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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  Fuel mileage dissapointing but nice SUV with lots of option - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By kds5 - February 11 - 3:22 am

  Weve had our 2011 Sportage for about 6 months and we pleased with almost everything. Traded in a Lexus IS250 that got 29-32 mpg for more room and mileage that ranges from 22-33 on the sticker. Driving very conservatively in "ECO" mode with reg fuel only gets us about 19.8 combined highway and city. If we use premium fuel with no ethanol we up that about 4 mpg. Using premium on the highway only we can get about 26.5. Now has about 8500 miles so should be broken in by now. Other than that, the car is loaded with options comparable to our Lexus. We like the nav better and it updates with Satellite vs buying a disc. Enjoying it overall and looks great, just disappointed in the fuel.

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  Big car - little money - 2007 Kia Rio
  By Anthony - February 10 - 7:00 am

  I bought the Kia Rio to replace my aging Mazda Protege as a daily commuting car. I needed a car with good gas mileage, great air and a CD/FM/AM unit. I got a great car for little money. The Chevy Cobalt was considered along with the Rio and after having driven both, I am more than impressed with the Kia. Sure, it only has a 1.6 liter engine with 110 hp, but the VVT engine really does a great job. The interior may be cheap compared to the Hondas and Toyotas of this world, but then thats reflected in the price. Yet it is a darn site better than the Cobalt which has some really *scary* plastics inside and looks nasty too. The Rio is a bif car for really not much money!

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  Best Vehicle I Ever Owned - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By Shaun - February 10 - 5:16 am

  I traded in my 2006 Tahoe in on the Sedona. I needed a vehicle that gets better fuel mileage and still has enough room for at least 7 people. The Sedona is definitely that vehicle. I have had this vehicle for 4 months and I already have 13,000 miles on it. I take my Sedona everywhere. This vehicle is perfect for traveling. I love the large space behind the 3rd row when the 3rd row is up. Driving the Sedona is definitely fun and a pleasure. It has plenty of pickup and a very comfortable ride. Took it on a 2,000 mile road trip and averaged 25 miles per gallon. I would definitely recomend this vehicle to anyone.

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  I Luv my Kia - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Reeny - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I have had the chance to drive my Kia in the snow this weekend and it did an amazing job! I love the look and the feel of my new SUV...and people even say it looks like a Lexus!

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  Everything better than expected - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Gene - February 9 - 12:06 am

  For a first new car purchase, I researched thoroughly through Edmunds and Consumer Reports. After 3 years, this car has surpassed my expectations, no complaints whatsoever. Excellent gas mileage, plenty of head and leg room, car has been consistently dependable in all driving situations. Have had it on 1000+ mile trip @ continuous speeds of 80mph, and have needed peppiness in interstate traffic as of late, the car keeps meeting expectations. The only complaint was one tire with a separated belt somewhere in it, didnt figure this out until after warranty was out on tires, no fault of car manufacturer. Car still runs fine, just low noise from the tire, faint wobble when rotated to front.

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  Great Camping/Towing Vehicle - 2013 Kia Sorento
  By Jimmy C - February 8 - 3:38 am

  I was skeptical about KIAs history, but I did a ton of research and discovered their reviews and quality have greatly improved since the 2000s. Weve owned our 2013 Sorento for almost 2 years and 25,000 miles. The 2013 Sorento LX 3.5 has greatly exceeded my expectations. I own a 16 TrailLite camper (3,500 lbs loaded). The Sorento EASILY pulls it at idle. I was amazed how well the KIA pulled my camper with my 2 fishing kayaks on the roof-rack. Granted Fuel economy drops while towing from 25mpg (@75mph) to about 11mpg (@70), but that was still better than expected. Acceleration is a little jumpy and takes some getting used to. Breaks are great. Handling is smooth and comfortable. Changing the oil was a learning experience; the filter is on the top of the engine, which was new to me; I searched for it for about 5 minutes before I gave in and Googled its location. The filter is about 2x more expensive that typical filters. It takes nearly 6 quarts of oil. Seating - Front is comfortable, but I wouldnt mind the seats being a little wider. Im 60, 220, 40" waist. The second row seating is fairly comfortable, and they recline! The 3rd row is tight for me, but I could fit if I lost a bet. Ideal size for 3rd row would be < 5. In my opinion, none of the mid-size SUV competitors can compare to the Sorento when talking about towing capacity, economy, features and price.

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  great car - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By wood00 - February 7 - 10:00 am

  i think it a very good car for the price range. very stylish ,people always turning their heads asking question. i just love the carso many icant just pick one . i like the look

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  Great so far - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By snbcdad - February 7 - 9:56 am

  I bought this car used to replace my 12 year old Altima. Its much smaller outside, but just as comfy and more rear seat legroom (Im 511"). Feels solid, peppy on take off, VERY respectable trunk size for its class, and cheap to buy. Gas mileage started out low (25.5 in mixed driving), but has steadily improved with warmer weather (31.6 in mixed driving). Not up to par with the Corolla for gas mileage, but rivals it everywhere else. Very happy with my purchase. Safety features were a sell along with price. Also, the outside styling is very nice.

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  I liked my 2013 Soul Exclaim soooo much...that I got a 2014 too! - 2013 Kia Soul
  By mazda5forme - February 7 - 7:52 am

  Im glad I finally found a car brand that doesnt build junk! KIA! Not only did I buy a new 2013 Soul Exclaim for myself...but also my wife got a new Sorento (made at KIAs West Point USA Factory!), my daughter bought a Sportage, my son got a new Forte AND a Soul also! Several great reasons to buy from KIA... 1) Quality. 2nd to none. 2) Perfect paint, well made, all the body panels line up. 3) Crazy level of standard equipment for the price. Bluetooth, steering wheel controls for sound system, backup camera! 4) Even the Dealerships for KIA are professional, clean, friendly and helpful. Im not used to that...I used to have all Fords! 5) The KIA styling is world class...

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  The kids love it! Nuf said. - 2011 Kia Optima
  By rutgersfan87 - February 5 - 4:20 pm

  Totally impressed with everything about our new Optima. Heated leather seats, front and rear, keeps everyone toasty...its been a cold snowy winter. Roomy interior, extreme leg room in the back for 3 kids ages 10, 13 and 17. Has all the bells and whistles you need, and more. Great looking, sporty, opted for a silver EX with Premium package right off the showroom floor. It didnt have the UVO nav-ent. system, but you should consider it. So far we are very happy with our purchase and would highly recommend this vehicle. Over 3 weekends, we test drove or saw all the competition and the Optima was the classiest ride, and best bang for the buck.