5 Star Reviews for Kia

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.33/5 Average
7,338 Total Reviews
Make Overview:

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:

Showing 3291 through 3300 of 7,338.00
  • My Kia - 2004 Kia Sorento
    By -

    My kia has been a joy to drive. It has a solid stable feel over a variety of terrain. I have not had any trouble with it so far and hope to keep it that way with regular maintenance.

  • From 2013 Tahoe to 2016 Kia Cadenza - 2016 Kia Cadenza
    By -

    Great upscale looking and feeling car for less than 2/3 of what I was paying for the Tahoe. Great move for me as I prep for retirement.

  • suprise from KIA - 2005 Kia Sorento
    By -

    I owned a KIA sportage and swore I would never buy another KIA, whenI decided to upgrade my suv a did alot of research before buying including checking out bang for the buck.I was very suprised by the KIA sorrento and all the positive feed-back I found, I checked them out test drove one and then decided to buy one. I am glad I decided to give kia another look and I love my sorrento

  • Great SUV - 2009 Kia Borrego
    By -

    My borrego has truly exceeded my expectations. The nav system is amazing for being an OEM item. I especially like how much space is available when the seats are folded down. Towing = AMAZING. I upgraded from a Jeep Commander. And yes, it is truly an upgrade.

  • Kia only has one problem - 2005 Kia Sedona
    By -

    The value of this van exceeds any expectation. Could not believe, after spending nearly $28,000 plus on Chrysler LE Van. This was totally loaded; moon roof, cd player, air all around from front to back; cup holders and storage bins everywhere, comfort of leather, electric locks, electric side view mirrors, V6. Gas probably 13-15 mpg - a little disappointed - but the worst exterior paint job in the world. Every time your keys hit the paint opening and closing any of the door it scratches noticably. But, what are you going to do. Hope for a decent trade in value. Have to wait and see.

  • Economical Car - 2013 Kia Forte
    By -

    I needed a car that got good gas and good value. I commute 160 miles a day (20 miles dirt road). Getting 31 MPG on average. This is my 4th Kia and one of the reasons of staying with them is the 100,000 warr. & all the options that are included with them. We drive our cars till they fall apart so the resale value means nothing.

  • Great everywhere except gas - 2007 Kia Rondo
    By -

    I bought the Rondo new and love it. Just hit 1000 miles, handles great rides like a sports car with a softer feel on bumps, gas mileage is lacking (6cyl) not close to what the sticker says average 23 on highway. But other than that has all the bells and whistles that higher priced cars have and feels safe and secure on the road, went from a Subaru Legacy wagon, huge improvement for our family, very easy with kids car seats,lots of room in front for drivers (510"230 lb football player) and man can it move when you need it to,long drives are now fun but city driving will kill your wallet,but worth it, dont miss out on this for a better name brand car is worth the test drive.

  • Great Mid-Size Vehicle - 2007 Kia Optima
    By -

    The Optima is well built and fun to drive. The 2.4 liter has plenty of power and the automatic transmission shifts smoothly. Has numerous standard features that are options on Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry. Five Star safety rating. The 2007 Optima certainly is at the same level as Accord, Camry and Altima.

  • kia optima - 2009 Kia Optima
    By -

    I never thought I would buy a kia product but I am glad I did. I hit a home run, when I purchased my Kia Optima. This vehicle is much better than the Accord or Camery. I have owned both other vehicles and there is no comparison. The warranty and safety is 3 times better. I only paid $13,9000 (new) and I jump on the deal. This has got to be the best deal I have ever made on a vehicle. Last I would say this vehicle is so under-rated.

  • I love my Forte! - 2010 Kia Forte
    By -

    I made the switch from a truck with terrible fuel economy to this vehicle - I am getting more than twice as many miles per gallon! I really do love my Forte. One of the great things is all the features that come standard with every model. I have only had it for a few weeks but so far so good! I would suggest to anyone considering the LX to think about getting the EX. The baseline EX is not much more expensive and I think the power windows and locks is a great feature. Hassle those dealers!

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