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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  What A Surprise - 2004 Kia Optima
  By riverider - November 13 - 10:00 am

  I had drove several other cars before deciding on my Kia. It was loaded and under $20000 with the best warranty. I like it a lot, use to drive Nissans before they got to high. I like the V6 a lot, leather was nice to. So for that kind of stuff it would cost several $1000 more to buy a less loaded car.It is easy to park and see out of it.

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  New Kia Fan - 2004 Kia Optima
  By kia4life - November 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car two weeks ago, I never thought I would own a Kia, but now I may never own anything else. This car is great, it has looks and performance. It has been mistaked from anything from a Mercedes to a Lincoln. I am proud to tell people it is a Kia instead. You cant beat this car, I dont even miss my Pontiac Grand Am GT.

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  Great Car For The Price - 2007 Kia Rio
  By Brandonaf46 - November 11 - 7:00 pm

  I had an old beater before I bought my Kia Rio thinking I was saving money by not buying a new car. When I found out I could get a brand new car for about the same I was paying in repairs to my old car I was sold. The car has enough pick up to get going and a small enough engine to get great gas mileage. Not to mention the warranty is amazing. I recommend this vehicle for anyone who was a good, reliable car that doesnt cost them an arm and a leg.

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  Great value, size...Eye Catching - 2010 Kia Soul
  By bx - November 10 - 9:46 pm

  After reading many of the 92 other reviews...my conclusion is that the Soul is very well equipped, great looking, with a great audio system. The quality and quantity of features in the Soul are amazing for a vehicle that tops out at $18000. The "18s" are beautiful with excellent spec tires. The fuel economy is as advertised, 25 mixed driving, and 31- 32+ on the highway. This vehicle has bluetooth, satellite radio, wonderful audio system, most power options, and very stylish looks inside and out. The fit and finish are excellent. At highway speeds the internal noise level is comfortable. This is a very "cool" ride.

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  2010 Kia Forte SX (5A) - 2010 Kia Forte
  By Chris - November 10 - 8:50 pm

  In August I purchased a 2010 Kia Forte SX with black cloth interior, and love it. I looked at the Civic, Mazda3 and Corolla; the Forte SX was ~$1500 less money, had a few more standard options (e.g., bluetooth)and to me, looks better than the other three. Plus, the warranty is very good (5/60 & 10/100). The exterior color is black, and I had the windows tinted, so it really adds to the overall looks. With the sport suspension, it takes the small road bumps kinda hard, plus there does seem to be a rattle in the suspension area when going over the bumps (Ill drive a little longer, if still an issue, Ill get this checked out). Overall, great ride, great looking compact car, great value.

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  New Sorento Owner - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Ag - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Just picked up our Kia Sorento and love it so far. Great vehicle for the money. Many standard features only available as options from other manufactures. Only complaint so far is vibration or rumble while at highway speeds (50mpg or greater). Seems like tires but unsure.

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  Best car Ive ever had! - 2008 Kia Optima
  By MARK A PETERSON - November 6 - 2:21 am

  I bought this car new in 2008 and now have 93,000 miles on it. The only maintenance items I have had done were rear brakes at 75,000 miles, front brakes at 90,000 miles and new tires. Oh, forgot about the new battery at 46,000 miles (thought that was too soon). I have had the oil changed at 3800 miles on average and changed transmission fluid once. It wont stop being dependable. Love it!

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  Outstanding! - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Irish Kat - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Prior to shopping for a vehicle, I did quite a bit of internet research, and had narrowed my search down to 3 SUVs; the first one I rejected because front seat area just wasnt user-friendly. I checked out the Sorento....WOW! Everything about it is perfect, from the first time I opened the door to parking it in my driveway. Now when Im driving down the freeway, I not only "look good".....I look SMART!!!

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  Excellent Economy Package - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Stanley D. - November 3 - 1:03 am

  With about 3,400 miles since August, our Kia Soul Plus has been reliable and economical. Gas mileage is about 26 mpg in suburban driving. The Soul is nimble and has a small turning radius. Interior space is excellent with room for five adults. Controls are easy to find and use. The Soul is well equipped for a modest price.

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  3rd updatre - 2011 Kia Optima
  By donnie71281 - November 2 - 9:27 pm

  Ive not got 4,000 miles on my EX-Turbo. I still love this care as much as the day i bought it. Not a single issue with the car. The turbo engine is fantastic. Fit and finish is great and this car is the favorite of all the cars ive ever owned. The only thing i would change is having just 1. (which may change)