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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  2003 Kia Rio - 2003 Kia Rio
  By KiaRio - August 5 - 8:13 pm

  I have had this car for 4 years now and have had no issues with it. It has been very reliable, although a little small and not a lot of power. The fuel economy is great, I spend about $40.00/month driving it when gas prices are lower and about $60.00 per month in the summer season. The only thing that has ticked me off is that the paint on mine has started to chip off the door handles and the clear coat is coming off, not sure if this is a defect that only I have had issues with.

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  Double take on the New 2005 Sportage!! - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Renee - August 4 - 5:20 pm

  When I first saw the 05 Sportage, I was really impressed and didnt really think it was even a Sportage! The new design has certainly improved in looks and space since previous models. After my test drive, I purchased the 6 Cylinder Ex in Jade Green. I was really impressed by the size and standard saftey features, not to mention the warranty. The interior is very spacious, and the rear occupants have decent leg room. The ride seems very car like, smooth and not jittery. I like the privacy windows (no need to have the vehicle windows tinted). The covered storage tray above the spare tire is nice to stow items securely and out of view. I really am enjoying and driving my new Kia Sportage!

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  2005 Sedona Rating - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Pauletta - August 4 - 5:13 pm

  This is not the first Kia. But it is our first SUV. It is such a pleasure to drive ... handles so easily, and mobility is excellent. The only downside is the small gas tank. It doesnt hold much gas at a time. Would rather not have to visit gas station as often. Like the 16 inch tires. It is a joy to drive. Was purchased as replacement for husbands car, but wife took it over! He hasnt had much opportunity to drive it!

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  Big mistake - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By dswanson1 - August 4 - 1:40 pm

  This was the worst vehicle choice ever!! We had it for 3 months and the radiator blew. Then all the window switches stopped working and the AC would not hold its charge. The transmission started going out when we hit 110,000 miles and when we traded it in, we only got $1500 for it. Thought that would be the last time I got a KIA that was build prior to 2005, but my wife tricked me and bought a 2003 Kia Spectra. We have had nothing but issues with that one also.

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  Will never buy a Kia again - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Tonya - August 3 - 7:43 am

  I loved this car until the windshield washer pump went out three times. I have a headlight go out about once a month. After changing the timing belt at 60,000 miles the engine locked up and the dealer told me it needed a whole new motor which would not be covered by warranty. I took it somewhere else and had it fixed for $600, no new motor needed after all! A CD is stuck in the CD player. The paint has chipped all over. The gas gauge is broken so I have to remember to reset the trip meter every time I fill up. The back passenger door latch keeps falling off. Poor MPG. Every time I have taken the car in, my complaints are not covered by the "bumper to bumper, 100,000 mile warranty."

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  Love This Car - 2011 Kia Forte
  By bjsafe - August 3 - 3:54 am

  Purchased SX model with all option packages (rearview cam, nav, sirius w/traffic, bluetooth, leather, sunroof, push-to-start, heated seats, rear spoiler) for $20K, which was my entering price point. Youd be hard pressed to find all that w/a 10 year warranty in any other car at that price. Owned for one month, put over 3000 miles on it, 1700 on a road trip, 1300 over daily 32 mile roundtrip commute. Gas mileage as advertised. As mentioned in a previous review, pictures dont do this car justice. It is a very attractive car. Incidentally, I was interested also in the Koup but found it too tight of a squeeze at 63". Despite issues listed below, I am totally happy with my purchase.

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  Automatic Door Issues - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By maememories24 - August 2 - 4:32 pm

  We bought the van used in Dec 2010 with 25K on it. Two days after we drove it home it was back in the shop for issues with the hatch not closing, come to find out there was a recall on it. Two weeks later it was back at the dealer for issues with the sliding doors not closing and jamming up. We have now had the vehicle 8 months and from May - August it has been at the dealer WEEKLY for the same door issues. They can not seem to fix it and when they say they do you no sooner get home and the doors do the same thing. The passenger side door has actually opened up while in drive! Be very cautious when purchasing this vehicle. I will go back to my trusty Honda, I gave Kia a try and they failed.

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  You would never guess its a Kia - 2009 Kia Borrego
  By Miguel - August 2 - 4:36 am

  I have purchased many cars everything from an Audi to a Toyota. I have to say that this Borrego is the best purchase ever. The ride is great (for a truck style frame). Comfort is that of a luxury car. All of the options this Borrego comes with is unbelievable. We looked at everything from a 4Runner to a Acadia. I saved over $10,000 by purchasing this Borrego. The warranty cant be beat. I even got the dealer to throw in the 100,000 Mile bumper to bumper warranty for free. The turning radius is also unbelievable.

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  2002 Kia Rio - My Goldmine - 2002 Kia Rio
  By TRzDaddy - August 2 - 2:00 am

  The car runs perfectly. It has plenty of power, unless there is someone in the backseat over 45 pounds. Everything works well. The dealer service has been excellent. They seem so earnest in pleasing their customers. What a good idea! My only complaints are that the sun visor doesnt fold flat against the windshield and that the clock on the radio doesnt stay on - it has to be reminded to go back to clock everytime you change the station. The only thing that has gone wrong is a window crank with stripped gears. The dealer fixed it during an oil change, under warranty.

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  very happy - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Zach Saber - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven two round trips from Seattle to Monterey in the past three months in my Optima. This is the first vehicle Ive owned that made the trip fun, affordable and comfortable. Im very happy I purchased this vehicle.