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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  full package - 2013 Kia Sorento
  By oside760 - August 25 - 12:01 am

  Was looking to buy a 2012 sorento but couldnt find 4 cyl with third row convenience package so just got a 2013 just the way I wanted it. I love this car. The gas mileage. It picks up very good. Smooth comfortable ride. Love the evo the back up camera and everything. Looked at the traverse, Mazda cx9, explorer but none matched the sorento. I never thought I would have a Kia but I love it. Great value.

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  Truly Understated All-Around Roadster - 2008 Kia Sportage
  By Rion KSA - August 24 - 10:10 am

  As i was trying to find a better off or on-road veh to own this early 2009, i end up looking at the 2008 Sportage model. A lot of disappointing feedbacks causing me to wonder how true these feedbacks really was. i drove two brand new units in the past from toyota and Volks. But i made a test on this one. God Its understated 1000x!! The 5 speed manual can climb any dune and boost 195kph in few seconds... who tells its a slow starter? Only at 200+ plus a buzzing sound seems noticeable. braking is great too. In cornering u must slow- down. Space is too good for my field projects with many small equipment and computers. Very dependable. Cute everyone love its curves. Im just too happy for it.

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  Great Car - 2006 Kia Sorento
  By sportdee - August 24 - 6:23 am

  Havent had any issues with the car other than frequent burn out of rear lights. Fun to drive, nice to travel in, and plenty of room for 4. I would get another one in the future!

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  We love our Kia Rondo! - 2007 Kia Rondo
  By Bob Crepeau - August 22 - 1:30 pm

  This is just what we needed! We are a retired younger couple who are on the go...but I need a lay-down space for me in the back for long trips. We wanted a foreign car and the Kia Rondo is just perfect for us. It is zippy, comfortable, pretty inside and out and the 60/40 seating configuration is perfect for us empty-nesters. The cost was within our price-range as well.

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  Love my Amanti - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By Krissy - August 21 - 12:16 pm

  What a great car. We went to the west coast; had a lot of people admire and ask questions. If the gas price would have been a little lower, our trip could have been perfect. We would recommend the Amanti as the perfect car.

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  Best SUV for the price - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By unknown - August 21 - 12:33 am

  In the Oregon mountains, we have lots of snow and this small suv with the big ground clearance out drives our Ford Explorer. Our Sorento has every extra known to man and is $7 to $10,000 cheaper to buy than any suv outfitted as nice. Best of all the Sorento is a pickup truck on a luxury body. It is tough.

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  An unknown wonder - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Tal - August 19 - 6:43 am

  I have not had it long, but after owning three Chrysler Vans I can tell you this van is outstanding in power, comfort and convenience. The warranty on this van is phenomenal.

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  My first import and love it - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Pam - August 18 - 5:23 pm

  This is my first import and love it. I as unhappy with GM, Ford, and Chrysler so went import. I have not had any problems with my Kia, great driving, handles great. Even in snow, the Sportage handles very good. Gas mileage could be better, something for Korea to work on.

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  AC problems - 2007 Kia Optima
  By A/C PROBLEMS - August 18 - 10:23 am

  I have had my Kia Optima in the shop 3 times for AC problems. The ac shuts on and off by itself when brake applied or idling. The first time, they couldnt find a problem. Second time said it was a (fuel cell) in ac. Third time they replaced the compressor. I kept telling them it was a idling problem and they fixed something else. It still shuts off at stop lights and when I am stuck in traffic. Not good living in the South!

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  Awesome Price - 2005 Kia Spectra
  By DA_MAXX - August 18 - 4:10 am

  Had a 1996 Kia Sephia. Not impressed. Car shook bad when hit 70 mph. Ive had 02 Honda Civic. This car is as fun and best bang for the buck. Have all the features. EX with A/C, keyless entry, CD, power doors, power windows, etc. Used as commuter 80 miles daily. Fun to drive. Havent seen the advertised highway mileage of 34. Averaging 31. This might be because I drive 75MPH. Great car for the price.