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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  Sportage love - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By DMillinois - September 9 - 10:00 am

  I was drawn to the 2011 Sportage because of its looks. The cars steering is touchy, but was easy to get comfortable with. The Sportage replaced my 99 Jeep Cherokee and feels roomier than the jeep, though Im pretty sure its smaller. The Sportage looks good, drives smooth and had more basic features than other cars I had checked out. I went for the EX model because I am vain and really wanted the big shiny rims, and also fog lights. The model with the navigation screen and panoramic roof looks amazing, but is too much to pay for a Kia. I went the last day of the month and was able to get the car at dealer cost. Id suggest everyone do the same for whatever car you are looking to buy.

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  Very good decision. - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Michael - September 9 - 10:00 am

  We bought our Kia after looking at Hondas, Toyotas, Mazdas, and Subarus. We thought the Kia was quieter, built better and had a way better warranty than the others. So far no problems at all. Have had it about 7 months now. And if anything does develop, Im not worried at all. It is under warranty! I could make any brand sound bad if I pick it apart. I think Kia has come a long way and I am glad we gave it a chance. The ride is fine considering it IS a crossover after all. If I wanted a luxury ride, I would have spent 50 grand on something else. But for what it is, it is a great vehicle. I would recommend one to anyone. You cant knock it until you try it.

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  5,500 miles so far - 2012 Kia Sorento
  By ucinn35 - September 9 - 2:14 am

  and we couldnt be happier with this vehicle. the interior is spacious. We usually have the 3rd row folded which gives you tons of room for storage. The amenities interior are awesome. Love the steering wheel controls and you can operate most things(phone, radio, gps) with just talking to it so you can keep your eyes on the road. The handling is precise with a good feel of the road. The ride is average, if you are looking for a luxury car ride, look elsewhere but if you are used to a Cherokee, this thing is a smooth ride. The 6 cyl. is powerful and the 6 speed trans. is very smooth. Downshifts are barely noticeable even climbing large hills. The controls are straight forward and easy to use.

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  Am I Lucky? - 2007 Kia Optima
  By - September 8 - 6:13 am

  I purchase my car on December 2007, 14 miles on it; has 40100 miles on it an there are a few cervices performed on it. Normal recommended maintenance performed at Kia service center like Oil changes and check fluid levels, rotate tires, check the brakes, etc. They told me at the service center about having to replace the brake pads wen it had only about 26K miles ( No warranty ), then The Battery died about 26500 ( No warranty ), the sun shades broke, they wonÂ’t stay up so they have to be replaced (Covered by the car warranty ), At 31K miles I noticed that my car direction pulls to my Right just barely so I Let them know about the problem But it was not covered by the warranty, the claimed

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  A dream to drive - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By dallaspaul - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Pricepoint was the main reason for interest initially. A combination of comfort, style, and quality overall sold me. I am well-pleased with my purchase.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By cARluvr22 - September 5 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. it has the worlds best ameneties. I has the worlds best warrenty. It is one of the best cars on the road today.

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  Kia Sorento - Would Recommend - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By supsto99 - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Handles well, compared to numerous other models the carge space is great and the site lines when driving are excellent.

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  Fantastic Sedan - 2013 Kia Optima
  By golleye - September 3 - 4:22 pm

  I test drove this car, a scion TC, and a Honda accord and the Optima was, in my opinion, the best of the three. With the features offered and the low price tag this car blew me away. Ive had the car for 7 months now and have put 11,000 miles on it and I still love it. I have seen the other people saying that they do not get good gas mileage but on the country roads I get about 30mpg and in the city I still get a good 27mpg on the highway I usually average 35mpg. I have had no problems with the car and I definitely recommend it to someone looking for an amazing and gorgeous looking sedan with a low price tag.

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  WOW I am impressed - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By k3lm3y - September 3 - 12:00 pm

  I just had my Mercedes totaled. Due to the economy I could not afford another one. Sadden to take a downgrade, I decided to look for an economy car. When I went to the Kia dealership; after looking at two cars, my eyes focused on this Amanti. When I got inside, I was sold! I thought I was looking at an upgrade Mercedes and a Jag combined. She is a beauty and a sight for sore eyes! I am impress! Her drive, style, and grace have made me feel like I did not step down at all rather than went up! She is gorgeous and adds class to my personality and my persona.

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  Luv my car - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By kath - September 3 - 7:06 am

  I luv this car! I have gone from a suburban to this highly fuel efficient compact car. I drive approx. 60+ miles per day. It is very smooth and fun to drive. I thought the big car small car transition would be hard. Not a problem at all. But, when I go from this car to my husbands suburban I feel like Im driving a bus. Have had about 1 month and getting 31 MPG in town. My mom bought one at the same time and she cant keep my dad out of it. Its hard to explain. You just have to test drive. It has a lot of get up and go. Very easy to maneuver. Cant say enough good things. Have the SX standard. Mom has the SX automatic, sister the EX, nephew the SX and I will be going back for one for my son.