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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  Tough little SUV - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By Gus in NC - July 29 - 7:16 am

  We traded in a 05 Sedonna, and bought this Sportage new. It is a nice vehicle, comfortable, good driving manners. It has everything we could ask for in an SUV. V-6 engine has plenty of power. Havent had any problems with it at all. We have it serviced at the dealership, and have had nothing but outstanding workmanship out of the dealership. My wife drives it daily to work, and we have taken it on several trips, with virtually no problems. Gas mileage ranges from 19 to 21 in town and 23 to 25 on the road at speeds up to 70mph. I would not hesitate to buy another one.

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  Cant buy a better car!!! - 2010 Kia Forte
  By forteowner (: - July 29 - 4:16 am

  Ok i had a Ford Escort before and i loved the fact it was american. But when time came to get new I wanted something nice. I dont make a million bucks a year and i really dont need to with this. Had this basically since it hit the car lots. I do a good bit of driving and no matter how i drive whether its pedal to the metal or soft and slow the worst mileage i had was 28. I love the radio its a blast and everyone who rides in always loves it. Everyone who saw this car loves it. Its already gotten pretty cold here already and ive had no probs with it starting. This car takes corners and just all in all drives like a champ. I have no complaints about this car!! BUY IT!!!

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  Soul Power - 2010 Kia Soul
  By A Little bit of SOUL - July 28 - 12:50 pm

  Have SOUL Exclaim with 2400 miles, great gas mileage 26+, good view of the road and ride quality is excellent. Best cross over of the lot out there.

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  So far, so good - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Press - July 25 - 4:56 pm

  Solid drive; much more comfortable and responsive than I expected. Comfortable seats. Accessories easy to reach for the most part. Put a 6-foot kid in the backseat and his knees didnt even touch the front seat. Much roomier than it looks. Cargo area not real big, but with seats folded down, more than adequate. Fun to drive. Turns on a dime. A bit sluggish on acceleration, I thought -- exceeded 5,000 rpms on a quick acceleration, which is too close to redlining for my comfort. Doors sound solid when closing them; not tinny like a cheap car. Loaded with nice, consumer-friendly features. A really good value, I think.

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  I LOVE MY Kia Spectra GSX - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By Donna Gorham - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Since Ive had this wonderful gift from my hubby to drive, Ive had *freedom* again. I can get out to do my shopping, errands, and other necessary tasks which involved driving around the city. I do not have to worry about it breaking down 2-3 times a week. The fuel use is so negligible, Im using less than 1 full tank per month. And the back seats let down so I can haul as much as I need to. It my little beauty and I am quite please with her.

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  alot of suv - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By perkys tires - July 24 - 2:00 am

  great suv for the price . i question the review on the power i myself think its very good . have you ever drove a montaro what a dog . the kia is fast and responds to wheel inputs.

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  Fun and Sporty little car! - 2010 Kia Rio
  By mikeyt - July 23 - 3:36 pm

  I love this car. It is so sporty with all the cool features (see below). It is not as commonly seen as its rivals (Corolla, Civic, Fit, and Yaris) so it stands out a lot more!

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  Exceeded Expectations - 2016 Kia Sedona
  By Dave W - July 22 - 8:28 pm

  At 26K now and continue to be very pleased. Very good performance for a mini van. Enjoy the comfort, room, and features. One warranty repair to the brakes at 11K, otherwise just routine maintenance.

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  Great Car - 2002 Kia Optima
  By Buckeyes1990 - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Before buying the Kia we looked at numerous vehicles including the Honda Accord. After test driving the Kia, we were sold! It drives great and the standard features are excellent! Did I mention the 100,000 mile warranty!? We are very pleased with the whole package that Kia offered.

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  Love it! - 2010 Kia Optima
  By AB - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased it and although Ive only had it a few days I love it so far and I really like the warranty they offer with KIA. Would buy another I really like it and the price was great! Rides good too!