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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  my new van - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By William Anderson - March 5 - 1:33 am

  i like the style and handling of this vehicle. Ive been driving 36 years and have driven almost every type of vehicle on the road. To me this is one of the best. the handling is not like a sports car but to me it is better than a blazer i had. the ride is extremely comfortable. the outside noise level in very minimal. the sound system and air conditioning is very good. the seats are the most comfortable ive set in in years. even the ride in the back seating is very comfortable. the removal of the back seating is great, not as heavy as a gmc van i had. all in all a great van.

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  Very pleased - 2012 Kia Sorento
  By par18 - March 4 - 6:36 pm

  Just purchased my Sorento two weeks ago and although new, Im very pleased with my purchase. The most common complaints that Ive read are ride firmness and mileage. While I agree that the ride is a bit firmer than I like, the trade-off is better handling...less sway, roll and pitch. I got the six cylinder because I wanted more power (I live in Colorado and glad I did). While people complain about the poor mileage, Ive owned a number of six cylinder vehicles in the past and the Sorento mileage is about the same - 300+ miles per tank of city driving. Beyond that, this KIA drives, looks and handles like CUVs for thousands more! Im VERY happy with the looks and feel - a great value!!!

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  Great car for the price - 2008 Kia Optima
  By spysgrandson - March 3 - 6:53 pm

  I have owned 9 Hyundais (still have 3) but this is my first Kia. I purchased it in August 2009 (it was a year old) with 18900 miles for $9988 (I know the folks at the dealership). Given the warranty, the great fuel economy, and the comfort and features, I have to say I am very pleased. I have owned a Toyota and a Honda before. Those brands may be slightly better quality, but considering the $$ difference, I think there is no question which is the better buy.

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  Happy with Mine - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By devilchick - March 3 - 2:16 am

  Im VERY happy with my Sorento. It has all the features I was looking for including my creature comforts and I am a picky person. It has great pick up, cruises nicely & handles well. "On the fly 4WD" is easy to use. Back seat is roomy & comfortable. I have had no problems with it at all in 17 months of ownership. Wish the gas mileage was a bit better. Im getting about 19 highway which is where they rated it. I have long legs; when I position the seat back I feel too far from the steering wheel. Would like more adjustment there. Due to the many passenger air bags they didnt leave room to get your hand behind the sunvisor easily to bring it down. Surprised I dont see more of these on the road!

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  I love this car - 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid
  By Habib - March 1 - 4:49 pm

  This car is amazing and have no complaints. You get a lot of bang for your buck.

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  Smooth and really solid - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By AE1030 - March 1 - 10:00 am

  This car reminds me of the mid 70s Buick. The ride is great, power is more than enough for the average driver and the car is built really solid. Doors are very heavy and have extra large openings, so its easy for even large or older people to get into easily. Headroom and legroom is fantastic. The features are good and controls are easy to get to and understand.

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  Perfect little car! - 2012 Kia Forte
  By mai_sai - February 28 - 7:09 pm

  Dont let the price tag fool you, this car is well built. It doesnt give that cheap feel youd expect from a lower budget vehicle. The interior is very comfortable for my petite frame, I dont have trouble seeing the road or maneuvering. My larger passengers seem quite comfortable as well. Has a peppy engine and tight suspension, shifts smoothly, very quiet, brakes effortlessly.. This car does well on winding roads. The feel of the car when driving it is very similar to the 11 Ford Focus. My Forte has high mileage (70,000 miles) & hasnt had a single problem, runs great, & is very dependable which is great since the Focus started having problems at 21,000 miles.

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  My wife and I are in love... with our Kia Sorento SX! - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By vara411 - February 28 - 3:29 am

  My wife and I are extremely happy with our white pearl 2011 Kia Sorento SX. The V6 engine is best in class and doesnt chug gas so long as you drive conservatively mixed city/hwy. We had looked at the Mazda CX-9 but it was too large, expensive, and thirsty on the gas. The Sorento on the other hand is the perfect size for many families and a great value, even in its top-of-the-line SX trim. The dual flow damper shocks on the SX give the car a sporty ride thats only occasionally jittery on rough roads. This car is seriously one of the best buys we have made in a long while. I would highly, highly recommend it.

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  Great Car - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By Happy Kia Owner 2 - February 24 - 10:00 am

  So far this has been a great car! The redesigned Kia Spectra is built solid, and the new motor is much better then the old 1.8. Its quiet, and gets great gas mileage. The inside is quite roomy front and back. Adults actually can be comfortable in the back!

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  I love my Sedona! - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By TutiFlutey - February 24 - 10:00 am

  This is my first minivan. I researched every minivan on Edmunds and found the Sedona to be the least expensive van with the most options. Id never driven a minivan before and found it very easy to drive. It is extremely comfortable--I LOVE the lumbar support for my poor back! My husband is excited because now I will actually drive on trips. I wish it got better gas mileage, but am glad its so heavy.