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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  Satisfied Consumer - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By T Fuller - September 10 - 9:53 pm

  A big fan of the 5 speed transmission and rear wheel drive. The Sorento handles well in all conditions - particularly off road in difficult situations. Have been able to get out of wet muddy conditions with ease. Hugs the ground well, even on steep incline. Had some electrical problems - cruise control was inoperable - new fuse required only. I am rough on vehicle with many kms but maintain it well. Find pick up off the mark slow at times. Have had the Sorento 2 years with 72,000 kms and just purchased my second with delivery later this week. New one has sideboards for easier child access.

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  neat mid size suv - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By gary - September 10 - 7:13 pm

  Have been very happy with my Sorento. The only short coming is the 18-20 mpg I get drive -- mix city and highway driving.

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  so far so good - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By harley boy - September 8 - 4:26 pm

  just purchased the sorento a couple of months ago, and im very happy with the overall performance. there are some complaints about fuel economy from others, but i feel that the numbers are right in line with what we choose to drive.

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  Good solid van - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By cribsguy - September 8 - 11:26 am

  We bought our 2006 in Feb. of 2007. We now have 17K miles on it. No major issues. We had the tires rotated at the 12K service interval and the sensors went off because the tires were under inflated. I just put some air in them and the sensors cleared. Interior is rather spartan. Gas mileage is okay from a 3.8L engine that turns out almost 250 HP. Great get-up-and-go. Wife loves the way the third row seats fold down. Lots of usable space inside. Just make sure to change the oil every 3K miles. It is a 40-weight oil so it is a little more expensive if you dont go to the dealer.

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  Not for mountain/foothill dwellers - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By sharonkay - September 7 - 10:53 pm

  I liked this van at first,but after having it for 16 months I was more than happy to trade it in and will never buy another Kia.I do alot of mountain driving and long road trips. The front brakes had to be replaced 5 times, the rotors 2, the tires 2x (H rated tires are expensive) and recently the wheel bearings on the front left went out. I had to have it wrecker towed to the dealer. Luckily,the warranty covered the bearings and first 2 sets of front brakes and rotors. Other sedona owners in my area have had brake and tire issues as well. Even the service manager admitted these cars are not suited for those who live in mountainous areas.ext. warranty helped with rental but this van is not worth it!

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  Rio, the fun to drive car - 2003 Kia Rio
  By Kettridge - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I needed a very inexpensive, fuel effiecient vehicle since I drive over 600 miles per week. After checking out Hondas, Toyotas and Nissans, there was nothing in my price range except the Rio. I purchased a base Rio with A/C and put in a stereo myself. Great for a first car or a commuter car. The only complaints I have about the car is that the drivers seat is not very comfortable on long trips. It definately needs a more comfortable drivers seat. The clutch was very stiff, even after 9500 miles. The body metal is thinner than its compeditors, hence easier door dings, which I caught a few.

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  A true LEMON - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By phgraves - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I am not so happy with our van. It has spent 15 days in the shop. We have not had the van 3 months yet. Seven different problems, so far. The van has a sensory problem and is in the service dept. for the thirt time now. I am quite let down. I loved the way it drove and its comfort level.

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  my alien soul - 2016 Kia Soul
  By briley003@cfl.rr.com - September 7 - 8:53 am

  I really like my Kia Soul its small but that is what we were looking for we already have a full size truck it get really good gas mileage more then what they said we would get has a lot of storage room and good leg room in the back seats

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  still love the car - 2006 Kia Rio
  By 67mustang - September 7 - 6:56 am

  I bought this car in December of 05 brand new. i loved it right out the gate. The car has good turning radius and enough kick to get some speed out of the 110 horse power engine. And the fuel mileage is great - I can go to San Diego to Huntington Beach and back and back again to the beach on one tank! I put some custom rims on the car and it looks and feels great. Controls are easy and still in love with this car

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  I LOVE MY SORENTO - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By Roadturtle - September 5 - 6:33 pm

  So far I am very impressed with my Sorento. A perfect size 4x4 for me. Fit and finish is excellant. Good ride. I am getting 16 mpg around town. I drive 99 % around town, the other 1% frwy, and off road in the desert. I received $ 5000 off MSRP. Great price for a better than average 4x4. The warranty was the deal closer. Cant beat it. I would truly recommend a KIA to anyone.