I have put over 16,000 on this car with no problems. All I do is change the oil. Im six foot and my son is 6 foot. even with the car loaded down (more cago than the xb) I still have plenty of power and tons of room. I bought this car because of price and the warranty cant be beat. If you want a good car at a great price. Then this is the car for you. Love u Kia!

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  Excellent Value - 2010 Kia Forte
  By Mike - September 25 - 1:56 am

  Great car for the money! Loaded with standard features and has a sleek look to it unlike its predecessor. I also own a 2007 Civic and the Forte is comparable in almost all areas. The gear ratio feels awkward at times, but you get used to it. So far I am sub 30 mpg combined. I would like to see that go up. Overall, an outstanding compact sedan!