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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  2004 Kia - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By Mack - November 15 - 4:50 am

  Excellent Vehicle!! I only had to buy new tires and perform the regular maintenance for this vehicles since I purchased it. Not a problem with it. If you take care of this vehicle, it will take care of you. Many people do not take care of their cars and expect them to last a long time. I tell you what, I am keeping my KIA and if I need to buy another vehicle, it will be a KIA! It is cheaper, I have all the toys and it rides great!

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  Forte SX - 2010 Kia Forte
  By carson - November 12 - 3:16 am

  Did the cash for clunkers. Drove Honda Mazda Toyota chevy ect. Was about to give up on the whole deal. went by the Kia dealer just as the Fortes where showing up on the lots. Drove it and bought it so many standard options. Kia hav come a long way they put the others to shame. My son drives 100 miles a day highway 35mpg average. Now if they would just offer a turbo option

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  GREAT VALUE - GREAT CAR - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By JACK IN TACOMA - November 11 - 9:33 pm

  Drove off the lot with a brand new 2005 Spectra LX, 5 speed - paying only $9450. What a deal !! The car drives great. The comfort and quality is on par with Toyota. My friends say "you bought a Kia" BUT when I show them the car, take them for a ride, and then tell them the selling price, they simply cant believe it. Everyone who sees the car is shocked by the quality, craftsmanship and the BANG for the BUCK.

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  I LOVE MY SPORTAGE! - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By Genie Candler - November 10 - 9:03 pm

  I knew the first time that I slIpped behind the wheel of my 2005 Kia Sportage that I was meant to drive it. I was scared, because Im only 52," so I had always feared the SUV, knowing I would never see out of it. But my salesman had more confidence than I did, as we went for a ride. It drove like a dream, and it still does, months later. And, for you short people out there -- I CAN SEE OUT OF IT (better, actually, than I could in my old car). The mileage is better than I could have hoped for in even a small SUV, and it is the most fun car that I have ever driven. I now know that my next car will be a Kia, and the next one, and the next one.

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  Dollar for dollar a great deal - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Nerdman - November 10 - 7:10 pm

  We purchased this after comparing it to the Honda and Toyota. Dollar for dollar, it was just a better deal. I was worried about reliablity but after owning it since we purchased it new in 2003 and taking several family long distance vacations, I have never regretted my choice. I bought this for the wife to haul the kids, but when Im home I opt to take the Kia over my Honda because of how comfortable it is to drive. The fit and finish on the interior is top notch. (I have the EX with leather) and the power to pass is excellent.

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  Constantly Asked About My Sorento! - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By BWRYANAZ - November 10 - 10:00 am

  My mechanic husband had two requests when I purchased my new car - no V6s and no SUVs. Anything else was fine. Researched lots of cars on the web and found the KIA Optima, but at the dealership, fell in love with the Sorento. Once I drove it, I would have no other. The Sorentos power, performance, handling and features has won over the hubby. Weve taken it on two major trips this year where strangers constantly approached us asking about the Sorento. Ive recommended it to so many people, KIA should pay me!

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  Great commuter ride. - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Ms.Teacher - November 10 - 12:00 am

  Purchased Base Soul after much research. Perfect choice for me - 50 yr old driver with 120 mile roundtrip commute. Great view of road. Gas mileage is 31-33mpg consistently, Ive checked after every fill-up. Comfortable for tall family of 4.My son is 64" and rides in front or back.Comfortable seat design and leg room. Wide door access. Storage is slightly small for my needs,but gives extra space for passengers. Great AC for Southern humidity. Easy reach to all accessories. Safety, solidness & maneuverability feel great! Wide stance and extra front engine space make me feel safe in small auto on highway. 3,000+ fun miles in 5 weeks! Catches lots of attention!

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  good for the money - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By coffeequeen - November 9 - 10:46 pm

  I bought the vehicle new in 11/07, have 30,000 miles on it and for the most part has been a great vehicle. I do have a rattle that sounds like its coming from the back but no one can seem to find the source, the handles that help you in/out are very poorly built, 3 out of 4 of mine have already came out. the windshield motor is gone now and when i tried to go buy one they say its a dealer part. I regret not buying the extended van as the regular short base has no more room than my previous car. But those are all minor, the experience I have had with this van has been exceptional, no regrets. I have 3 other family members that have been kia owners and all were very happy with theirs.

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  Would like to know - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By cookie - November 9 - 10:00 am

  great car. drives a little rougher than the chevy hhr that i traded on this car but overall nice. did dealer charge anyone else $1000.00 above sticker price? just noticed paperwork.

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  Had it for a week and LOVE it! - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By VegasGirl - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I just picked up my SX last week at Findlay Kia in Las Vegas. The dealership experience was STELLAR! As for the Sorento, I am so glad I was delayed in my purchase, almost bought an EX limited V6 and am thrilled with the upgrades of the SX. So far, I love the mood lighting, the NAV system, and the smoother ride (compared to the EX). I also like that this trim level does NOT have the plastic bumpers like the EX and LX, its a little beefier in its appearance. I upsized from a RAV4 so the gas mileage isnt as good but its much bigger, more luxurious and has 276 HP which for me means going up hill without having to turn off the a/c! Get compliments every day! More to follow. Thanks Kia!