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:

• 

  Beautiful! - 2004 Kia Optima
  By MEmeme - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Very NICE ride! Nicer than my SUV. I LOVE to pass the gas stations in my NEW CAR!

• 

  wonderful - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By mcdaniel - July 22 - 10:00 am

  My husband purchased a sadona for me for my Birthday. It was the best van I ever had. compared to the dodge caravan I the Kia is #1. My hats off to the designer of this one. Thanks Kia

• 

  I love my Kia - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By S Colbert - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Sorento to replace my Kia Sportage because of the extra room and features. I wanted to sit up higher off the ground and wanted the added feature of a V6 engine. I also like the added storage space under the passenger seat and in the back just above the spare tire. I have found the ride comfortable and quiet and the Sorento handles very well around corners. Overall it is just plain fun to drive.

• 

  Love my Kia - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By lwbll - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I have been very happy with my Kia Sorento. Its really ALOT of car for the money! It drives very smoothly for a 4wd SUV... not like a truck.It has alot of zip and handles smoothly. Interior design is comfortable and controls are convenient. The stereo system is very good..I love the 6 cd in the dash feature. The only thing I would change is the gas mileage...not as high as I would like, but probably not too different from most cars of this type..

• 

  kia sorento is a outstanding value! - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By ericruby - July 22 - 10:00 am

  i would definately recomend a sorento to anyone who is looking for a suv in that category. i am very happy with my desision,it looks and feels like it should cost much more than it did!

• 

  Positive comments - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Ed - July 22 - 3:50 am

  Just a plain Jane in black that doesnt attract a lot of attention but can stay out of the way of oncoming traffic with power to spare. 5 Speed option is well spaced with plenty of 2nd gear torque for low end accelleration. Quality paint and trim make a Sunday wash a real treat since the effect is stellar. Easy to use power steering effort. Controls are well within reach and easy to use. Good visibility in all directions unobstructed by conservative head rests in the rear. Lots of dealer installed options. Consider the rubber cargo floor mat, it is a bargain. Superior door fit on all sides/rear.

• 

  My Third Kia - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By Kidxpress - July 22 - 1:40 am

  I love this SUV! Its fun, its great looking and functional. From camping to picking up groceries ... I couldnt be happier. This is my third Kia; first I had the Sephia, the the Kia Sportage convertible (super fun) and now as my kids are bigger, the bigger Sorento is awesome. Has the same interior as my moms Lexus!

• 

  Bang for your buck - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By skeptiq - July 21 - 3:00 pm

  I have owned this for over a year and I can honestly say I have really enjoyed it from the first day. Main purchase reason was more space for trips with the family. The ride is great, the seats are comfortable, and I have only had minor issues (one front wheel bearing and the dealership replaced both under warranty with NO hassles). Great vehicle for the money, but plan on keeping it as the resale value is awful!

• 

  Best surprise in less expensive minivan! - 2010 Kia Sedona
  By rustynutz - July 21 - 9:00 am

  bought used with 33,000 from car rental, saved $$$$. Changed to mobile one oil, took a 2,000 mile trip from SA TX to Wich KS and back, plus sight seeing. Averaged 25mpg running mostly 80mph. Pros: Great seating, acceleration, handling, traction and braking. good visability, low road noise, lots of storage places and plenty of drink holders. Well placed controls, easy to access while driving. Good factory window tinting, dual A/C keeps everyone comfy. Getting around 18 mpg in town. Cons: Cant think of any yet, will post later if I find any.

• 

  Lousy fuel economy... - 2012 Kia Soul
  By dwilson - July 19 - 10:11 am

  I waited for the 2012 due to its supposed improved fuel economy. I had a Honda element AWD which averaged about 25mpg. Much bigger and heavier than the soul. I am averaging about 27 or 28 with this little car... Same type of driving. I figured to save about $700 a year on gas... Actually maybe $150.... I wish I had kept the Honda....