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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  Sorento is the SUV to choose! - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Graham, S.E. - January 5 - 2:00 am

  I researched the market before deciding on purchasing the Sorento. I was initially attracted by the sleek design and the fact that it looks like my dream vehicle the Lexus RX 300 (which by the way I can not afford). But the Sorento was a better value for the price anyway. It handles well, looks darn good (an eye-catcher), is very spacious, and is easy on the wallet. Overall, I love the vehicles sporty, but classy, look.

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  Fun to zip around! - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By Elaine - January 4 - 9:43 pm

  Have not had any trouble getting up hills, keeping up with traffic. Love the ease of parking. The CD player is great. When I turn the heat or air conditioner on there is no long wait to feel comfortable. Most of all, the mileage is excellent.

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  great car - 2008 Kia Rio
  By jeep4wheeler - January 3 - 2:16 am

  I bought the 08 Kia Rio because of the good gas millage and its dependability. I put about 90 miles a day on my Rio and get 35 mpg. It is fun to drive. This is my first car. I had always owned a truck or SUV but needed the better millage. The only thing I see my Rio needs is maybe a couple of storage compartments at arms reach of the driver.

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  great for the$$$ - 2004 Kia Optima
  By craig1a1 - December 31 - 10:00 am

  for a car in the 20k range this was the nicest i have driven. it has virtually everything needed to make you feel as though it is a car in a higher price range. i have yet to have any mechanical problems and as the car is being broken in it is gaining more power. i was very skeptical when purchasing a car but after driving toyatas, hondas, nissans and many american models, none compared price wise and in features in this price range. i would and have recommended to many people to check this car out, and in the right color people will stop you and ask what kind of car it is!

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  Sensational!! - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By MSJ - December 31 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is the complete package. There is nothing about it I dont like. Fuel economy...Its an SUV, get over it! Interior appointments rival vehicles much more expensive. The 6 CD changer that is all fed into the dash is great! The turning radius is outstanding. The feel of the Sorento is one of confidence that begs you to test its limits. Nothing but acolades from everyone who has seen it or rode in it. I would recommend this SUV to anyone in the market for this style of vehicle. Hats off tho KIA, reliability will be the true test of this vehicles reputation and that will only come with putting on the miles.

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  Great Value - Great Economy - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By Idaho Bruce - December 31 - 1:03 am

  This car was bought primarily as a commuter with the occasional 700 mile trip to see the grandkids. Weve had it for about a month and the mileage has ranged from 29.7 to 35.1, well within my goal of 30 mpg average. Overall my expectations have been exceeded, not only in gas mileage but overall value and general soundness of the vehicle. No rattles or squeaks noted, and the doors close with a solid thunk. I am especially surprised by the sophisticated standard features on this car - tire pressure monitors, 6 airbags, heated mirrors, iPod input, 6 way adjustable seat. We are extremely satisfied with Phil, our Spectra.

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  Skeptical on EPA - 2012 Kia Optima
  By kbsmith - December 30 - 1:55 pm

  I have recently come off an Acura TSX, rated lower EPA, while in reality gets much higher than the estimates. My Kia gets around town less than 22mpg and on the highwaqy about 29. Those numbers plummet as soon as you get off the highway to an overall 23. My Acura was 25 and didnt plummet so quickly. This is my only disappointment with the car, but it is a big one. The engine seems to miss as I start out, in the 1400-1800 RPM range. I havent checked this out at the dealer yet because there are NO loan cars provided---only expensive Enterprise rentals at about $55/day. Acura and other upscale models have spoiled me---you get what you pay for, folks. No doubt here. Great value!

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  Amazing Comfort for a Compact - 2010 Kia Forte
  By pnassos - December 29 - 11:43 pm

  I downgraded from a Chrysler Concorde; the Forte is really quite comfortable & I am 62", 230 lb. Buy the SX trim - great value, handling, & fast engine. This car hits 90 with ease -- feels like 60. The 2.4 Liter engine & 5 speed work well together. My family likes the heated seats, iPod / USB port, Bluetooth, & satellite radio; prior to this car, I called these luxuries - but they are now necessary. You have to spend $ 25K plus to get this equipment in comparable cars. This car has been solid from the start & is more comparable to Camry, Fusion & Malibu than the compacts. A great value. Kia has now come to Georgia to build their cars & SUVs.

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  Amanti a very well kept secret ! - 2007 Kia Amanti
  By Amanti truly amazin - December 28 - 4:26 pm

  I have never really heard of this model until about 2 weeks ago. We bought one about three weeks ago. I am so proud I bought this 2007 because it is truly a luxury car not only in appearance and interior comfort and but the outside design looks like a Benz. I have owned well over thirty cars in my lifetime but this has to rate in the top three. BTW I am 62 so I know a lot about cars. This car is a winner.

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  Great little car for the money - 2010 Kia Soul
  By ldkred - December 26 - 9:06 pm

  Just purchased a Soul+. Cute, fun car. Seats are very comfortable and love the design of the car. Has more room than thought at first glance. Like the clearance from the ground. I love this car. It suits my needs, greats great gas mileage and super fun!