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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  Dont be fooled by the Badge - 2012 Kia Optima
  By thorlo - June 2 - 3:50 am

  I have owned Dozens of new cars, including,7/ VWs,3/BMWs,3/Audis,2/Acuras,1/Jag& a M-B. All were special in their own way, But as far as Packaging, performance, style, funtion, and safety rating (NHTSA/IIHS), My 2012 Kia Optima SX, is by far the best car Ive ever Owned. it feels as solid as any of them. And on my trip From Texas to Va. I got 33 true MPG, at speeds somewhat above those posted. so a word to the wise car shopper, Dont be fooled by the Badge.

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  Landcruiser to Kia? 1000 mile update. - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Gvolpe - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Went in to test drive the Sorrento, two hours later traded in my gas guzzling Landcruiser for my ex luxury package loaded silver Sorento. its been 1000 miles and so far no problems except the usual new car paranoia...parking lots, crazy drivers, etc. (dreading that first door ding) truck handles like a car, looks much nicer than the $41,000 lexus, has features that rival a Mercedes suv One note: tire pressure was 50 p.s.i. went I first bought the truck, very stiff ride. Lowered it to 30 and it rides very smooth now.

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  My Sorenta EX - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Dixie English - June 1 - 10:00 am

  After test driving a Lexus 330 I decided to test drive the Kia Sorenta 4WD. I got all the new features plus a tow package and gold trim, side step bars heated mirrors. It looks comparative to the Lexus and it cost half as much. We LOVE it! The ride is smooth and the look is sleek. Ride is very important to me because I have had back surgery and at first was not even considering an SUV. Couldnt ask for more with the great warranty.

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  Exterior matched the interior - 2012 Kia Optima
  By bradwoods - May 26 - 5:45 pm

  Classic body style matches the luxury interior. Completely blown away with what this car offers. I was hesitant going in because I didnt know what to expect from a brand of car that people considered less than desirable. Kia is on the move baby! Its an head turner. So far so good on gas. Plenty of power. A 4 cylinder w/dual exhaust...KOOL. This car has all the bells and whistles. It fits to your comfort. Youll understand after you check it out. Go see Greg Kelly at Kia East. Great guy, not pushy and he owns an Optima too. Believes in what he says and says what he believes.

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  Our Best Car Ever - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By J. G. Capron - May 25 - 9:13 am

  We are thrilled with the Kia. Plenty of power when needed, and exceptional handling. Very comfortable seating and plenty of cupholders and storage space. A wonderful car for us and our dogs.

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  This car is a lot of fun! - 2014 Kia Forte
  By Jorge Munoz - May 25 - 7:29 am

  Ive always owned Kias and Hyundais and have never had an issue and this car is no exception. our car is loaded with Bluetooth, satellite radio, rear back up camera and stereo controls on the steering wheel, making this car a fun and comfortable ride on roadtrips! we purchased this car for my wife in July of 2014 and now has 15k in it and have had NO PROBLEMS! i absolutely love it. Now i am in the market myself for a new car and after reading the reviews on the 2014 corolla, 2014 sentra SR, two of the cars i was considering buying, i realized the serious problems these two cars have with their trannys and or other critical components. So at this point i am happily going to stick to kia or hyundai. The only 2 issues ive had with my car so far are just minor interior issues. The car door seal seems like it shrunk with the heat (we live in arizona) and its coming out of place. the other problem is the passanger electric windows switch broke off... both of these issues are nothing compared to problems with the engine!

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  Finally found it! - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By LAJR - May 24 - 8:16 am

  I went from looking at Chevys, to Pontiacs, to Hyundais before I stumbled upon the Kia Amanti. I was sold after the test drive. The sales personnel at the dealership were outstanding (imagine that!). A must drive for anyone looking for a car.

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  Not going back to Hondas - 2002 Kia Optima
  By TB Buc - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Awesome, awesome, awesome! Cant be any happier. Everything is perfect.

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  For the money, its a steal - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By Carl from Montana - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Mine has 22000 miles in first six months. Several trips of 5,000 miles virtually non-stop DC to MT. Offroad driving in snow in Rockies(its rocky, not muddy). Mountains, switchbacks....The car is a steal. 24mpg. Holds 70+ mph on long grades. Could use more power but not much more. Light, so wind buffet an issue on windy days. Noise an issue-- almost as noisy as a Jeep Wrangler softtop. But a most competent performer and a steal for the price. (14,000+)

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  BEST VAN I EVER DROVE - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By HYUNG KIM - May 22 - 2:00 am

  THE SMOOTHEST CAR I EVER DROVE AND BETTER THEN JAPANESE VANS.