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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  Great Van - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By VFR - February 13 - 2:00 am

  I love this Van. We dont have enough stuff to put in all the interior storage compartments. It has all the features and more of the MUCH more expensive Vans. We have had it for over a year now and Havent had any complaints yet. Plus I went Head to head with a realative who owns the Honda Van in a "well I have this" comparison. The only thing he could do better was flip his rear seat over. He got rid of it later that year due to costs.

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  Good no frills putter - 2003 Kia Rio
  By spaded92 - February 12 - 1:12 pm

  Great car if you need a get around vehicle..bought my 03 back in 07. Had around 48k miles back then..Now sitting at around 125. Worst thing thats happened is a A/C line sprung a leak..no biggy..On my second timing belt..did the water pump, tensioner and pulley on the second one..lasted 120k no problems just didnt wanna chance it this next 60k. It dents easily and the paint quality is mediocre,clearcoat sucks..the door locks have an attitude sometimes but that didnt start until the 10 yr/100k warranty was up..its an old car thats taken a fair beating..Engine still runs smooth like new. Doesnt leak a drop. I have faith this car will last another 100k if I keep it up as I have.

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  Excellent car - 2008 Kia Optima
  By Doug - February 8 - 3:30 pm

  After having this car for 6 months, I still am glad I bought it. I truly think with the warranty, quality, comfort etc - for a 4 door midsize sedan it is definitely a smart buy!

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  Worth It! - 2003 Kia Optima
  By Babs - February 8 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car! I have put over 5000 miles in less than 3 months and not one problem. I switched from a Maxima with all the options and this is just a good if not better with the warranty! I got the sunroof and leather and infinity stereo. You have to get that, better than the Bose in the Maxima. Pearl color is just like the lexus pearl! Nobody ever guesses this is a KIA! You cant beat the warranty! I bought the 4 cyl., worth it with gas today!

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  Great vehicle, Poor Gas Mileage - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Elijah Martin - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Great styling! Beautiful. I love it! I just wish it got better gas mileage. Many standard features that I wanted... great! Handles like a dream!

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  I love my Sorento!! - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Joan & Loren - February 7 - 2:00 am

  After renting a Sorento while on vacation, my husband and I feel in love with it! I have always had Explorers and my husband has a Tahoe. We felt that the ride and handling of the Kia surpassed that of both of our other vehicles, especially my Explorer. Driving through the mountains with another couple, the four of us could not believe how snappy the engine was and how well the vehicle handled the curves. Our friends in the back seat were so comfortable after riding there all day and one has back problems! Also, we noticed that the four of us could easily converse due to the quiet ride. We love SUVs and this is by far the best yet!

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  In Love! - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Young Mother - February 4 - 11:43 pm

  This vehicle is awesome! I have one with the back up camera and heated seats. Love the bluetooth. This CUV drives like a car, is quiet and comfortable. I am only 52" and I am not intimidated by it at all. The dealership was awesome and game me more for my trade in than it is worth! My kids enjoy the reclining backseats and sound system. I just got it Sat. so I cant really review reliability.

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  Just Plain Excellent - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By JOHN MCCARTHY - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Kia , has really out done its self! Under Promise and for Sure it Over Delivered one awesome Vehicle! Road Trips are Comfy and those daily dreaded commutes are a breeze thanks to the Comfort , Style , and design of Kia Sedona. I would highly recommend this Vehicle to everyone!

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  Great Luxury Car! - 2016 Kia K900
  By Liana Drube - January 29 - 8:46 pm

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  best overall - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By twoot - January 27 - 10:00 am

  this car is awesome for frst time drivers. it is definitely a safe vehicle. I love it.