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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  Sedona Arizona and Sedona the Mini-Van- LOVE BOTH! - 2016 Kia Sedona
  By Mike Elrod - February 4 - 6:22 pm

  I think this automobile is well thought out and well-built, so far a joy to own and operate! I like the interior style and trim. Maybe I will get asked for an update on my review in 10K miles and I will have a different opinion. For now, it has enough good stuff to make me feel like I was smart to buy a Kia, and this was a good pick. It seems solid plus I also like that JD Powers has been tracking quality metrics and it has trended up and up and is right up there with the the top the 4 BEST in class. That means Kaizen and Six Sigma. That means serious business. Update 3-17: Not even 3k miles yet, still love it. Update 9/17- Just over 5.5k now, I like the GDI motor. Have been camping a couple of times, that is one of the reasons we wanted a mini-van. It holds a lot of stuff!

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  Sportage EX Update - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By daviel - February 4 - 4:08 pm

  I sent in a review at one weeks ownership; I have 10,000 miles. I really cannot think of a single complaint-the Sportage is doing fine. I like the handling and the engine. I did not buy this car to be a rocket, but it is fine in traffic; gets off the line quick. Mileage is still good - I do not drive it for max mileage and its still good. a very comfortable car. I am delighted I bought it - my favorite car!

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  Good little car for the money - 2000 Kia Sephia
  By warrtaylor - February 4 - 7:00 am

  I drove this car as a commuter car 100 miles a day round trip. Rear defrost, radio, and the blower motor have gone out. The rear brakes squeal like mad, even when new and the E-brake sticks. Timing belt went out at 100,000. Front wheel bearings are pretty loose. The only thing is, I only paid $3000 for it. Other reviewers seem to of been expecting a Honda or even a Toyota. This car is neither. Its a Kia and it is cheaply made (big surprise!), but if you are willing to put up with some minor annoyances, this car will get you from point A to Point B at least til 100,000 miles. Ive probably only spent about $1000 in unusual maintainance. I consider it a great investment.

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  WORTH THE PRICE OF FUEL - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By J - February 4 - 3:10 am

  This is my second Sorento and I love it more than the first! The accident that wrecked the first one would have killed a vast majority of drivers in other SUVs. I walked away without a scratch and was back on the road in a new one the next day. I am extremely pleased with all aspects of the vehicle. Though a pair of 17 or 18" aluminum rims should be available. My new Sorento is often mistaken for a Lexus because of its awesome styling. The interior is top notch. For the money this is easily the best value available. You can load this thing with all the options, put aftermarket accessories and customize it for less than many other inferior SUVs. A perfect fit for even the most critical buyer.

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  A bad choice - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By J - February 3 - 2:53 am

  I bought this SUV new 3 years ago, and liked it. However recently it started stalling when I tried to stop at traffic lights. A Kia dealership could not figure out what the problem was. The situation happens from time to time but nobody can fix it! Its a dangerous car.

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  Love my Rio - 2008 Kia Rio
  By Mike K - February 2 - 4:43 pm

  So when my 2000 Hyundai Elantra finally had enough and overheated (after 160k miles by the way), I planned on replacing her with a new Accent but luckily shopped Kia before buying it. Same engine, parent company and warranty, but I preferred the more mature styling of my Rio over the somewhat prepubescent look of the Accent. Anyhow, I bought the extended bumper-to-bumper warranty for 10 years and couldnt be happier. My first tank got me 33 mpg and itll keep improving up to around 5000 miles. Ok, so its not the fastest ride out there, but it always gets there smoothly and surely. I also like that not everyones driving it, and that it looks like a mini-lexus if you squint hard enough!

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  What a Great Engine - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By Kia is the Best - February 1 - 10:00 am

  This car has everything a person wants. especially the EX trim. Before considering a Honda, Toyota, or just any car, check out your Kia dealer because youll get the best rebates and best service. This car has SIX AIRBAGS!!! can you believe it? Better than just any car in this planet. I love my new Kia. Kia is the Best!!!

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  pleased amanti owner - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By 80129 - February 1 - 10:00 am

  purchased the amanti, liked its odd formal look and quality of build. dealer treated me very well, owned a Q45 in the past and this dealer has been just as professional. love the ride, quality of the interior and sound

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  So far so good - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By BBiggs - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I have only had this van since May. So far its good. I am very unhappy with the gas mileage. I love the rest!!! It is our first minivan so I might not be helpful. I love it though. I love driving it. It is so easy to get a 3 yr. old and newborn in. I now have plenty of room for a double stroller after having a Kia Spectra previously.

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  good value - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Joe - January 31 - 11:46 pm

  After 2 years of ownership the car has been is the shop 6 times for little nagging problems from pulsing brakes to check engine lights. Never was a serious problem found but enough is enough.Add to it the new policy that The customer has to lay out $90.00 before they look at the car under its 5 year 60k mile program to make sure it qualifies for warranty work. I would think twice about this car...