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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  As named, a Sporty SUV - 2017 Kia Sportage
  By Rus Johnson - February 11 - 10:31 am

  I already have a Sorento so as a commuter vehicle for myself, I wasnt looking for lots of family room. Also, Im not young anymore, but not quite dead yet, so the radical sporty lines on the 17 Sportage were very appealing to me. I just got the EX model, and although I would not challenge any high end power cars out threre, it does zip nicely through traffic and allows for some competitive driving. The suspension is very stiff, lending to excellent road handling. I drive in Europe several times a year and often rent the BMW X3. Ive got to say, the Sportage handles every bit as well. The interior is great looking and ergonomic. I cant speak for reliability as I have not had the vehicle long enough, but you cant beat the long term warranty. For those in my neck of the woods, I have to stick a plug in for Mike at KIA Smithtown NY. He made the purchasing process a pleasure.

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  Very New, but First Impressions Are +++! - 2016 Kia Sorento
  By Robert M - February 11 - 6:18 am

  This is a "first impression" review, so take it for what it is worth. We acquired our 2016 Sorento V6 AWD SXL a few weeks ago in order to accommodate towing a boat that we want to purchase soon. The other driver for buying an SUV is a very active daughter with many types of gear associated with her many activities. My first impression based upon extensive research, is that the Kia DOES live up to its promise of being trouble free/high quality. This vehicle has nearly every option, including lane-departure warning, cruise control with anti-collision technology, multiple setting for steering, AWD, touch-less rear hatch opening, etc. etc. All of which have revealed themselves as easy-to-use, intuitive, and helpful. This is a much larger car than my wife and I are accustomed to as we have both been driving Ford C-Max Energis for the past two years (also excellent vehicles and nearly gas-free). Despite the increased size (over what we are accustomed to), the Kia Sorento is easily managed in town, and even more precise (perhaps the AWD at work?). Im quite impressed with how it tracks so well around corners and does so with little or no body-roll. I find particularly useful in the narrow confines of my work-places garage, and the recent wet, leaf-strewn condition in our city. Tremendous confidence. Inside, we went all-out. We like comfort, but we do not like the Lexus/BMW "costs" to enjoy them. This vehicle has it all--heated/ventilated front seats--heated rear seats, panoramic sun-roof, Navigation, satellite radio, integrated voice commands, streaming, endlessly-adjustable drivers & front seats, heated steering wheel (unnecessary, but now that I "know" this luxury--how could i have ever lived without it??;)), large and easy-to-use navigation screen which incorporates many other features, reclining rear seats that scoot back and forth as necessary, good storage and convenient cubbies for electronics, excellent interior lighting, and two additional third-row seats when necessary. I like to describe the Sorrento as an extremely comfortable and functional 5-seat SUV with a 2-seat bonus in the third row. We dont think we will use the 3rd row much, but when not in use, the cargo area is more than adequate for the kids gear, and the requisite swim-team equipment that we religiously tote around all summer for swim-meets. The 3rd row is more comfortable and roomier than the Chrysler Pacificas, and the Mazda 5s--both cars weve owned in the past. Acceleration is perfectly adequate. We dont buy into the idea that we need a fast car, nor that we need to beat other drivers on the road, and have adopted a culture of conservation throughout our lifestyle. So, a V6 and MPG below 45 is a compromise for us (My wife has averaged 138 MPG in her Cmax during the past two years since around-town we use only electric mode; ive averaged 79 with more out-of-town trips in mine). The Sorento comes with an EPA MPG of 17 in-town with AWD. Our first tank rendered 23.5 mpg. Thats better than our old Mazda 5. We hope our first impressions hold. The buying experience was very pressure free, and we got some good incentives. the final prices was more than 10% below MSRP, and the Kia processing was dignified--no high pressure efforts to sell us crud we do not need, and we didnt walk away from the dealership feeling like wed been had. I think with Kias high quality scores, these cars pretty much sell themselves.

