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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  awsome to drive - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By boby scott - October 1 - 2:00 am

  i use my sedona for work related purposes.i have to say it gets the job done.

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  Worth every penny - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By mel27atl - October 1 - 2:00 am

  After wrecking a Kia Sephia, I was a little skeptical about purchasing another Kia. This vans safety rating won me over. Not to mention the rebate and the owner loyalty incentives. Too many cupholders to count, I knew about 4 glovebox/storage bins, and yesterday after having the van for a week found 3 more! Am I done yet? The ride is quiet, and the pickup is outstanding. Gas is a little much, but that matters not. Great cd/radio, and love the cruise control.

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  Japanese quality at Korean price - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By jmace57 - October 1 - 2:00 am

  After doing a LOT of research, we decided to purchase an EX model. The dealer had one that we liked, but had 3 fairly expensive options that we did not really want (running boards, trailer package, load leveling). The dealer threw them in at the price we had negotiated for one without these features. I have been very happy with the quality and comfort of the vehicle - much better than the 2002 Ford Explorer XLT we traded in.

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  New SOUL Mate - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Charlie - October 1 - 1:20 am

  In my estimation the Kia Soul is a smart well designed all around versitile fun to drive car. Its Molten Red and its an eye catcher. I really love the machine. Absolutely no complaints,its built well inside and out. Once you drive it you are hooked. My dealer was awesome in helping me with every aspect of buying the Soul. The sound system will blow your socks off. Im getting great mileage 31.5 mpg so far cost to fill at $22.00 Its more value than one would think. Check this puppy out you wont be sorry

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  Problem with electronic steering - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By garydevans - September 30 - 3:21 am

  My vehicle has two distinct issues with the electronic steering. 1) When driving in a straight line the car wanders to the left and right. There does not seem to be a preference. Sometimes it goes left and sometimes it goes right. 2) There is some stiction in the steering wheel control. As you try to correct slightly for the wandering the steering does not react to the first slight control pressure but as the pressure is increased it does release usually resulting in an over correction. As a result of these two problems the car will weave down a straight road with the need for constant corrections on the steering wheel.

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  Shadow Soul Plus - 2010 Kia Soul
  By mike - September 30 - 3:00 am

  I bought this car for a daily round trip commute of 36 miles. Its a good car with adequate gas mileage (28 mpg city/hgwy). Its fun to drive & provides good vision down the road. Does have a right side blind spot that requires one to be aware. It is a good value.

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  Caveat emptor - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By Edzo - September 30 - 2:16 am

  In <13K miles and 6 months ownership the engine has been replaced twice on mine. Service has been barely adequate and honoring the warranty provisions was met with reluctance. Its comfortable, quiet and reasonably efficient. It handles well on all road surfaces and has a number of great safety features. All controls are easily accessible without distracting the operator. Sound system is decent for being stock, too. Frankly, I love my Sportage. If not for the poorly re-engineered engine and weak service Id recommend it whole- heartedly.

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  Enjoy driving the van better then SUV - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By Kayla - September 29 - 2:33 pm

  After hours of reading reviews, price checking with dealers online, this was the only one I test drove and loved prior to doing so. It is extremely comfortable for both of my girls, and we all love to drive it. Very easy to drive and maneuver.

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  Love my Lil blue fox! - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By Mr. Fox - September 28 - 3:10 pm

  Its been the best car Ive had in a long time. Never had even so much as a check engine light the whole time Ive owned since it had 6 miles on it. On s straight freeway trip once I actually obtained 44mpg with cruise set. I was absolutely amazed! Even around town my fuel mileage in my Lil Fox is stupendous! She only eats a Lil bit and goes a long way on that. I cant speak highly enough of this vehicle! ( Maybe I just got a hold of a good one?) Regular service as needed, thats all. Never, ever left me stranded. Showing just a Lil bit of normal wear and tear, but still looking good. And most importantly, mechanically the best! Im retired, this might very well be the last vehicle I may own. Im sure it will be around for a long time with lots of love.

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  We Love Our KIA! - 2012 Kia Sorento
  By bjohnsonstl - September 27 - 10:46 am

  We have had our Kia Sorento from Suntrup Kia in St. Louis for about 3 months now. We have been on 2 long trips (one 1600 miles round trip) and the car has performed very well. We love our Kia and will certainly be buying another Sorento in about 5 years.