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  Never Again - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Skip Geisaka - February 10 - 10:23 pm

  1st two months of ownership van was in dealers shop 4 times. Right window would stick midway up. One lube, two motors, one passenger side switch replaced. Next bubbling in paint under side windows and rust under rear logo. At 2 years 3 months and 28000 miles the alternator failed and battery died. Two weeks later going on a trip van overheated and left us stranded on side of road. Towed to dealer and they claimed upper radiator hose clamp came loose and hose came off? Poor quality control and workmanship. Never again.

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  OUTSTANDING car!!!! - 2012 Kia Soul
  By soulgal12 - February 10 - 3:06 pm

  I have owned a lot of different vehicles in my lifetime -- from sport cars to Full-size 4x4 trucks to economy-minded transportation. I can honestly say that by far this little 2012 Kia Soul + is my FAVORITE vehicle I have owned!! I purchased my Soul + new in October, 2012 and have put over 20,000 miles on it. I can not say there is one thing that I do NOT love about this car! The handling is outstanding for how high the profile of the vehicle is. The wide stance of the car allows it to handle amazing! The storage capabilities are outstanding as well! With the rear seats folded down you can haul an amazing amount of stuff!! Plus its roomy enough that you can fit 5 adults in it!

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  I love my Kia Spectra 5 SX - 2007 Kia Spectra
  By Swiffy - February 10 - 4:20 am

  I bought my car new in 2007, and I did not regret it. I have now 120000 miles on it and all I basically had to put in was money for new tires and brakes. I have done oil changes regularly and lately replaced all the belts, just in case, but it runs just fine and it has done so from day one. No recalls, no faulty airbags, no nothing. Good customer service from a dealer ship and easy handling - I am very satisfied with my car. It drives when it is dry, when it rains, through ice and snow, good traction, nothing to worry. I have to laugh when I see commercials for all the most bought and most reliable cars, still on the road after 10 years etc and I think of all the recalls all of the big automakers constantly have. No matter how old you car or truck is, there is a recall. I had none and that pretty much satisfies me. And no exploding faulty airbags to worry about, even better.

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  This is the greatest economy car! - 2004 Kia Rio
  By wiyan - February 8 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I purchased the Rio so he could commute to work. Well this has been the greatest little car we have ever bought! It has good pick up and go! And ever since the price of gas has gone up this car has been a dream. We dont even worry about ths gas anymore because it cut the amount we spend on gas in half. Im thinking of switching my SUV to buy another KIA product. They are such great cars, I never thought I would be saying that. I used to just love Nissans and Toyotas now, I find myself leaning more towards KIAs.

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  Smart Shopper - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Smart Shopper - February 8 - 10:00 am

  We have owned our Sedona for 1.5 years and came very close to the Honda Odyssey but in the end went with what would suit our budget best. The van has been reliable and easily fits adults and carseats without crowding. We have had to use the warranty a few times and had to shop for a dealership/service dept who would accomodate the repairs without hassle. If you have time for the occassional repair of a power seat or heater fan then it is well worth the extra effort for the extra savings.

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  Very Pleased - 2004 Kia Optima
  By billnel - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Looked at the Optima as a last resort as a more resonable alternative to the higher priced imports and have been more than pleased with my decision. Excellent price, outstanding warranty, and best dealership support Ive seen. You a get a lot of car for the price. I would recommend this car to anyone looking at the higher priced foreign imports and domestics.

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  mom and three girls on the go - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By megan walsh - February 8 - 10:00 am

  i feel safe more secure on the parkway, more in conthol. great side mirrors. easy to clean. car seats fit great. and its fun to drive.at the dealer the were great to help us get wahat we thought was best for us.

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  Momto2Minivan - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Jgjika - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I cant even believe that I love this minivan. I thought that I would never drive one but who knew that they had leather bucket seats, a moon roof and a great stereo too!